Media Guidance Application Audio Synchronization for Concurrent Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parental control systems in electronic program guides fail to effectively manage simultaneous viewing of censored and uncensored versions of media content by users in the same location, leading to audio overlap and irritation due to the need for manual audio muting.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that present segments of an uncensored media asset on a second device while a censored version is displayed on a first device, using time codes to determine inappropriate content segments and selectively enable or mute audio and video on the second device to avoid overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both censored and uncensored versions are delivered to devices in the same location, then both users can view their respective versions concurrently, but audio overlap occurs creating an echo effect that irritates users
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different audio output qualities to different devices based on their user profiles and parental control settings. The uncensored device receives full audio while the censored device has audio muted during overlapping segments, creating localized audio quality differentiation that eliminates echo effects while preserving concurrent viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The audio muting state is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of overlapping content segments. The system continuously monitors content similarity between versions and automatically switches audio states (muted/unmuted) as segments overlap or diverge, enabling adaptive prevention of echo effects during concurrent viewing
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual audio muting is required to prevent echo effects, then audio overlap can be prevented, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need for manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects overlapping content segments and self-adjusts audio output states without user intervention. By monitoring content similarity and autonomously muting audio on the censored device during overlapping segments, the system eliminates echo effects while freeing users from manual audio control tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop that continuously compares content between censored and uncensored versions, detects overlapping segments, and automatically adjusts audio output accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents echo effects by responding to real-time content analysis rather than requiring manual user input
3Loss of information
If uncensored audio is continuously played on the second device, then the parent can hear all content including inappropriate segments, but the child may hear uncensored audio through the parent's device creating confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures that uncensored audio is exclusively output to the uncensored device while the censored device receives muted audio during overlapping segments. This localized audio distribution prevents cross-device audio leakage and confusion, allowing the parent to hear inappropriate content only on their designated device without the child accessing it through the parent's device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented for presenting segments of an uncensored version of a media asset on a second device while a censored version of the media asset is displayed on a first device. These systems and methods allow a user to view only the segments of the uncensored version of the media asset that do not overlap with the censored version, i.e., the inappropriate content that is censored. During a defined timeframe, the system presents the audio portion or the audio and video portion of the uncensored media asset on the second device, but does not present them otherwise. In some instances, the system enables both the audio and video of the uncensored version on the second device throughout the entirety of the media asset, but selectively mutes and unmutes the audio based on determining non-overlapping segments.