S/PDIF Listening Device for DVD-MIDI Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated musical instruments, such as pianos, face challenges in synchronizing music sequences with DVD audio/video performances due to differences in data structures between commercial CDs and DVDs, requiring a method to remotely determine the current audio performance selection and time progress of a DVD player for accurate synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a DVD player, a controller with a S/PDIF receiver, and pre-authored MIDI files, where the controller monitors the S/PDIF output to recognize audio performance signatures and synchronize MIDI sequences with DVD playback, ensuring accurate timing and synchronization with the audio stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the controller uses a CD drive and subsystem to play music sequences, then the controller has inherent and immediate knowledge of the CD audio track being played and its time progress, but this approach cannot be directly applied to DVD synchronization due to different data structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an S/PDIF Listening Device as an intermediary between the DVD player and the controller. This device receives the S/PDIF output from the DVD player, extracts timing information and AC-3 packet signatures, and communicates this data to the controller. This intermediary enables the controller to synchronize MIDI sequences with DVD playback despite the fundamental differences in data structures between CD and DVD formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller monitors DVD playback remotely via S/PDIF output, then synchronization with DVD audio performances can be achieved, but the controller must independently determine the current audio performance selection and time progress
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the S/PDIF Listening Device continuously monitors the S/PDIF output from the DVD player, detects AC-3 packet signatures, and feeds back timing information to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust MIDI sequence playback in real-time to match the DVD audio performance, achieving synchronization without requiring the controller to independently determine audio selection and time progress from scratch.
3Measurement precision
If AC-3 packet signatures are used to identify audio performances, then precise synchronization can be achieved, but the system must store and compare multiple signatures in the Wad file
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential AC-3 packet signatures from the DVD audio data and stores them in a Wad file alongside corresponding MIDI sequences. Instead of storing entire audio tracks or extensive metadata, the system extracts and stores only the distinctive signature packets needed for identification and synchronization. This extraction approach minimizes data storage requirements while maintaining precise audio performance identification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclosed herein is a system and method for playing music sequences, such as MIDI files in synchronization with a DVD. This system utilizes a preauthored music sequence and a controller that listens to the S/PDIF output of a DVD player. Further, this application discloses a method for creating MIDI files for use with the invention disclosed herein.