Time Code Synchronization Device for Entertainment Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for synchronizing events in the entertainment industry, such as sound, video, film, and pyrotechnics, are complex and time-consuming, requiring more efficient and cost-effective electrical synchronization methods.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization device comprising a time code generator, synchronization logic unit, and output unit to calculate and transmit time delay signals, ensuring precise synchronization of events across different time code formats, including SMPTE and FSK, using GPS and Ethernet communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional systems are used for synchronizing events, then device compatibility and time code generation are achieved, but system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization device incorporates multiple time code generators (SMPTE, FSK, MIDI, GPS) within a single unit, allowing it to interface with various entertainment industry equipment simultaneously. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple separate synchronization devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility across different event types and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary synchronization unit that receives time code signals from various sources (GPS satellites, external time code inputs) and distributes synchronized signals to multiple outputs. This mediator role simplifies the synchronization architecture by centralizing time code processing and distribution, reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer synchronization between multiple devices.
2Measurement precision
If precise time code synchronization is implemented, then event synchronization accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple time code generation capabilities (SMPTE, FSK, MIDI) and multiple time source inputs (GPS, external time code) into a single integrated device. This merging of functions achieves precise synchronization across all event types without requiring separate specialized devices for each time code format, thereby maintaining accuracy while controlling complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an internal GPS receiver that automatically acquires time code signals from GPS satellites without requiring external time synchronization equipment. This self-service capability allows the device to generate accurate time codes independently, eliminating the need for complex external time distribution systems while maintaining high synchronization precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time code formats are supported, then adaptability to different events improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization device is designed with universal multi-functionality to generate, process, and distribute multiple time code formats (SMPTE, FSK, MIDI) simultaneously. Each time code type is handled by dedicated generation circuits within the single device, allowing the system to adapt to different event requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment for each format, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization device to synchronize at least one signal with an initiation of an event may generally comprise a time code generator to generate a first time code signal, a synchronization logic unit to calculate a time delay between the first time code signal and a second time code signal to determine when to initiate the event, and generate a time delay signal, and an output unit coupled to the time code generator and synchronization logic unit to receive the time delay signal and generate a signal output to initiate the event in synchronization with the first time code signal. Methods of making and using the synchronization device, a user interface of the synchronization device, and a system comprising the synchronization device are also described.