Content Playback Synchronization via Scheduled Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content playback systems fail to accurately display multiple contents in synchronization, particularly for scheduled distribution content, as they assume on-demand content can be downloaded at any time, leading to unintended content display when the distribution schedule is fixed.
Innovation Solution
A content playing device with multiple players that acquires playback information and initiates downloading based on a start-of-playback command, ensuring that scheduled distribution-type content is played back according to the predetermined schedule, using control means to synchronize the playback of multiple contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If content is downloaded in advance based on playback timing information, then playback synchronization is improved, but for scheduled distribution content this causes unintended content to be displayed because the distribution schedule is fixed and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having player units enter a wait state and prepare for playback before the actual playback timing. The control means then issues a start-of-playback command at the appropriate time, ensuring that on-demand content is downloaded in advance while scheduled distribution content waits for the fixed distribution schedule, thus resolving the contradiction between playback synchronization and content display accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the content download and playback process based on content type. For on-demand content, the system allows advance downloading to improve synchronization. For scheduled distribution content, the system waits for the fixed distribution schedule. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible enough to handle different content types with different requirements
2Productivity
If multiple contents are downloaded and played back in parallel, then productivity is improved, but synchronization control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control means acts as an intermediary between the multiple player units and the content distribution system. It receives playback timing information, determines when each player unit should start playback, and issues start-of-playback commands accordingly. This intermediary role simplifies synchronization control while maintaining high productivity in parallel content playback
Data Source
AI summary
A content playing device that displays multiple contents including scheduled-distribution contents is disclosed. Multiple player units include a moving picture player unit that, when receiving a start-to-prepare command, performs playback preparation processing based on the type of contents, moves into a wait state, and downloads at least scheduled-distribution contents from an external device that is connected through communications. The controller, according to the start of playback timing for contents, outputs a start-to-prepare command to the player units, and at the start of playback timing, outputs a start of playback command to the player units.