Optical and Audio Signal Sequences for Multi-Camera Time Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Time aligning media content generated by multiple recording devices with disparate capabilities is challenging, especially when not all devices are capable of jam syncing or have a clear view of a physical slate.

Innovation Solution

A signal sequence-based method that uses optical or audio signals to align media content automatically, allowing devices to detect calibration signals without requiring direct communication or line-of-sight with the emission source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If jam syncing is used for time alignment, then professional grade cameras can be synchronized, but cameras lacking jam sync capability cannot be time aligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different camera typesVSAvoidrequirement for sophisticated professional grade cameras

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a signal sequence (optical or audio) as an intermediary that all recording devices can detect independently. This mediator enables time alignment between disparate devices without requiring them to communicate directly or share complex synchronization protocols, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a visual or audio copy of the signal sequence that appears in recordings from multiple cameras. By detecting and matching this copied signal in post-processing, the system achieves time alignment without requiring the cameras themselves to be sophisticated or capable of jam syncing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If a physical slate is used for time alignment, then main cameras can be synchronized, but the slate is only useful if cameras have a clear view of it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of time alignment processVSAvoidrequirement for clear line-of-sight to slate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical line-of-sight requirement of physical slates with optical or audio signal sequences that can be detected by recording devices regardless of their physical orientation or position. This substitution eliminates the need for cameras to have a clear view of the synchronization source while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disparate recording devices are used, then production flexibility increases, but time alignment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction flexibility with different devicesVSAvoidaccuracy of time alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal signal sequence that serves as a common reference for all recording devices regardless of type or capability. This universal marker enables reliable time alignment across disparate devices by providing a consistent detection target that all devices can process independently, maintaining both production flexibility and alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables time alignment of diverse recording devices, simplifies setup, increases scalability, and removes distance constraints by allowing devices to detect signals outside their field of view.

Implementation Method 1

A first recording device is situated so as to detect a calibration signal sequence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A first recording device is situated so as to detect a calibration signal sequence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAudio signal detection: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS12444441B1Signal sequence-based time alignment of media content

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC

AI summary

A system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor, a memory storing software code and one or more signal emission device(s) controlled by the computing platform. The software code is executed to determine, using at least one predetermined signal frequency, a calibration signal sequence including an alignment initiation signal and a unique sequence of synchronization signals identified with a unique time interval, emit during the unique time interval, the alignment initiation signal and emit during the unique time interval after emitting the alignment initiation signal, the unique sequence of synchronization signals. The software code is further executed to receive first and second media content produced by first and second recording devices, the first and second media content produced while the first and second recording devices are situated so as to detect the calibration signal sequence, and time align, using the calibration signal sequence, the first and second media content.