Server Content Synchronization via Temporal Metadata Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for content distribution in local area networks do not allow for synchronized playback of streamed content, such as audiovisual content from broadcast channels, with other locally stored content, as they lack the capability to handle timestamps and temporal information necessary for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for saving and synchronizing audiovisual content by receiving content with timestamps from a broadcast channel, calculating temporal playback information using a local area network clock, and saving this information to a server, enabling synchronized playback with other content on the network, using UPnP AV:4 standards and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is saved from broadcast channels to a local server, then access to streamed content is enabled, but the content cannot be synchronized with other locally stored content due to lack of temporal information handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores temporal information (timestamps, presentation time indicators) from the broadcast content stream before playback occurs. This preliminary extraction and storage of timing data enables subsequent synchronized playback by providing the necessary temporal reference points in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal information as an intermediary element that bridges the broadcast content stream and the local content library. This temporal metadata acts as a mediator that allows the playback system to align broadcast content with locally stored content by providing common time reference points
2Ease of manufacture
If standard content saving methods are used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but interoperability for synchronized playback is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the content saving process to simultaneously perform multiple functions: saving the content itself, extracting temporal information, and storing synchronization metadata. This multi-functional approach enables the same system to handle both content delivery and synchronized playback requirements without adding separate complex subsystems
3Reliability
If temporal information is extracted and saved with content, then synchronized playback becomes possible, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential temporal information elements (timestamps, presentation time indicators) from the broadcast stream, separating them from the main content stream. This selective extraction focuses on critical synchronization data while leaving the content processing relatively simple, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for converting a data stream transporting content into a file on a server, the content including timestamps for its playback, the timestamps indicating the time elapsed since the start of said content, the method being characterized in that it includes steps for receiving (S2, S3), from a broadcast channel, streaming content, calculating (S4) at least one piece of temporal playback information from at least one of the timestamps and a reference clock, the reference clock being the time reference for a local area network, saving (S5) the content to a file on a server, the server file being accessible by a playback terminal connected to the local area network, and saving (S6) a piece of temporal playback information to a server file or to a description file associated with the server file.