Virtual Audio Clock Synchronization for Multi-Device Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronized playback of audio and video across devices in peer-to-peer computer networks lack accuracy and often require specialized hardware or adjustments to system clocks, leading to imprecise synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A virtual clock system is implemented that synchronizes audio and video playback without relying on synchronized system clocks, using a virtual clock driven by the audio codec and adjusted by a sample rate converter to maintain precise timing across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If system clocks are synchronized across devices, then playback synchronization can be achieved, but long-term dependency on clock accuracy degrades synchronization quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual clock as an intermediary that mediates between system clocks and audio playback timing. The virtual clock is synthesized based on audio codec timing information and serves as the reference for playback synchronization, eliminating direct dependency on system clock accuracy while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system clock synchronization approach with a software-based virtual clock synthesis mechanism. Instead of relying on hardware clock synchronization, the system synthesizes timing information from audio codec data streams, substituting mechanical timing with software-generated timing that is more accurate for audio playback.
2Measurement precision
If hardware solutions are used for synchronized playback, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based synchronization solutions with a software-based virtual clock synthesis system. The virtual clock is generated through software processing of audio codec timing information, eliminating the need for specialized hardware components while achieving superior synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the audio codec's own timing information to generate the virtual clock, allowing the audio system to serve its own timing needs without external hardware assistance. The virtual clock synthesis leverages existing audio data streams to create precise timing references.
3Ease of operation
If system clock adjustments are made for synchronization, then playback timing can be coordinated, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to clock drift
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adjusting system clocks to achieve synchronization, the patent inverts the approach by synthesizing a virtual clock from audio codec timing information. This virtual clock then guides the playback timing, reversing the traditional method and achieving higher precision by deriving timing from the audio data itself rather than forcing clock synchronization.
4Reliability
If specialized hardware is required for each node, then synchronization reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual clock synthesis mechanism that can be implemented in software across different device types and operating systems. This multi-functional approach allows the same synchronization method to work across diverse hardware platforms without requiring device-specific hardware modifications, improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for providing a synchronization in a computer network for synchronized playback of audio and/or video by a plurality of separate devices. Each separate device generates a virtual clock in response to a timing of the audio codec of a received audio stream. Especially, segmented time is used as reference time. Either the virtual clock is generated directly in response to the tick counter of the audio codec, or by a periodic measurement of the timing of the audio codec extrapolated by a monotonic clock. A sample rate converter may be used to slightly adjust the frequency of the virtual clock.