Audio Sample Synchronization for Content Timing Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization methods that rely on coordinating device clocks are insufficient for synchronizing content across multiple devices, particularly when content is broadcasted or multicasted, as they fail to account for variances in transport time and processing speeds, leading to timing discrepancies between primary and secondary devices.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization system that uses a synchronization server to generate and compare audio samples from both the primary and secondary devices, calculating a time offset to ensure that application events on the secondary device execute in concert with the content on the primary device, within a precision of 100 ms, by tuning into the content transmission and sampling audio signals to determine timing differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If device clocks are coordinated to a common time reference, then clock synchronization between devices is achieved, but content synchronization precision deteriorates due to transport time and processing speed variances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock synchronizationVSAvoidcontent timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that uses audio samples as a mediator between the primary device content and the secondary device application events. The system captures audio samples from the primary device, compares them with reference audio samples, and uses the detected timing offset to adjust event scheduling on the secondary device, thereby achieving precise content synchronization despite clock variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop by continuously monitoring the timing relationship between primary device content and secondary device events through audio sample comparison. The measured time offset is fed back to adjust the scheduling of application events on the secondary device, enabling dynamic compensation for transport and processing variances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If content is broadcasted or multicasted to multiple primary devices, then content distribution efficiency is improved, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to varying transport times and network congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcontent timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each secondary device independently measures its own timing offset by comparing audio samples from its connected primary device with reference samples. This feedback mechanism allows each device to compensate for its specific transport and processing variances, maintaining synchronization precision despite variations in content distribution paths and network conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system is self-adjusting at each secondary device through automatic audio sample comparison and time offset calculation. Each device independently determines its own synchronization parameters without requiring centralized control or manual adjustment, enabling adaptive compensation for individual device variations in content reception and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If audio samples are captured and compared to determine time offset, then content synchronization precision is improved to within 100 ms, but system complexity increases due to sampling and comparison operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent timing precisionVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or algorithmic synchronization methods with audio-based timing measurement. By using audio samples that are already present in the content stream and comparing their timing characteristics, the system achieves precise time offset measurement without requiring additional hardware or complex synchronization protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8806544B1Content synchronization

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 CABLE TELEVISION LAB INC

AI summary

Synchronization of content, events and other executables is contemplated. The synchronization may include synchronizing events executing on one device relative to events executing on another device, such as to facilitate syncing an interactive application executing on a tablet computer or other mobile device to a television program or other content interfaced through a television or other interface.