Synchronized Audio Video Delivery via Telephone Code
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital entertainment delivery systems lack the ability to provide synchronized audio playback with video content in remote locations, such as coffee shops and convenience stores, where customers can only access audio by calling a designated number and entering a code, but there is no seamless integration with the video progression.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia delivery system comprising a content server that delivers video segments to on-site modules, which display call-in instructions, and an audio server that determines the video progression state and initiates synchronized audio playback over the caller's telephone when the correct code is entered, using a VoiceXML platform to manage the audio delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video content is delivered to remote on-site modules for display, then customers can access video entertainment in remote locations, but synchronized audio playback cannot be provided seamlessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized audio server as an intermediary between the video playback system and the customer's telephone. The audio server receives synchronization signals from the video system, stores audio segments with precise timing information, and delivers audio content synchronized with video playback. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable synchronized audio delivery without requiring complex integration between the video and audio systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-delivers audio segments to the audio server in advance of video playback, storing them with associated timing metadata. When a customer calls in during video playback, the audio server can immediately retrieve and play the correct audio segment without delay, ensuring synchronization with the currently playing video content. This preliminary preparation eliminates real-time processing delays that would otherwise disrupt synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio is delivered over telephone network, then customers can listen to audio content remotely, but synchronization with video progression is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the audio server continuously receives timing information from the video playback system about the current playback position. This feedback loop allows the audio server to adjust audio delivery in real-time, ensuring that audio content remains synchronized with video progression even as playback advances. The feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision despite the flexibility of telephone network delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio delivery system is designed to be dynamic, adjusting audio segment selection and timing based on real-time video playback position. Rather than using fixed pre-recorded audio tracks, the system dynamically retrieves and plays audio segments that correspond to the current video state, allowing synchronized audio delivery over the flexible telephone network while maintaining precise video progression tracking.
3Ease of operation
If on-site modules display call-in instructions, then customers can initiate audio playback, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service audio playback initiation through automated telephone interactions. When a customer calls the provided number, the VoiceXML platform automatically guides them through code verification and audio segment selection without requiring operator intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the customer interface while the backend automation handles the complexity of system integration, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A content server delivers video segments to various on-site modules for display at the respective on-site modules according to respective schedules. The on-site modules may, for example, be located in coffee shops, convenience stores, sandwich grottos, and other establishments where customers are known to wait in line. The on-site modules also display call-in instructions, including a telephone number and a code. When a user places a call to a designated number and enters the code, an audio server determines the state of progression of the video, and begins synchronized audio playback over the caller's telephone.