Content Synchronization via Fragment Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are limited in efficiently transmitting and synchronizing multiple content items, such as audio and video content, from a content provider to user devices with limited processing capabilities, necessitating more sophisticated systems for coordination and delivery.
Innovation Solution
The system generates fragment identifiers for video content items, allowing for the creation and synchronization of corresponding audio content items across devices, using metadata to identify and transmit specific segments of audio content in sync with video content, enabling customized experiences and multiple language or narration options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user device transmits multiple content items (video, audio, etc.), then the content delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to limited identifiers for processing multiple content items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content provider server as an intermediary that generates and manages segment identifiers for multiple content items. Instead of requiring user devices to independently manage identifiers for multiple content streams, the server acts as a central coordinator that assigns segment identifiers to different content segments (video, audio, etc.) and provides them to user devices. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by externalizing the identifier management complexity from the user device to the server, enabling versatile content delivery without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments content items into multiple segments, each with its own segment identifier. Instead of treating multiple content items as a single complex stream that requires complex device processing, the system divides content into manageable segments that can be independently identified and processed. Each segment receives a unique identifier from the content provider, allowing user devices to handle multiple content items through simple identifier-based retrieval without requiring complex multi-stream processing capabilities
2Productivity
If multiple content items are transmitted to multiple user devices, then the content distribution capability is improved, but the coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The content provider server implements a universal identifier generation mechanism that serves multiple functions: it generates segment identifiers for different content types (video, audio, etc.), assigns identifiers to multiple user devices, and provides a common reference framework for synchronizing content delivery across the entire system. This multi-functional approach enables high content distribution capability while keeping coordination simple, as the same identifier system serves all content items and all user devices uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where user devices report their content playback status to the content provider server, which then provides updated segment identifiers for synchronized content delivery. The server monitors content consumption across multiple devices and dynamically adjusts identifier assignments to maintain synchronization. This feedback loop enables coordinated multi-device content distribution without requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between devices, as the server centralizes coordination based on feedback from the network
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing content are disclosed. Content (e.g., video content, multimedia content, etc.) may be synchronized between devices. The synchronized content can be associated with different content items (e.g., audio content, closed caption content, commentary content, etc.) between different devices, such as user devices, content devices, and the like.