Supplemental Content Synchronization via Play Out Schedule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering supplemental content lack flexibility in adapting to the varying schedules of primary content, particularly in long-form content, and do not synchronize supplemental content effectively with real-time or time-shifted playback.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronizes supplemental content with the playback schedule of primary content by using a data processing system to determine appropriate timeframes for inserting supplemental content, such as audio, interactive, or textual information, based on segment definitions and sequencing scripts, allowing for granular synchronization and adaptation to changes in content timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional techniques are used to deliver supplemental content based on coarse associations (channel tuning, scheduled programming), then implementation is simple, but the supplemental content cannot adapt to timing changes in primary content playback
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a play out schedule definition that identifies segment start and end markers before content playback. This advance preparation enables the system to anticipate timing changes and adjust supplemental content delivery accordingly, rather than reacting to timing variations after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the supplemental content delivery flexible and adjustable based on actual playback timing. The play out schedule definition allows the system to dynamically adapt segment boundaries and supplemental content insertion points to match actual content timing variations, transforming a static delivery system into one that responds to temporal changes.
2Measurement precision
If supplemental content is delivered based on fixed schedules without considering actual playback timing, then system operation is straightforward, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by comparing the actual playback timing against the play out schedule definition. When timing deviations are detected, the system uses this feedback information to adjust supplemental content delivery timing, ensuring that supplemental content remains synchronized with the primary content despite variations in playback speed or scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical scheduling systems with a more flexible digital timing system. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical schedules that cannot adapt to timing variations, the system uses digital play out schedule definitions that can be dynamically adjusted based on actual playback conditions, achieving higher synchronization accuracy without proportional increases in operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accommodates various play out schedules with granular synchronization, then adaptability improves, but computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the primary content into distinct segments based on segment start and end markers defined in the play out schedule. This segmentation approach allows the system to handle different content portions independently, applying appropriate supplemental content to each segment. By working with segmented content rather than treating it as a continuous stream, the system achieves high adaptability to various play out schedules while managing complexity through modular processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Supplemental digital content is provided to be played in synchronization with primary digital content on a media device, such as a television, handheld device, smart phone, computer, and so forth. The supplemental digital content is timed to a long-form version of the primary content and is then synchronized based upon a linearized content (e.g., broadcast) schedule of the long-form content with populated pods.