Decoder Box Audio Separation for Simultaneous Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoder boxes do not allow simultaneous viewing of a program with both original audio content and audio description content, as viewers without visual deficiencies cannot watch programs with only the original audio content when viewers with visual deficiencies are using the audio description content.
Innovation Solution
A decoder box with an additional audio processing chain that separates the main inbound audio track for ambient sound and the additional inbound audio track for audio description, allowing them to be reproduced synchronously but independently, with the main audio track going to speakers and the additional audio track going to earphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio description content is reproduced through the same audio output as the main audio content, then viewers with visual deficiencies can access audio description, but viewers without visual deficiencies cannot watch programs with only original audio content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output into two separate channels: a first audio output for main audio content and a second audio output for audio description content. This segmentation allows viewers without visual deficiencies to access only the main audio track while viewers with visual deficiencies can access the audio description track, resolving the contradiction between versatility and exclusive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio processing chain as an intermediary component that receives the inbound audio stream, separates the main audio track from the audio description track, and directs them to different audio outputs. This intermediary processing enables independent delivery of audio tracks to different outputs, allowing both viewer types to access appropriate content simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single audio processing chain is used for both main audio and additional audio tracks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to reproduce audio tracks independently and synchronously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into two distinct processing chains: a first audio processing chain for the main audio track and a second audio processing chain for the audio description track. Each chain independently processes its respective track while maintaining synchronization with the video stream, ensuring reliable audio reproduction without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Both audio processing chains share common components such as the decoding module and synchronization mechanisms, allowing them to perform multiple functions (main audio reproduction and audio description reproduction) while maintaining independent control over each track's timing and synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If the audio description content is mixed with the main audio content in a single output, then the audio reproduction is simplified, but the ability to provide synchronized audio to different users is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the audio reproduction into two independent paths: the first audio output delivers only the main audio track to viewers without visual deficiencies, while the second audio output delivers only the audio description track to viewers with visual deficiencies. This segmentation enables synchronized audio delivery to different users without mixing the tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing chain acts as an intermediary that receives the combined inbound audio stream, separates the main audio track from the audio description track, and directs them to different audio outputs. This intermediary processing enables independent delivery of audio tracks to different outputs, allowing both viewer types to access appropriate content simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A decoder box includes an input connected to a source producing an audio-video stream comprising an inbound video stream and an inbound audio stream comprising a main inbound audio track, and an additional inbound audio track; a video output connected to video reproduction equipment, a first audio output connected to an audio reproduction module comprising at least one speaker and one second audio output connected to earphones; a video processing chain to produce an outbound video stream and transmit it to the video reproduction equipment; a main audio processing chain to produce, from the main inbound audio track, a main outbound audio track and transmit it to the audio reproduction module; an additional audio processing chain to produce, from the additional audio track, an additional outbound audio track and transmit it to the earphones.