Time Synchronization Method for Digital Media Renderer Clock Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time synchronization methods for digital media renderers in a DLNA environment suffer from increasing errors over time, leading to desynchronization of system clocks and unstable audio playback.
Innovation Solution
A time synchronization method and system that involves transmitting packets between a first and second playing device through a base station, calculating and adjusting error values to synchronize system clocks, and using predetermined values to ensure stability and precision in clock synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional time synchronization method is used, then system clocks can be synchronized initially, but error increases gradually over time leading to desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second playing device continuously monitors the time difference between its system clock and the first playing device's system clock. Based on this feedback, the second device calculates and applies time corrections to its system clock, ensuring continuous synchronization. This closed-loop feedback prevents error accumulation by constantly adjusting the clock based on actual time differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time synchronization actions where packets are exchanged at regular intervals between the first and second playing devices. This periodic exchange allows for continuous monitoring and correction of time differences, preventing error accumulation over time. The system performs synchronization operations periodically rather than relying on a single initial synchronization event.
2Measurement precision
If frequent packet transmission is performed to improve synchronization precision, then time error can be reduced, but network overhead and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of time difference threshold from a fixed value to a dynamic parameter that adapts based on network conditions and synchronization requirements. By adjusting the threshold parameter, the system can balance between synchronization precision and communication frequency, reducing unnecessary packet transmissions while maintaining adequate synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial correction actions by only adjusting the system clock when the time difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. Instead of continuously correcting the clock, the system performs corrections only when necessary, reducing the complexity of the synchronization process while maintaining sufficient precision for audio playback synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A time synchronization method is provided. Firstly, an update time of a second playing device is calculated according to a first system time of transmitting a first packet from a first playing device and a second system time of receiving the first packet by the second playing device. Then, a first difference value is calculated according to the first system time of transmitting a second packet from the first playing device and the update time corresponding to the reception of the second packet by the second playing device. If plural first difference values are all smaller than a first predetermined value, a second difference value is calculated. If the second difference value is smaller than a second predetermined value, a synchronization time is obtained according to the second difference value and the update time.