Auxiliary Content Synchronization on Separate Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing primary and auxiliary content often disrupt the primary content, limit information display, and face challenges with device compatibility and synchronization signal distortion, particularly in audience recording devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that coordinates the presentation of auxiliary content on separate devices with primary content using timing information, allowing synchronous display without disturbing the primary content, and enabling dynamic generation and adaptation of auxiliary content based on device characteristics and primary content events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If auxiliary content is displayed on the same screen as primary content, then interactivity and information display are improved, but the primary content is interrupted and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the content delivery into separate channels: primary content is delivered to a primary device (e.g., television) while auxiliary content is delivered to a secondary device (e.g., smartphone, tablet). This segmentation allows both types of content to be displayed simultaneously on different devices, preventing interruption of the primary content while still providing auxiliary information and interactivity options to the user.
2Ease of operation
If auxiliary content is displayed on separate devices, then primary content is not interrupted, but device compatibility and synchronization become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the secondary device continuously communicates with the primary device to receive synchronization signals and timing information. This feedback loop allows the secondary device to adjust its content display and interactivity responses to remain synchronized with the primary content playback, automatically adapting to different devices and conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
3Loss of time
If synchronization signals are embedded in broadcast content, then synchronisation can be achieved, but the primary content is distorted and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses timing information and synchronization data as intermediaries to coordinate between primary and auxiliary content delivery. Instead of embedding synchronization signals directly into the primary content stream (which causes distortion), the system transmits separate timing information that enables the secondary device to synchronize its content display with the primary content playback without affecting the quality of the primary content.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rich media standards are continuously developed, then functionality is improved, but device upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be device-agnostic and standard-compliant, allowing the secondary device to be any common computing device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) with web browsing capabilities. By using universal web standards and protocols rather than proprietary rich media formats, the system achieves high functionality and adaptability across different devices without requiring expensive specialized hardware or frequent upgrades.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method of coordinating presentation of auxiliary content on an auxiliary device with primary content on a primary device where the primary and auxiliary devices are separate devices, including receiving, on a network interface of the auxiliary device, the auxiliary content and timing information relating to the auxiliary content from a data store, wherein the timing information is relative to a point in time and enables synchronisation of the auxiliary content with the primary content, synchronising, on a processor of the auxiliary device, the auxiliary content with the primary content using the timing information, and playing the auxiliary content on the auxiliary device, wherein the primary content is on-demand content and the timing information includes dynamic timing information.