Media Stream Synchronization via Network Timing Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-destination synchronization schemes face challenges in handling delays introduced by transcoding and differences in decoding delays, leading to inefficient use of buffering resources and imprecise delay measurements, particularly when dealing with high-definition to standard-definition conversions and varying bit rates, and require complex deep packet inspection for multiple media transport protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing media streams by measuring timing information at strategic locations along the media paths, generating buffer instructions to synchronize packet arrival times across terminals, and using a synchronization server to manage buffer settings, allowing for efficient network-controlled synchronization without the need for additional buffering capacity at terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network nodes implement deep packet inspection to measure media packet arrival times for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated synchronization client as an intermediary component within the network node. This synchronization client specifically handles the measurement of media packet arrival times and generation of synchronization status information, separating this function from the general packet inspection functionality. This mediator approach improves measurement precision while containing complexity in a dedicated module rather than requiring complex deep packet inspection across all network functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network node functionality by introducing a distinct synchronization client that operates separately from other network functions. This synchronization client is responsible specifically for timing measurements and synchronization tasks, allowing the system to achieve precise synchronization without requiring all network components to implement complex deep packet inspection capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If buffers are positioned at network nodes for inter-destination synchronization, then buffering resource efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization client as an intermediary that coordinates buffer operations across multiple network nodes. This client generates synchronization status information and controls buffer timing without requiring each network node to independently implement complex buffer management logic. The buffering resources are efficiently utilized across the network while the complexity is centralized in the synchronization client.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization client serves multiple functions: it measures packet arrival times, generates synchronization status information, controls buffer operations, and coordinates timing across different network nodes. This multi-functional approach allows efficient utilization of buffering resources across the network without requiring each node to be specially configured for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization schemes are implemented at the receiving end (terminals), then adaptability to local delays is improved, but device complexity at terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional synchronization approach by implementing the synchronization client in the network node rather than in the terminal. Instead of making terminals complex devices that perform deep packet inspection and synchronization calculations, the solution places the synchronization functionality in the network infrastructure. This maintains terminal simplicity while achieving the same adaptability to local delays through network-side control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple media transport protocols are supported with deep packet inspection, then protocol versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization client acts as a specialized intermediary that handles timing measurements for multiple media transport protocols (RTP, MPEG Transport Stream over UDP, HTTP) without requiring deep packet inspection. It uses application-layer information and timing data provided by the protocols rather than inspecting packet contents, thereby maintaining measurement precision while supporting protocol versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for synchronizing a first and second media stream are describe, wherein said first and second media stream are being transmitted by at least one media source in a network via a first and second media path to one or more terminals. The method comprises: measuring timing information associated with arrival times of media packets in said first and second media stream using a measuring module positioned at a first location in said first and second media paths; in said network generating buffer instructions for at least one buffer on the basis of said timing information, said buffer being positioned at a second location in at least one of said first or second media path; and, delaying one or more media packets transmitted over said media path to said one or more terminals such that arrival times of media packets at said one or more terminals are substantially synchronized.