Multimedia Synchronization via Beacon Timestamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multimedia synchronization in wireless local area networks experiences high fabrication costs and synchronization errors due to the need for a UTC host server, which is not always feasible, especially in local-area networks where clock synchronization precision is low.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia synchronization system where a first multimedia device transmits a beacon with a timestamp over a wireless local area network, allowing connected devices to synchronize with this timestamp, thereby establishing a common time reference without the need for a UTC host server, using IEEE 802.11 standards for high precision time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UTC host server is provided in the local-area network to reduce synchronization errors, then time synchronization precision is improved, but fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each audio player to independently obtain time synchronization information directly from the audio source device through the audio data stream. The audio source device embeds time synchronization information (such as PTS/DTS timestamps) within the audio data packets, allowing receiving devices to self-synchronize without requiring an external UTC host server, thereby reducing system costs while maintaining synchronization precision
Solution Approach 2:
The audio source device performs multiple functions: it not only transmits audio content but also provides time synchronization information simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate time server, as the audio source device serves both as media source and time reference, reducing overall system complexity and fabrication costs
2Ease of operation
If the network time protocol/simple network time protocol is used for wide-area network time correction, then time synchronization is achieved, but synchronization precision deteriorates to about 50 milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time synchronization information as an intermediary element embedded within the audio data stream. This intermediary carries precise timing references (PTS/DTS timestamps) that mediate between the audio source and receiving devices, enabling high-precision synchronization without relying on low-precision wide-area network time protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The audio source device performs preliminary encoding of time synchronization information into the audio data packets before transmission. This preliminary action ensures that receiving devices obtain accurate timing references in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent time drift correction and achieving continuous high-precision synchronization
3Productivity
If multiple audio players simultaneously play the same audio content, then audio synchronization is required, but time synchronization errors occur due to network precision limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where receiving audio players use the embedded time synchronization information to adjust their playback timing. By continuously comparing local playback time with the reference timestamps in the audio stream and making real-time adjustments, the system maintains accurate synchronization across multiple devices without network time protocol errors
Data Source
AI summary
A multimedia synchronization system used in a wireless local area network is provided. The multimedia synchronization system includes a first multimedia device and a second multimedia device. The first multimedia device wirelessly transmits a beacon, in which the beacon includes a timestamp. The second multimedia device is connected to the first multimedia device through the wireless local area network for receiving the beacon from the first multimedia device and synchronizing with the first multimedia device according to the timestamp of the beacon.