Synchronization Correction for Media Content Across Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is challenging to synchronize media content across multiple devices receiving content via different paths due to transmission delays, differences in operation clocks, and other factors, especially when the content lacks similar features.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that extracts feature amounts from sound signals of primary content and generates synchronization correction information to synchronize secondary content by comparing these feature amounts, allowing for precise timing adjustments during reproduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If content is transmitted through different paths to multiple devices, then content distribution flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to transmission delays and clock differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent distribution flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where synchronization status is continuously monitored and correction information is generated based on detected timing deviations. The synchronization correction information is fed back to adjust the reproduction timing, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains synchronization despite varying transmission conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of reproduction timing based on synchronization correction information. By dynamically adjusting the timing parameter according to detected deviations, the system adapts to different transmission paths and maintains synchronization accuracy across multiple devices receiving content through diverse routes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If feature amount comparison is used for synchronization, then synchronization capability is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates when content lacks similar features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoideffectiveness with dissimilar content

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary extraction of feature amounts from the content before synchronization processing. By pre-processing the content to extract identifiable features, the system prepares the necessary data for comparison, enabling effective synchronization even when features are subtle or require careful detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct timing-based synchronization methods with a signal processing approach using feature amount extraction and comparison. This substitution enables synchronization based on content characteristics rather than relying solely on transmission timing, making the system more robust to path variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If synchronization correction is applied, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary synchronization correction information from the full content signal, separating the timing adjustment data from the main content. This extraction approach simplifies the processing by focusing only on the critical timing parameters rather than analyzing the entire content stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces synchronization correction information as an intermediary element between the transmitted content and the reproduction process. This intermediary carries the timing adjustment data needed to synchronize playback without requiring direct complex interaction between multiple content streams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11115694B2Information processing apparatus, method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus for reproducing second content in synchronization with reproduction of first content by a second information processing apparatus different from the information processing apparatus, the first content comprising audio content. The information processing apparatus comprising circuitry configured to: extract a first feature from the audio content; obtain a second feature of the audio content, the second feature being together with the second content; compare the first feature with the second feature; and generate, based on results of the comparing, synchronization information used for reproducing the second content in synchronization with the first content.