Second Screen Rendering Time Control via Playback Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid TV services lack effective synchronization mechanisms for media components delivered over broadband and broadcast networks, particularly for second screen applications where accurate synchronization of content between devices is necessary, but existing techniques require specific player adaptations and shared temporal references.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling the rendering time of a second content stream by determining its position based on the playback position of a first content stream, delivering chunks of the second stream at synchronized times using a control device, such as a home gateway or proxy server, without requiring specific player features, ensuring synchronization between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing synchronization techniques (audio watermarking, audio fingerprinting, auxiliary component timeline) are used to synchronize media components delivered over broadband and broadcast networks, then synchronization accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and player adaptation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control entity as an intermediary between the broadcast content delivery and the second screen device. This control entity receives broadcast content, determines playback position information, and controls the delivery of broadband content to the second screen device based on this information. The intermediary handles the synchronization complexity centrally rather than requiring complex player adaptations at each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control entity receives playback position information from the first device (TV) and uses this feedback to control the delivery timing of content chunks to the second device. This closed-loop feedback enables accurate synchronization without requiring complex local synchronization logic in the player.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content chunks are delivered independently over broadband network to second screen devices, then service adaptability and personalization are improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the delivery timing of content chunks based on real-time playback position information received from the first device. Instead of static pre-synchronization, the control entity continuously adapts the delivery schedule of broadband content to match the actual playback state, maintaining synchronization reliability while enabling flexible service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The control entity determines the delivery timing of content chunks in advance based on expected playback position, preparing synchronization before actual delivery. This preliminary timing determination ensures that when content is delivered over broadband, it arrives at the correct moment to maintain synchronization with broadcast content.
3Measurement precision
If auxiliary component timeline is added to convey synchronization information for each event, then synchronization precision is improved, but information overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential synchronization information (playback position) from the broadcast content flow and uses this minimal data set to control broadband content delivery. Instead of adding extensive auxiliary timelines or metadata to the broadcast stream, the system isolates and utilizes just the critical playback position information needed for synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from adding complex temporal reference structures to simply monitoring and reacting to playback position parameter changes. By focusing on this single key parameter and adjusting broadband content delivery based on its changes, the system achieves synchronization precision without significant information overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling a rendering time of a second content stream on a second device (6), said second content stream being organized in chunks, each chunk comprising data packets, said method comprising steps of: a) receiving a request of a chunk of the second content stream from the second device (6); b) determining a second position of said requested chunk on the basis of a playback position of a first content stream being rendered on a first device (4); c) receiving the packets of the requested chunk from a server (18); and d) delivering the requested chunk to the second device (6) at a delivery time (ToD) at which said requested chunk should be delivered to the second device (6), said delivery time (ToD) being function of said second position.