Time-Aligned Media Playback with Hierarchical Timebases for XR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for time-aligned media playback between electronic devices are prone to latency issues, leading to cross-talk and a poor user experience in extended reality (XR) environments.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first electronic device shares a global clock with a second device, generates timebase information to synchronize media playback, and transmits this information to align audio and video content playback across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for time-aligned media playback are used, then media playback can occur across multiple devices, but latency issues and cross-talk occur leading to poor user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timebase information into hierarchical levels (global timebase, application-specific timebases, media-specific timebases) that can be independently managed and transmitted. This segmentation allows precise control over different media streams and applications, reducing synchronization latency while maintaining reliability across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a global clock and generating timebase information before media playback begins. The first application retrieves and configures timebase parameters in advance, ensuring that all devices are pre-synchronized and ready to play back media content without latency-induced cross-talk.
2Reliability
If existing methods for time-aligned media playback are used, then media playback can occur across multiple devices, but cross-talk occurs leading to poor user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where timebase information is transmitted from the first device to the second device, and the system continuously monitors and adjusts synchronization based on the retrieved timebase parameters. This feedback loop ensures that cross-talk is prevented by maintaining precise temporal alignment across devices throughout the media playback process.
3Reliability
If a global clock is shared and timebase information is generated and transmitted, then media playback is synchronized across devices, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal timebase management system where a single global clock serves multiple applications and media streams simultaneously. The timebase information structure is designed to be multi-functional, handling synchronization for different types of media (audio, video) and different applications through a unified hierarchical framework, reducing overall system complexity despite the added synchronization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first electronic device. The method generates, at the first electronic device that is sharing a global clock with a second electronic device, a first timebase information that includes a first timebase that defines a relationship between the shared clock and an internal clock of the first electronic device, the first timebase information for synchronizing playback of a first piece of media content associated with a first application between the first and second electronic devices. The method receives, from a second application, a second timebase information that includes a second timebase that defines a relationship between the first timebase and a second piece of media content, generates a third timebase information that includes the first timebase and the second timebase, and transmits the third timebase information to the second electronic device.