Real-Time Media Marking via Audio Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for real-time marking of moments of interest in media, such as video or audio, rely on synchronizing with the media source's time clock, which can be unreliable, especially when the clock is reset, and require compatibility with specific media sources, limiting flexibility and equipment options.
Innovation Solution
A system that records audio as a reference and measures the interval between the start of recording or playback and moments of interest, allowing for real-time marking and alignment without relying on the media source's time clock, using a logging module, marking trigger, and processing module to convert and match moments with media files, and includes an audio recorder or controller to start and stop the media source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the media source's time clock is used for synchronization, then the marking system can align moments of interest with media, but the system becomes constrained to specific media sources and loses reliability when the clock is reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio recording as an intermediary element that captures the media playback sound. This audio recording serves as a reliable reference that can be independently analyzed for synchronization markers, eliminating direct dependence on the media source's time clock while maintaining synchronization accuracy across different media sources and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic time clock system of the media source with an acoustic-based synchronization method. By recording and analyzing audio patterns from the media playback, the system achieves time synchronization without relying on the original media source's time-keeping mechanisms, thereby improving both reliability and compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If the marking module interfaces with the media source to read time, then synchronization is achieved, but the device complexity increases and compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly interfacing with the media source to read time, the patent uses an audio recording as an intermediary. The audio captures the playback sound, which is then analyzed to determine timing information. This indirect approach eliminates the need for complex interfaces with various media sources while maintaining precise time measurement through audio pattern recognition.
3Measurement precision
If an anchor timestamp is defined for synchronization, then the marking system can calculate time offset, but the setup becomes more complex and requires additional coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-synchronization by automatically analyzing audio patterns in the recorded audio to identify timing markers and calculate offsets. This eliminates the need for manual anchor timestamp definition and coordination between operators, as the system autonomously determines the synchronization reference points from the audio content itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for real time marking of potential moments of interest in media produced by a media source. The system includes: a logging module configured to register moments and their attributes in real time; a marking trigger configured to indicate potential moments of interest; and a processing module configured to convert the registered moments and their attributes into desired features or elements and to match and align a series of moments with their corresponding media files or clips. The logging module includes either (a) an audio recorder to record audio or (b) a logging module controller to control the start and stop of the media source as a logging session commences or ends.