Camera-Based Audio Synchronisation Without Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to synchronize audio content with video content accurately, especially when there is no electronic communication pathway between devices, leading to issues like loud noise for near viewers and poor user experience for distant viewers due to time lag and volume control challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image recognition on captured video content to identify key frames corresponding to set time points in audio content, allowing synchronized playback of audio and video content using a second device with a camera, which can process or communicate with a server to achieve precise synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio content is played at high volume for distant viewers, then distant viewers can hear the audio, but near viewers experience uncomfortably loud noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each user device to independently control audio playback parameters based on its spatial relationship with the display. Each device determines its own volume level and synchronization timing locally, allowing distant viewers to receive higher volume while near viewers experience lower volume, eliminating the need for a single global volume setting that would harm some users.
2Reliability
If audio content is synchronized using electronic communication pathways, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the system fails when no electronic communication pathway exists between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual features in video content as an intermediary medium for synchronization. Instead of relying on electronic communication pathways between devices, the system embeds detectable visual markers (such as colored squares or specific frame patterns) in the video that user devices can capture and recognize. This visual intermediary enables synchronization information to be transmitted without requiring direct electronic communication between the display and user devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic communication pathways with optical-mechanical detection. User devices use their cameras to capture visual features from the display screen, and image recognition algorithms process these visual signals to determine synchronization timing. This substitution of optical-mechanical detection for electronic communication enables the system to function without wireless or wired electronic connections between devices.
3Measurement precision
If image recognition is performed to identify visual features, then audio-video synchronization precision is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the video content into distinct segments with identifiable visual features at specific time points. Rather than performing continuous complex image recognition on all video frames, the system places discrete, easily recognizable markers (such as colored squares or unique patterns) at predetermined synchronization points. This segmentation allows user devices to quickly locate and recognize synchronization cues without processing entire video streams, reducing computational overhead while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronising audio content arranged to be played by a second device with video content played by a first device, wherein the second device includes a camera, comprises: capturing at least a portion of the video content with the camera; performing image recognition on the captured video content to identify a set time point in the audio content; and commencing playing the audio content from a selected time point in the audio content corresponding to the set time point, such that the audio content is synchronous with the video content. A method of pre-preparing video content for use in such a synchronisation method is also described.