Video-Based Round-Trip Latency Measurement Using Embedded Event Indices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latency measurement techniques are often system-specific, costly, and complex, particularly for video streaming applications, relying on external cameras that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A video-based method for measuring round-trip latency using a client device that detects input events, stores local times, and transmits information to a remote system to generate an event index, which is inserted into a video signal for computation of latency, allowing for independent system measurement without external cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external camera is used to monitor video output for latency measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an event index as an intermediary element that is embedded within the video signal itself. This event index serves as a mediator between the input event and the video output, allowing the client device to track and measure latency without requiring external cameras or additional monitoring hardware. The event index is inserted into video frames by the remote system and extracted by the client device for timing calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the input event information by embedding the event index into the video signal. Instead of physically monitoring the video output with external equipment, the system uses a digital representation (the event index) that is copied into the video stream, allowing for precise timing measurements through software-based extraction and comparison of timestamps.
2Measurement precision
If conventional latency measurement techniques are used, then latency can be measured, but the techniques are highly integrated with particular specialized systems and not readily applicable to other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal latency measurement approach that can be applied across different video streaming systems and platforms. The event index mechanism is system-agnostic and can be integrated into various video conferencing, streaming, and remote desktop applications without requiring system-specific hardware or proprietary measurement techniques. The solution works across different networks, devices, and software platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the latency measurement function into independent, modular components: event detection at the client device, event index insertion by the remote system, video signal transmission, event index extraction, and timing calculation. This segmentation allows the measurement mechanism to be independently implemented and adapted to different systems without requiring complete system redesign.
3Measurement precision
If external camera and monitoring system are deployed, then video output can be monitored, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the client device to perform self-measurement of latency using its own resources. The device detects input events locally, receives the video signal with embedded event indices, extracts these indices, and calculates timing differences without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional cameras, monitors, or external measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of external camera monitoring with an electronic/digital system. Instead of using a physical camera to capture and analyze video output frames, the solution uses digital signal processing to extract embedded event indices from the video data stream and compute timing differences through software-based timestamp comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a client device configured to communicate with a remote system over a network. The client device comprises a processor, a memory, an input device and a display. The client device is configured to detect an input event generated at the input device, to store in the memory a local time associated with the input event, and to transmit information characterizing the input event to the remote system over the network. The client device is configured to receive from the remote system a video signal comprising an event index of the input event. An event index is extracted from the video signal, and a round-trip latency is computed between the input event and a corresponding video output of the client device based at least in part on a local time associated with the extracted event index and the stored local time associated with the input event.