Audio Signal Synchronization for Multi-Device Recordings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing multiple audio and video recordings from different devices is challenging due to timing discrepancies and the need for strong wireless signals, especially when devices are reset, which can lead to misalignment in three-dimensional videos or multi-channel audio, resulting in an unpleasant user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile device to generate a unique identifier encoded in an audio signal, which is played and recorded by various devices, allowing a central server to synchronize recordings based on the unique identifier, even in high-noise environments and across multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If timestamp synchronization is used for recordings, then synchronization is simple, but accuracy deteriorates when devices are reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio signal as an intermediary carrier that transmits synchronization information between recording devices. Instead of relying on device timestamps that can be reset, the system embeds synchronization data within an audio waveform that can be detected and extracted from the recorded environment, providing a continuous reference that persists across device resets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/clock-based timestamp system with an acoustic signal-based synchronization system. By substituting the internal device clock mechanism with an external audio reference signal, the system achieves synchronization that is independent of device reset events and internal timing mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless time code transmission is used, then device connectivity is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates in weak signal environments
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal serves as an intermediary that carries synchronization information through the acoustic environment rather than through wireless electromagnetic communication. This allows synchronization data to be transmitted through walls and obstacles that block wireless signals, providing reliable delivery in environments where wireless communication is weak or blocked.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recording devices are used to capture different angles, then recording coverage is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function into the audio recording process itself. By having all recording devices capture the same audio signal containing embedded synchronization markers, the system combines multiple recording streams that share a common temporal reference, simplifying the synchronization of multi-angle video footage.
Data Source
AI summary
The method may include generating an encoded audio signal. The method may include receiving metadata from a user about an event. The method may also include generating a unique identifier (ID) that is associated with the metadata. The method may also include providing the metadata and the unique ID to a database. The method may also include encoding the unique ID in an audio signal using a robust signal modulation scheme. The method may also include playing, using a mobile device, the audio signal, where the audio signal is played within an audible detection range of recording devices configured to record the audio signal.