Media Stream Synchronization via Embedded Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions struggle to synchronize media streams from different sources accurately, especially when they follow different transmission paths and are prone to disturbances, and fail to maintain synchronization during rebroadcasting or time-shifting, while also being non-intrusive and not degrading the original media quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate and encode identifiers for synchronizing media streams, using a unique media stream indicator and sequence number, which are decoded and used to synchronize secondary media streams with primary streams, allowing for precise timing and action triggers, even in live or recorded broadcasts, and enabling personalized content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If watermarking or fingerprinting techniques are used for synchronization, then synchronization capability is improved, but original media quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from the media stream itself by using separate metadata carriers (timers, counters, flags) that travel with the media but do not modify the media content. This allows synchronization to be achieved without embedding watermarks or fingerprints that would degrade media quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary synchronization elements (sequence numbers, timestamps, flags) that act as mediators between the primary and secondary media streams. These intermediaries carry timing information without directly modifying the media content, enabling synchronization while preserving original quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different transmission paths are used for media streams, then delivery flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing media streams at the source using sequence numbers and timestamps before distribution. This initial synchronization is maintained throughout transmission across different paths, allowing flexible delivery while preserving synchronization accuracy through pre-established timing relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where receivers report timing information and synchronization status back to the system. This allows dynamic adjustment and compensation for path variations, maintaining synchronization accuracy even when media streams travel through different transmission paths with varying delays.
3Reliability
If strict synchronization is enforced, then interactive experience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization system into independent, manageable components: sequence number generation, timestamping, flag setting, and receiver-side processing. This modular approach enables strict synchronization to be achieved through simple, discrete operations rather than complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (sequence numbers, timestamps, flags) as simple controllable variables to enforce strict synchronization. By changing these discrete parameters at key points in the media stream, the system achieves precise synchronization control without requiring complex algorithms or processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for synchronizing two or more media streams, generated by different sources (210, 220). An identifier generator 200 generates identifiers 600 with unique sequence numbers and a unique media identifier in relation to a second media stream generated by second media server 220. The generated identifiers are supplied to an encoder 230 and an identifier storage 205. In the identifier storage 205 a broadcaster stores an associated URL (first media server address & content) with a particular identifier. The identifiers and the second media stream 620A are encoded by the encoder 230 into a carrier (620M) which is recorded or broadcasted. Play-out of the recorded or broadcasted is accomplished by feeding the encoded carrier to a decoder 300, which decodes the identifiers and the second media stream 620B. The decoded identifier is received by a first device 310 that retrieves 560 the stored associated URL for the particular identifier and subsequently request 570 first media server 210 for the first media stream indicated by the associated URL. The first media stream 610 is provided 580 to the first device 310, which is also provided 552 with the decoded second media stream 620B.