Video Output Synchronization via On-the-Fly Refresh Rate Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for synchronizing video outputs from different sources require complex hardware components, which is not feasible with modern video cards that hide their internal memory registers from software access.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using on-the-fly image refresh rate adaptation, where image generator processors dynamically adjust the video output refresh rate to synchronize signals without manipulating the video cards' internal memory registers, utilizing a shared reference signal and Ethernet-based synchronization protocols to align refresh rates across multiple video cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware components are used for synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated hardware synchronization components with a software-based solution that uses Ethernet communication and timestamp comparison to achieve synchronization. The system substitutes mechanical/electrical hardware synchronization with network-based software control, eliminating complex hardware while maintaining synchronization reliability through protocol-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system uses universal Ethernet communication infrastructure that can handle both data transmission and synchronization functions. The same network infrastructure used for video data transfer is also employed for transmitting timing information, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If internal memory registers are manipulated for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Ethernet timestamp messages as an intermediary mechanism for synchronization. Instead of directly manipulating video card memory registers, the system uses network-based timestamp exchange between computers as a mediator to coordinate timing. This intermediary approach maintains synchronization precision while operating at the software level, improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of timing information in the form of Ethernet timestamp messages that are exchanged between computers. Rather than directly accessing and manipulating hardware registers, the patent copies timing data into network messages, allowing software-based precision synchronization that is easier to implement and control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video inputs are merged, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based video signal merging and synchronization with software-based processing. Multiple video inputs from different sources are handled through software coordination using Ethernet timestamps, eliminating the need for complex hardware signal combiners and reducing processing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and system for synchronizing video output towards a single display frequency comprising providing a shared reference signal for synchronizing, at the single display frequency, video output between two or more image generator processors (1200) each driving at least one independent video card (1234). Each of the video cards supports on-the-fly image refresh rate adaptation based on responsiveness from the corresponding image generator processor. The method also comprises, at each one of the image generator processors, artificially affecting, in real-time, image generation rendering speed during a next frame generation processing to trigger the on-the-fly image refresh rate adaptation by the one image generator processor's video card for proactively scheduling refresh of an image corresponding to the next frame by the one image generator processor's video card, thereby aligning the refresh of the image to the shared reference signal while avoiding manipulation of video card's memory registers by the one image generator processor.