Multi-Device Program Presentation Using Device-Specific Delays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video distribution systems often deliver programming feeds to different devices at different times due to geographic and network delays, causing asynchronous viewing experiences that can spoil the shared experience for users engaged in real-time discussions.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing content presentation across multiple devices by adjusting configurable delays, exchanging synchronization information, and buffering output to align program delivery times, using two-way communication channels and fingerprint matching techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If content is distributed to multiple devices simultaneously, then content delivery speed is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to network delays and geographic differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating delay values for each device before content delivery begins. Synchronization information including device-specific delay values is prepared in advance and transmitted to each device, allowing them to pre-configure their buffering strategies to achieve synchronized playback despite varying network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the playback timing parameter for each device based on calculated delay values. By changing the output timing parameter individually for each device while maintaining the same content delivery schedule, the system achieves synchronization across devices with different network conditions and geographic locations
2Productivity
If devices output content immediately upon receipt, then productivity is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to varying reception times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of delay values for each device before content delivery. These pre-calculated timing parameters allow devices to optimize their buffering strategy in advance, minimizing the actual buffering delay during playback while maintaining synchronization with other devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits synchronization information from a reference device to other devices, creating a feedback mechanism that allows each device to adjust its output timing based on the reference device's playback schedule. This feedback loop ensures that all devices converge to the same playback timing despite initial reception time differences
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronization delay is increased to accommodate remote devices, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases for local devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different delay values to different devices based on their specific network conditions and geographic locations. Instead of applying a uniform delay to all devices, the system calculates and applies device-specific delay values, allowing local devices to experience minimal or zero delay while remote devices receive appropriate delay compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal delay values for each device based on their network characteristics before content delivery begins. This preliminary configuration allows the system to minimize total delay across all devices while achieving synchronization, rather than applying excessive uniform delays that would degrade the experience for all users
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that may facilitate synchronizing the presentation of a program on multiple devices are disclosed. Amounts by which each device may delay its presentation of a program may be determined and/or sent to the devices.