Timeline Synchronization for Media and Additional Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering audio or video content over the internet face challenges with limited bandwidth and poor network coverage, making it difficult to stream media files and update additional content such as advertisements or user comments after the files have been downloaded, especially on mobile devices with data limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize timeline information to synchronize the presentation of additional content with media files, allowing for the automatic playback of media files and presentation of additional content at specific time points, even under low bandwidth conditions, using a push technology to update content in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional content is inserted into media files before delivery, then the content can be delivered to users, but the additional content cannot be modified after the user has downloaded the file
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media delivery system into two independent parts: the media file itself and the additional content (such as advertisements). The media file is downloaded and stored locally on the user's device, while the additional content is maintained separately on the server. This segmentation allows the additional content to be modified and updated on the server without affecting the downloaded media file, thereby enabling post-download modifications while maintaining reliable content delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timeline file as an intermediary component that links the locally stored media file with the server-hosted additional content. The timeline file contains time point information that synchronizes the playback of the media file with the presentation of additional content. This intermediary enables the system to reliably deliver media files while allowing flexible updates to additional content through the server, as the timeline file acts as a bridge between the two.
2Productivity
If media files are streamed over the internet, then content can be delivered without full download, but limited bandwidth and poor network coverage make streaming difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by downloading and storing the media file locally on the user's device before playback. This allows the media file to be played back without requiring continuous network connectivity during playback, thereby improving streaming reliability in areas with limited bandwidth or poor network coverage. The additional content is then superimposed during playback through the timeline synchronization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content delivery into the media file (downloaded and stored locally) and the additional content (delivered separately and synchronized during playback). This segmentation allows the media file to be delivered efficiently through initial download while the additional content can be delivered on-demand during playback, optimizing content delivery efficiency while ensuring reliable playback even in poor network conditions.
3Reliability
If the whole media file is downloaded before access, then streaming issues are avoided, but bandwidth is consumed even when additional content needs to be updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content update mechanism into the media file (stored locally and not requiring updates) and the additional content (updated separately on the server). When additional content needs to be updated, only the additional content and timeline information need to be transferred, not the entire media file. This significantly reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable content access, as the locally stored media file continues to play back reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic content delivery system where the media file is downloaded once and stored locally for reliable access, while the additional content is dynamically updated on the server based on needs. The timeline file dynamically synchronizes these two components during playback, allowing the system to adapt to update requirements without repeatedly downloading the entire media file, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional content is updated after media file download, then content freshness is improved, but synchronization between media file and additional content becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timeline file as an intermediary that simplifies the synchronization process. The timeline file contains time point information that maps specific moments in the media file playback to corresponding additional content. When additional content is updated on the server, the timeline file is updated accordingly, and the client device uses this updated timeline information to automatically synchronize the additional content with the media file playback. This intermediary mechanism manages the complexity of synchronization automatically, allowing content updates without requiring complex manual synchronization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the client device continuously monitors the playback position of the media file and uses the timeline information to determine when and what additional content to present. This feedback loop ensures that additional content remains synchronized with the media file playback even after updates, as the system automatically adjusts based on the current playback state and updated timeline information, thereby managing synchronization complexity through automated feedback control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for presenting digitally stored information to a user, including providing, from a server to a client device, timeline information having first and second time points, each time point being relative to when a user accesses the timeline information, the first time point being associated with a digital audio or digital video media file, the second time point being associated with additional content, the additional content being a text or a file comprising video, audio, image, text, a webpage, user comment or user rating in a digital format. Accessing the timeline information causes the client device to start a timing procedure, the client device automatically starting playing the media file when timing reaches the first time point of the timeline information and the client device automatically presenting, to the user, the additional content when the timing reaches the second time point of the timeline information.