Time-Aligned Additive Recording via Audio Watermarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote overdubbing and additional dialog recording processes face challenges due to network latency, resulting in non-real-time and non-collaborative experiences, which disrupt the creative process and require improved additive recording solutions for time-aligned audio production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of audio 'watermarks' embedded within data corresponding to first audio content, allowing for precise time-alignment of second audio content during transmission and recording, enabling real-time collaborative experiences between remote users through latency compensation and watermark-based alignment techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote overdubbing is performed over a data network, then collaborative audio production between remote users is enabled, but network latency causes time misalignment between audio tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary latency measurement by embedding watermarks in audio content before the actual recording session. The measured latency values are stored and compensated for during the recording process, allowing the system to pre-adjust for network delays and achieve time-aligned remote collaboration
Solution Approach 2:
Watermarks serve as intermediary elements embedded in the audio content to track and measure latency. These watermarks are detected by the remote user's device and used to calculate timing offsets, acting as a mediator between the transmitted audio and the local playback to achieve synchronization
2Manufacturing precision
If network latency is compensated through iterative file exchange, then time alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes non-real-time and non-collaborative
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by measuring latency in real-time during the recording session using watermarks. The measured latency values are immediately used to adjust timing compensation, creating a closed-loop system that maintains time alignment without requiring iterative file exchanges or post-processing adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
Latency measurement and compensation values are determined in advance through watermark detection before the actual recording begins. This preliminary calibration allows the system to establish accurate timing offsets that are applied throughout the recording session, eliminating the need for iterative adjustments
3Manufacturing precision
If watermark-based time alignment is implemented, then precise time-alignment of audio recordings is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses watermarks as simplified copies or representations of timing information embedded in the audio content. Instead of implementing complex synchronization protocols, the system copies timing data through these watermark signals, which can be detected and used to calculate latency values with minimal processing overhead
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings generally include time-aligned additive recordings, e.g., for remote music production, dialog post-production, and the like. In this manner, the present teachings can provide a substantially real-time, collaborative experience between two or more remote users—e.g., producer and collaborator(s). Specifically, through the use of audio ‘watermarks’ (as discrete signals or embedded within data corresponding to first audio content such as recorded music or film/video audio) that can be sent to a collaborator, replicated in a time-aligned manner, and returned (as discreet signals or embedded within data corresponding to second audio content such as musical or dialog content), an additive multitrack audio recording can be created with precise time-alignment maintained during monitoring of the recording itself and in the resulting second audio, thus effectively emulating an in-person audio production session. The present teachings can also enable the development of supplemental services such as collaborator networks and/or marketplaces.