Media Playback Device Synchronizing Multiple Audio Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems do not allow multiple viewers to listen to different audio tracks in different languages while watching the same video content, as all viewers are limited to the same audio track.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically synchronize multiple audio tracks with video content by embedding a synchronizing signal, allowing a media playback device to transmit the video and audio content to both output devices and portable devices, enabling different viewers to select and listen to their preferred language.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all viewers are limited to the same audio track, then the system is simple to operate, but multiple viewers cannot listen to different audio tracks in different languages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output into separate channels for different viewers. Each portable device receives and processes its own selected audio track independently, while the main output device handles the primary audio track. This segmentation allows multiple viewers to listen to different audio tracks simultaneously without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The media playback device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output audio to both a main output device and multiple portable devices simultaneously, support multiple audio track formats, and provide synchronization signals to various devices. This multi-functionality enables the system to serve diverse viewing needs without requiring separate playback devices for each viewer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio tracks are transmitted to multiple devices, then different viewers can listen to their preferred language, but synchronization across devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses synchronization signals that provide feedback mechanisms to maintain timing alignment across multiple devices. The media playback device sends synchronization information to portable devices, and the system adjusts audio playback timing based on this feedback to ensure all viewers experience synchronized audio-visual content regardless of which audio track they select.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces synchronization signals as an intermediary mechanism between the media playback device and multiple output devices. These signals act as a mediator that coordinates timing and ensures synchronized playback across different devices, simplifying the synchronization process by providing a centralized reference point for all audio and video output.
3Ease of operation
If audio content is transmitted to portable devices, then viewers can select their preferred language, but audio and video may become desynchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by embedding timing information and synchronization signals in the audio content before transmission to portable devices. This preliminary action ensures that when the audio is played back on portable devices, it remains synchronized with the video content without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization signals serve as an intermediary that bridges the audio and video playback processes across different devices. These signals are embedded in both the audio content and video content, providing a reference that ensures audio and video remain synchronized even when transmitted to and played back on separate portable devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method provide a selection option to the at least one portable device, the selection option relating to selection of the first audio content and retrieving a selection from the at least one portable device based on the selection option. The method further retrieves a selection of the second audio content and synchronizing the first audio content, the second audio content, and the video content by embedding a synchronizing signal in the first audio content, the second audio content, and the video content. The method further outputs the second audio content and the video content to an output device according to the synchronizing signal. Responsive to the selection of the first audio content, the first audio content with the embedded synchronizing signal is transmitted to the least one portable device, wherein the at least one portable device outputs the first audio content according to the synchronizing signal.