Synchronized Data Restitution Using Master-Slave Clock Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting and reproducing multimedia data streams over networks, particularly in the audio and video sectors, face challenges in achieving precise synchronization and error-free data transmission without noticeable loss of quality, especially in asynchronous networks where data arrival times and clock rates vary.
Innovation Solution
The method involves synchronizing reproduction units by aligning their internal clocks with a reference clock, either from a master unit or an external clock, using a timing reference system that ensures data integrity and relative synchronization, with periodic updates to compensate for propagation-time differences, and employs bidirectional communication with buffering and retry protocols to maintain data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data streams are transmitted via asynchronous network infrastructure, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but synchronization precision and data integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having slave units pre-align their internal clocks with the master clock before data transmission begins. This advance synchronization ensures that when asynchronous data packets arrive, the slave units are already prepared to process and reproduce them in the correct temporal sequence, mitigating the synchronization issues inherent in asynchronous networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through bidirectional communication channels where slave units continuously monitor and adjust their clock alignment with the master clock. This feedback mechanism allows real-time correction of drift and ensures that synchronization precision is maintained despite the asynchronous nature of the network infrastructure
2Productivity
If compression methods are used to reduce data rates, then transmission efficiency is improved, but data quality and error correction capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing error correction codes and redundancy mechanisms in advance of potential data corruption. This allows the system to withstand transmission errors and maintain high data quality even when using aggressive compression methods that reduce transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting compression ratios and error correction levels based on network conditions and data priority. This allows the system to optimize the trade-off between transmission efficiency and data quality, achieving both high productivity and reliability under different operating conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reproduction units are used for distributed playback, then system versatility and coverage are improved, but synchronization complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the synchronization task into independent units, each with its own clock alignment mechanism. This modular approach allows multiple reproduction units to operate autonomously while maintaining synchronization, reducing the overall system complexity despite the increased number of devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional master-slave control model by allowing slave units to independently align their clocks with the master clock through bidirectional communication. This inversion distributes the synchronization management burden from the central master to the individual slaves, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing management complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for restitution of data flows or data packets transmitted over a network, using at least two restitution appliances that are at least indirectly connected to the network, for a synchronized and error-free restitution. To synchronize the restitution by the at least two restitution appliances, either one of the restitution appliances, as the master, provides its internal clock as the reference, and the other restitution appliances, as the slaves, coordinate their internal clock with that of the master by the network and restitute the data flows or data packets according to the coordinated clock, or the internal clock of an external appliance also available on the network is used as the master, and all restitution appliances, as the slaves, co-ordinate their internal clock with that of the master by the network, and restitute the data flows or data packets according to the coordinated clock.