Synchronized Multimedia Transmission Over Asynchronous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In asynchronous packet transport networks, such as the internet and local area networks, it is challenging to maintain high precision synchronization between video camera and camera control unit reference signals and ensure video signal transport delays are within the video frame interval, leading to potential interference in video and audio processing.

Innovation Solution

A synchronous transport system that employs compression coding, packetization using RTP, high precision clock synchronization via IEEE1588 PTP, and media phase correction to synchronize and adjust the video signal transport, ensuring the video signal is transmitted with minimal delay and phase alignment across the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video signal is transmitted over asynchronous packet transport network, then transmission distance is extended and network flexibility is improved, but transport delay increases and synchronization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidtransport delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the transport delay before video signal transmission and using this measured value to pre-calculate and set the media phase correction amount. This allows the transmission side to compensate for the asynchronous nature of packet networks in advance, ensuring that even though transport delay varies in asynchronous networks, the synchronization is maintained by having the correction value ready before transmission begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the reception side measure the actual transport delay of received video packets and communicate this information back to the transmission side. The transmission side then uses this feedback to adjust the media phase correction amount dynamically, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing network conditions and maintains synchronization despite the asynchronous nature of packet transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If transport delay is reduced to maintain synchronization, then video and audio processing quality is improved, but transmission distance is limited and network versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the media phase correction amount based on the measured transport delay. Instead of fixing the transmission parameters, the system continuously monitors the actual transport delay and modifies the media phase parameter accordingly. This allows the system to maintain high synchronization precision regardless of transmission distance or network conditions, as the correction parameter adapts to compensate for variations in transport delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If media phase is not corrected, then system complexity is reduced, but video and audio interference occurs and processing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidvideo and audio interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the media phase correction amount - that acts as a mediator between the asynchronous packet transport network and the synchronous video/audio processing requirements. This correction value, calculated based on measured transport delay, serves as a buffer that translates the asynchronous network timing into synchronous processing timing, eliminating video and audio interference without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms at every processing stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2798850B1Apparatus and method for synchronized transmission of multimedia content over an asynchronous network
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2798850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2798850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2798850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus includes a receiver (21), a delay value receiver (25), a time stamp calculation unit (29), and a transmitter (25). The receiver (21) is configured to receive a content signal. The delay value receiver (25) is configured to receive a delay value from another apparatus (13). The time stamp calculation unit (29) is configured to determine a time stamp based on the delay value. The transmitter (25) is configured to send the content signal including the time stamp to the another apparatus (13).