Audio-Video Synchronization via Calibration Timing Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in synchronizing video and audio content from multiple sources, such as cameras and microphones, due to differing processing and output times, leading to time skews that can detract from the viewing experience and require cumbersome post-processing synchronization procedures.
Innovation Solution
A calibration procedure involving a display device, camera, and hub system that determines a time delay by displaying a sequence of images and correlating display and capture times to synchronize video and audio content, allowing for real-time synchronization without additional software or post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual post-processing synchronization is used to align audio and video from multiple sources, then synchronization accuracy can be improved, but the complexity of the system increases and additional software/equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing test images at known display times before actual media capture. This establishes baseline timing data that enables automatic synchronization during operation, eliminating the need for complex post-processing while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own captured media and display system to automatically determine timing offsets. The calibration process is self-contained, using the camera, display device, and hub together to measure and compensate for timing delays without external intervention or additional software.
2Measurement precision
If manual post-processing synchronization procedures are implemented, then time skew between audio and video can be corrected, but the time required for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration procedure is performed in advance to establish timing relationships between different media sources. This preliminary measurement of display times and capture times enables real-time synchronization during actual operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-processing.
3Measurement precision
If additional software and equipment are used to synchronize media content, then synchronization capability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs calibration and synchronization using its own components. The hub coordinates between the display device and camera to automatically measure timing offsets and apply corrections, making the process transparent to the user and eliminating the need for additional software tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary device that coordinates communication between the display device and camera. It collects timing information from both devices, calculates synchronization offsets, and manages the calibration process, simplifying user interaction while maintaining precise synchronization capability.
4Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are implemented to determine time delays, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub serves as a central coordinator that manages the calibration process between the display device and camera. It collects timing data from both devices, processes the information to determine time delays, and applies synchronization corrections, centralizing complexity in a single device rather than distributing it across multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for synchronizing video generated by a camera with media content generated by a media source external to the camera. A calibration procedure is performed in which a time delay is determined that includes a camera delay associated with the camera. A display device displays a sequence of images comprising a first image displayed for a first time period and a second image displayed for a second time period. The camera captures a plurality of captured images capturing display of the sequence of images and a transmitter device coupled to the camera transmits the captured images to a hub. The hub determines a target image of the captured images corresponding to display of the second image. The time delay is determined based on a difference between a time associated with the target image and a time associated with the second image.