Audio-Video Synchronization via Triggering Video Event Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio and video synchronization in A/V transmission systems remains problematic due to differing compression delays and latencies, with existing solutions being complex and cost-prohibitive, and lacking end-to-end synchronization assurance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for measuring and correcting audio/visual synchronization by detecting triggering video events and inserting synchronization signals into the audio signal, allowing for end-to-end synchronization of audio and video signals with minimal modification to the video signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time code references are used for A/V synchronization, then synchronization is achieved in production facilities, but the solution does not provide end-to-end synchronization throughout the broadcast chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the A/V synchronization problem into two independent components: (1) inserting synchronization markers at the video signal level at the source, and (2) detecting these markers at the consumer end to measure and correct synchronization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables end-to-end synchronization without requiring complex coordination throughout the entire broadcast chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces synchronization markers as an intermediary element that bridges the video and audio signals. These markers are inserted into the video signal and serve as reference points that can be detected at the consumer end, enabling synchronization measurement and correction without requiring direct communication or coordination between audio and video processing systems throughout the broadcast chain.
2Reliability
If complex A/V synchronization solutions are implemented, then proper A/V synchronization is achieved, but the solution becomes cost-prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization measurement function from complex coordinated systems and implements it as a simple marker detection process at the consumer end. By taking out the synchronization reference (markers) and placing it in the video signal, the system eliminates the need for complex inter-system communication and coordination, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the consumer device to perform self-service synchronization by detecting markers in the video signal and automatically measuring the time offset between video and audio signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external synchronization servers, complex protocol stacks, and coordinated control systems, significantly reducing implementation cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If synchronization signals are inserted into the audio signal, then A/V synchronization can be measured and corrected, but the audio signal is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by inserting synchronization markers into the video signal instead of the audio signal. Since video signals are already being processed and modified for compression and transmission, adding markers to the video signal causes minimal additional complexity. This inversion simplifies the overall system by avoiding the need to modify audio signals, which would require more complex processing and could impact audio quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for measuring and/or correcting audio/visual synchronization is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing synchronization of a video signal and a corresponding audio signal associated with the audio/visual transmission includes detecting a triggering video event in the video signal and inserting a synchronization signal into the audio signal, where the synchronization signal is correlated to the triggering video event. In another embodiment, a method for measuring and optionally correcting the synchronization of the video signal and the audio signal includes detecting the triggering video event in the video signal, detecting the synchronization signal in the audio signal, and assessing the synchronization of the video signal and the audio signal in accordance with a time offset between the triggering video event and the synchronization signal. Implemented in conjunction, these two embodiments provide a method and apparatus for both measuring and correcting the end-to-end synchronization of an audio-video system.