Audio-Video Cue Synchronization for Live Stream Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio-video misalignment in live content causes customer dissatisfaction due to signal delays and is difficult to detect and automate, with existing solutions introducing latency or computational complexity.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing visual elements in live content, such as advertisements or logo changes, as cues to synchronize audio and video signals, and embedding inaudible tones as audio cues, without requiring post-processing or complex neural networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If hidden watermarking patterns are inserted into the signal using conventional signal processing techniques, then misalignment detection capability is improved, but latency is introduced and the solution becomes impractical for most scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes pre-existing visual elements (logos, advertisements, on-screen graphics) that are already present in the broadcast content as synchronization cues, eliminating the need to insert additional watermarking patterns. This extraction approach removes the latency and complexity associated with post-processing watermark insertion while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the content itself (existing visual elements and audio signals) to provide synchronization information without requiring external added markers. The visual elements and audio cues serve dual purposes: they are both part of the broadcast content and serve as synchronization references, eliminating the need for separate watermarking infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If machine learning solutions are used for misalignment detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, resource-intensive machine learning models with simple, lightweight correlation analysis algorithms. Instead of using computationally heavy neural networks, the system employs straightforward signal correlation techniques that can be implemented with minimal processing power, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex computational neural network systems with simpler signal processing mechanisms based on correlation analysis. This replacement uses fundamental signal processing principles rather than complex machine learning algorithms, significantly reducing computational requirements while achieving the detection objective.
3Reliability
If multiple signal processing steps are applied to synchronize audio and video, then misalignment correction is improved, but processing time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs synchronization analysis in advance by pre-computing correlation values and identifying synchronization points before actual misalignment occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare correction parameters ahead of time, reducing real-time processing requirements and latency when actual synchronization adjustments are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mitigating audio-video misalignment are provided. The systems and methods involve detecting an audio cue within an audio signal associated with the live content (for example, the audio captured by a microphone at the source of the live content). When the audio cue is detected, a visual element at the source of the live content is manipulated to produce a visual cue within the video signal of the live content. When the video and audio are being processed for transmission to the viewer devices, when a portion of the audio signal includes the audio cue, the corresponding video frame(s) may be checked to determine if the visual cue within the video frame(s). If not, then it may be determined a misalignment exists between the video and audio signals in the live content. An action may then be taken to remedy the misalignment, such as introducing a delay into the video or audio signal.