Dynamic Media Compression via Silence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback technologies face challenges in efficiently reducing playback time for content with periods of relative silence, as removing these sections can result in jump cuts in video presentations, which are distracting for users, and may not effectively conserve resources or reduce transmission time.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves analyzing media files to identify periods of relative silence and incorporating compression cues that allow for dynamic playback adjustments, such as increasing the frame rate during silent periods, while ensuring a smooth transition back to standard playback to maintain video visibility and reduce playback time without jarring the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If periods of silence are removed from media content, then playback time is reduced, but jump cuts occur in video presentation which are distracting for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by varying the frame rate dynamically based on audio content characteristics. During silent periods, the frame rate is increased to compress playback time, while during active audio periods, the frame rate returns to standard levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to reduce overall playback time without creating distracting jump cuts, as the video continues to play smoothly at adaptive speeds throughout the content.
2Loss of time
If periods of silence are completely bypassed, then playback time is reduced, but video content during these times may be of lesser interest but viewer might still want to ensure that nothing is missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frame rate parameter in response to audio silence detection. Instead of completely removing silent periods or maintaining constant frame rate, the system changes the frame rate parameter dynamically - increasing it during silent periods to accelerate playback while still displaying video content, and returning to normal frame rate during active audio periods. This allows viewers to see all video content while reducing total playback time.
Data Source
AI summary
The playback of a media file can be adjusted for portions where the content may be of less interest to a viewer. The audio content can be analyzed to locate portions of the media file that might be appropriate for compression, such as during periods of relative silence. Information for the beginning or end of such a period can be stored as compression cues associated with the media file. During an encoding of the file, the compression cues and associated time code data can be used to incorporate playback adjustment information in the media file. A player playing the media file can determine whether to adjust the playback based on this information, such as to increase a frame rate of the playback during periods of silence and return the frame rate to a standard rate for the media file at the end of those periods.