Synchronized Sensory Device Control for Immersive Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing the sensory experience during audio or video content consumption, such as the Sensurround process and vibrating theater seats, are limited in their ability to provide synchronized and immersive special effects, as they rely on integrated soundtracks or manual activation by operators, lacking a systematic approach to analyze content and activate devices in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A system that analyzes audiovisual content metadata, text, and video to identify appropriate special effects and synchronizes the activation of devices at the viewing location or personal to the viewer, including lighting, temperature, and haptic devices, to create an immersive experience by sending commands based on the content's cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation by theater operators is used, then device activation can be controlled, but synchronization precision and immersion quality deteriorate due to reliance on visual and audio cues requiring human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically analyzes audio and video content to identify special effects opportunities and activates devices without human intervention. The content analysis module processes audio streams and video frames to detect events like explosions, rain, or dramatic moments, then the device activation module automatically triggers appropriate effects, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual operator observation and activation with an automated computational system. Instead of operators watching the movie and manually triggering devices, the system uses audio analysis, video processing, and machine learning algorithms to automatically detect content and activate devices, substituting human perception and action with computational processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If integrated soundtrack approach is used, then special effects can be synchronized with content, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot respond to real-time content variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the audio and video content in real-time and adjusts device activation dynamically. The content analysis module processes incoming audio streams and video frames continuously, identifying special effects opportunities as they occur, and the device activation module responds immediately, creating a feedback loop that adapts to content variations and maintains precise synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-programmed synchronization to dynamic real-time response. Instead of relying on fixed integrated soundtracks, the system dynamically analyzes the actual content being displayed and adjusts device activation accordingly, allowing it to adapt to different movies, scenes, and content variations while maintaining precise synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are activated simultaneously, then immersive experience improves, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex task of coordinating multiple devices into separate functional modules. The content analysis module handles audio and video processing independently, the special effects identification module analyzes content separately, and the device activation module coordinates device triggers independently. This segmentation allows each module to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall system complexity while enabling coordinated multi-device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal content analysis approach that can identify special effects across different types of content and activate various types of devices through a common framework. The same audio analysis and video processing mechanisms work for different movies and scenes, and the device activation module can control multiple device types (lights, sounds, haptic feedback) using unified control logic, reducing complexity through multi-functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enhancing the viewing experience of video content by analyzing the content to determine where enhanced sensory experience events may be appropriate, by identifying devices at the viewing location and devices personal to the viewer that can be controlled to provide an enhanced sensory experience, and by activating those devices in a way that is synchronized with the presentation of the content.