Described Video Audio Synchronization Using SSML Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for providing described video are labor-intensive and costly, requiring human resources for watching media content, creating scripts, and mixing audio, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for preparing described video using speech synthesis markup language (SSML) files and text-to-speech conversion, generating individual audio files from script lines with timing information, and combining them with media content audio, reducing manual workflow and resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated text-to-speech conversion is used to generate audio files from script lines, then productivity is improved and time consumption is reduced, but the quality and naturalness of the audio output may deteriorate compared to human recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human voice recording with an automated text-to-speech conversion system. The speech synthesis markup language (SSML) files are processed by automated speech synthesis engines to generate audio files, eliminating the need for human actors to record in studios. This substitution dramatically increases processing speed while maintaining acceptable audio quality through careful SSML parameter tuning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes SSML parameters to control and optimize the speech synthesis output. By adjusting parameters such as pitch, rate, volume, and pronunciation rules within the SSML files, the system fine-tunes the automated speech generation to produce more natural-sounding audio. This parameter control allows the system to bridge the quality gap between automated synthesis and human recording.
2Reliability
If human resources are used to watch media content, create scripts, and mix audio, then the quality and accuracy of described video is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional automated system that performs multiple tasks previously requiring different human specialists. The same speech synthesis engine that converts text to speech also handles timing synchronization, audio file generation, and integration with media content. This universal automated system replaces multiple human roles (scriptwriters, voice actors, audio engineers) with a single integrated technical solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the described video generation process does not require continuous human intervention. Once the SSML files are prepared with proper timing and text content, the automated speech synthesis system independently generates audio files, synchronizes them with video content, and produces the final described video output without requiring human operators to manually watch and process each segment.
3Productivity
If individual audio files are generated for each script line and combined automatically, then productivity is improved, but the synchronization accuracy and timing precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the described video script into individual SSML files, each corresponding to a specific script line with precise timing information. Each SSML file contains embedded timecode or timing markers that indicate when that particular audio segment should play. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple audio files while maintaining precise timing control through the embedded timing data in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates timing feedback mechanisms where the synchronization status of generated audio files is continuously monitored and adjusted. The SSML files contain timing information that serves as feedback reference, allowing the automated system to verify and correct synchronization accuracy. If timing drift is detected during the combination process, the system can adjust playback rates or timing offsets to maintain precise synchronization with the video content.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces the time and cost of adding described video by automating the process, achieving over 50% time savings and minimizing human intervention, while ensuring synchronized and consistent audio experience for visually impaired viewers.
Implementation Method 1
generating each of the audio files using a text to speech converter according to the respective SSML file
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing described video for media content generates a plurality of individual audio files, possibly using text-to-speech, for each line of a described video script. The described video script provides an indication of the timing, such as for example the start time and length, of the individual described video lines. The described video script can then be used to combine the individual audio files into a single audio file for inclusion with the media content.