Receiver Apparatus Synchronizing Broadcast and Internet Image Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
When two image streams to be synchronized and reproduced are separately transmitted by broadcasting and the Internet, timing differences between the two streams can lead to synchronization issues due to the varying characteristics of the transmission methods, particularly if the Internet stream is delayed behind the broadcast stream, making it difficult for the receiver to synchronize and reproduce them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A receiver apparatus that adjusts the criterion time based on the delay of the communication stream relative to the broadcast stream, using presentation time information and an adjuster to synchronize the streams, even if the communication stream is received after the broadcast stream, by calculating and applying an offset to the System Time Clock (STC) to ensure timely presentation of both images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the communication stream is transmitted via the Internet with variable delay characteristics, then the frequency band requirement is satisfied, but the synchronization with the broadcast stream becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component between the communication stream receiver and the image merger. This buffer temporarily stores images from the communication stream and releases them at synchronized timing with the broadcast stream, mediating the timing difference caused by variable Internet delay while maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the buffer period parameter based on the actual delay characteristics of the communication stream. By changing the buffer duration parameter, the system adapts to variable network conditions and maintains synchronization between the two image streams despite changes in transmission delay
2Reliability
If the buffer period is extended to absorb delay variations, then synchronization reliability improves, but image presentation timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic buffer period adjustment mechanism where the buffer duration is not fixed but adapts in real-time based on the actual delay characteristics of the communication stream. This allows the system to use minimal buffering when delay is stable, reducing timing loss, while increasing buffering when delay varies, maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the delay characteristics of the communication stream and uses this feedback information to adjust the buffer period. This closed-loop control ensures that the buffer period is optimized for current network conditions, balancing synchronization reliability with presentation timing
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] When two image streams to be synchronized and reproduced are separately transmitted by broadcasting and by the Internet, to successfully synchronize and reproduce the two image streams. [Solving Means] A receiver apparatus includes: a broadcast receiver capable of receiving one of a plurality of images as a broadcast stream via broadcasting, a time reference value being added to the plurality of images, the plurality of images being to be synchronized and reproduced; a communication receiver capable of receiving the other of the plurality of images as a communication stream via a network; a criterion time generator configured to generate criterion time based on the time reference value of the broadcast stream, the criterion time being used to generate timing to present the plurality of images; and an adjuster configured to adjust the criterion time based on an amount of delay of the time reference value of the communication stream behind the criterion time.