Audio Video Synchronization via Timestamped Audio Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronized recording of audio and video streams face challenges due to the loss of timing information during digitization, leading to out-of-synchronization issues as audio and video signals are compressed at different rates, and there is no reliable method to associate digitized audio signals with corresponding video signals.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an audio counter that increments its value with each encoded audio frame and a time stamp buffer that records this value when a video frame is received, allowing for accurate synchronization by time-stamping video signals in terms of encoded audio frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If audio and video signals are compressed separately at different rates, then compression efficiency is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timestamp as an intermediary mechanism that carries timing information between the audio and video compression processes. The timestamp is inserted into the audio stream and preserved through the multiplexer, allowing the video decoder to synchronize with the audio stream despite different compression rates. This intermediary timestamp bridge resolves the synchronization issue without requiring matching compression rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting timestamps into the audio stream before compression and multiplexing. The timestamp is prepared in advance and embedded in the audio data, ensuring that timing information is available when the video stream needs to synchronize. This preliminary insertion of timing markers allows for accurate synchronization even when compression rates differ.
2Ease of manufacture
If timing information is lost during digitization, then digitization simplicity is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamp serves as an intermediary that recaptures timing information that would otherwise be lost during digitization. By inserting the timestamp into the audio stream after digitization, the system preserves synchronization data without complicating the digitization process itself. The timestamp acts as a carrier that brings back the lost timing context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating a copy of the timing information through the timestamp mechanism. Instead of relying on the original timing signals that are lost during digitization, the system copies the timing information into the audio stream as a timestamp. This copied timing data is then used for synchronization, effectively replacing the lost original timing signals.
3Device complexity
If audio and video streams are multiplexed without timing association, then multiplexing simplicity is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamp is an intermediary element that is multiplexed along with the audio and video streams. It provides timing information that enables accurate synchronization without adding complex synchronization logic to the multiplexer. The timestamp simply travels through the multiplexer as part of the audio stream, carrying the synchronization data needed for accurate alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronized recording of audio and video signals is disclosed. The video signals are grouped into a plurality of video frames. The method includes incrementing a counter value of an audio counter when at least an audio frame associated with the audio signals is encoded, and recording the current counter value of the audio counter when a video frame is received.