Receiver Apparatus Synchronizing Broadcast and Internet Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
When two image streams to be synchronized and reproduced are transmitted separately by broadcasting and the Internet, timing differences between the two streams due to their distinct transmission methods can cause synchronization issues, particularly if the Internet stream is delayed, leading to difficulties in synchronizing and reproducing them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A receiver apparatus is designed with a broadcast receiver for the first image stream and a communication receiver for the second image stream, both equipped with time codes for synchronization. A time code processor calculates the delay between the two streams and adjusts the criterion time to synchronize their presentation, ensuring that both streams are presented at the correct timing, even if the communication stream is received after the broadcast stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If image streams are transmitted separately by broadcasting and Internet, then frequency band requirements are met, but synchronization between streams becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time codes as an intermediary element that is embedded in both broadcast and Internet transmitted image streams. These time codes serve as a common reference that enables synchronization between the two separately transmitted streams, resolving the contradiction by providing a mediating mechanism that bridges the two transmission channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver apparatus continuously monitors the time codes from both broadcast and Internet streams, calculates timing differences, and adjusts the reproduction timing of one stream based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures that even when transmission delays occur, the system can dynamically compensate and maintain synchronization.
2Reliability
If buffer size is increased to absorb delay, then synchronization is improved, but device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on large buffer sizes to absorb delays, the patent changes the approach by using time code parameter comparison and dynamic timing adjustment. The system monitors time code differences and adjusts reproduction timing parameters in real-time, achieving synchronization through parameter control rather than through large buffering capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Internet stream is received after broadcast stream, then network transmission flexibility is maintained, but synchronization timing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment where the reproduction timing of the Internet stream is not fixed but is continuously adapted based on the received time codes. The system can dynamically delay or advance the Internet stream playback to match the broadcast stream timing, maintaining both network flexibility and synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver apparatus includes: a broadcast receiver that receives a broadcast stream, a first time code being added to each first unit of first image data of the broadcast stream; a communication receiver that receives a communication stream via a network, a second time code being added to at least each first unit of second image data of the communication stream, the second image data being synchronized with the first image data and reproduced; a criterion time generator configured to generate criterion time; a time code processor configured to obtain the first time code added to the received broadcast stream and the second time code added to the communication stream at a predetermined timing, and to calculate an amount of delay of the second time code behind the first time code; and an adjuster configured to adjust the criterion time with reference to the amount of delay.