Recording Clock Circuit for Multi-Device Timestamp Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing multiple recording devices, such as video and audio recorders, often rely on external timing devices, which can be cumbersome, costly, and inefficient, requiring additional equipment and maintenance to ensure accurate timekeeping across devices.
Innovation Solution
A recording device with an integral timing circuit that uses a phase-locked loop and oscillating crystal to maintain a constant clock pace, allowing each device to store recorded content with timestamps and synchronize with a timing source, eliminating the need for external devices by internally generating a consistent time signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external timing devices are used to synchronize multiple recording devices, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing circuit functionality directly into the recording device, merging what were previously separate external timing devices with the recording devices. This integration eliminates the need for standalone external timing equipment while maintaining synchronization capability across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each recording device generates and maintains its own timing signals through an internal timing circuit with a phase-locked loop and oscillating crystal. This self-service approach allows devices to autonomously generate accurate timing without requiring external timing equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If external timing devices are used to synchronize multiple recording devices, then timing accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timing circuit is integrated within each recording device, allowing it to self-maintain and self-regulate its timing functions. This eliminates the need for separate maintenance of external timing devices, as the timing functionality is now part of the recording device itself and can be maintained alongside the primary device.
3Measurement precision
If external timing devices are used to synchronize multiple recording devices, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but cost increases due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing circuit functionality into the recording device itself, eliminating the need for separate external timing devices. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of equipment required while maintaining synchronization accuracy through the integrated phase-locked loop and oscillating crystal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording device is designed to perform multiple functions: recording content and generating/maintaining timing signals simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external timing equipment, reducing overall equipment quantity while maintaining synchronization capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures accurate and efficient synchronization of recording devices, reducing equipment costs and maintenance while maintaining precise timing across multiple devices, with an accuracy of less than 0.5 frames per 24 hours, allowing seamless integration of recordings from different devices.
Implementation Method 1
A recording device with an integral timing circuit that uses a phase-locked loop and oscillating crystal to maintain a constant clock pace
Implementation Method 2
A recording device with an integral timing circuit that uses a phase-locked loop and oscillating crystal to maintain a constant clock pace
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, by a recording device, an indication of an initializing time and receiving, by the recording device, an indication of a timing pace. The method also includes maintaining, by the recording device, an updated current time based on the initializing time and the timing pace and sensing, via a sensor of the recording device, a condition. The method further includes storing, in memory of the recording device, an indication of the condition and an associated indication of the updated current time. The indication of the updated current time corresponds to when the condition was sensed by the sensor.