A Web Synchronization Method for Browser-Based Communications

In this paper, we propose a web synchronization method (WSM) to share operation data on a browser and synchronize output time of data among browsers in browser-based communications such as video conferencing and remote control services. WSM continually provides users with an environment for smooth browser-based communications even if users are in a heterogeneous environment where network delay and rendering time among browsers fluctuate. This fluctuation causes the difference of output time among browsers and a lack of synchronization (out-ofsynchronization). This is perceived as being somewhat strange, or even annoying. Several methods have been studied to prevent out-of-synchronization for streaming content such as video and voice data. WSM synchronizes the output time of streaming content and/or non-streaming content after sharing browser operations (e.g., page movement) among conversational partners. WSM also maintains synchronization of the output time even if a device is connected to different access networks during a conversation. Synchronized output is realized by controlling the time to notify each browser of browser operations, and by controlling the time to send and output web content according to the network delay and rendering performance. For considering feasibility, WSM works on a web browser and does not need additional software. We implemented a prototype system and measured the difference in the output time among browsers. The results show that WSM achieves web synchronization within 300 ms while the target time was 320 ms.