Multi-Display VSYNC Synchronization Over Standard Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in synchronizing video content across multiple displays with high precision, particularly in large video wall systems, due to limitations in software-based solutions and hardware-based solutions that are costly and spatially restricted.
Innovation Solution
A combination of software and hardware techniques is used to establish a common time reference among displays, with one primary system broadcasting VSYNC timestamps to secondary systems, allowing them to adjust their VSYNC timing dynamically to synchronize with the primary system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware-based synchronization solutions are used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system cost and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based mechanical synchronization systems with a software-based solution that uses network communication and timestamp comparison algorithms to achieve video synchronization across multiple displays, eliminating the need for specialized hardware cables and devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization server as an intermediary that collects VSYNC timestamps from multiple display systems, calculates adjustment factors, and distributes correction signals back to the displays, enabling centralized coordination without direct peer-to-peer hardware connections
2Measurement precision
If hardware-based synchronization solutions are used, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but spatial restrictions are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware connection requirements with network-based communication, allowing display systems to be synchronized over standard network infrastructure without spatial constraints on cable length or physical proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of standard network infrastructure (Ethernet, WiFi) for synchronization purposes, allowing the same network cables to serve both data transmission and synchronization functions, thereby eliminating the need for specialized synchronization cables
3Device complexity
If software-based synchronization solutions are used, then system cost is reduced, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the synchronization server continuously monitors VSYNC timestamps from each display system, calculates the timing deviation, determines an adjustment factor, and communicates the correction back to the display, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the VSYNC period dynamic by allowing it to be adjusted based on the calculated adjustment factor, enabling the system to adapt to timing variations and maintain synchronization without requiring fixed hardware parameters
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, video content displayed across a plurality of display devices is synchronized by first obtaining a first set of VSYNC timestamps for a display controller of a first video display device and a second set of VSYNC timestamps for a display controller of a second video display device. An adjustment factor is determined based on a comparison of the first and second VSYNC timestamps, and an adjusted VSYNC period for the display controller of the second video display device is programmed based on the determined adjustment factor. After a predetermined number of VSYNC cycles, the display controller of the second video display device reverts back to an original VSYNC period.