Audio Trick Mode for Independent Stream Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video recorders (DVRs) and personal video recorders (PVRs) do not allow users to control the audio stream independently of the video stream, making it difficult for language learners to understand foreign languages during playback, as audio speed is tied to video speed and lacks features for language learning support.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an 'audio trick mode' that allows users to control the audio stream independently of the video stream by time-shifting and changing playback speed, while also providing closed caption lookup functions to assist in language learning, using separate packet identifiers for audio and video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio and video streams are played at the same speed, then synchronization is maintained, but language learners cannot control audio playback speed for better understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates audio and video streams into independent playback channels, allowing the audio stream to be controlled separately from the video stream. This segmentation enables language learners to adjust audio playback speed without affecting video playback, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and synchronization stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding independent audio playback speed control alongside the existing video playback controls. This additional degree of freedom allows users to manipulate audio speed while maintaining video synchronization, effectively resolving the contradiction through dimensional expansion of the control space.
2Productivity
If audio is presented during fast forwarding, then information is conveyed quickly, but language learners cannot comprehend the content at normal speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic playback speed control for the audio stream, allowing users to adjust the speed according to their comprehension needs. Language learners can slow down audio playback to understand content better, while still accessing fast-forward capabilities when needed, thus balancing productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the playback speed parameter of the audio stream independently from the video stream. By allowing the audio speed parameter to be adjusted separately, users can optimize comprehension by playing audio at slower speeds while maintaining normal video playback, or consume information quickly by syncing both at higher speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If closed caption lookup function is added, then language learning support is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates closed caption lookup functionality into the existing set-top box system, allowing the same device to serve both traditional video playback and enhanced language learning purposes. By making the system multi-functional, it provides language learning support through closed captions without requiring a completely separate system, thus managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for independently controlling an audio stream relative to a video stream in audio trick mode. In one example, an audio stream and a video stream is received, where the audio stream comprises frames that correspond to corresponding frames of the video stream. The audio and video streams are played from a first time to a second time at a first speed. An input to time shift the audio stream independent of the video stream is received, and after receiving such, the audio stream is time shifted to the first time. Then, the audio stream may be replayed from the first time to the second time at a second speed different from the first speed.