Video Playback Synchronization via Shared Timing Metadata
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video playback systems lack the ability to synchronize and share playback timings of multiple videos efficiently between users, requiring manual editing and increased video data storage for synchronized playback.
Innovation Solution
A video playback system that includes a processor to receive and manage synchronization points for multiple videos, allowing synchronized playback and sharing of video playback timings through a network-connected video management device and playback device, using HTTP live streaming or MPEG-DASH for video distribution and storing shared information in a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual editing is used to synchronize video playback timings, then synchronization precision can be achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic synchronization where the video playback device autonomously aligns multiple videos based on shared timing information from the video management device, eliminating the need for manual frame-by-frame editing while maintaining precise synchronization points
Solution Approach 2:
Synchronization points are predetermined and stored in advance in the video management device's database. When playback is requested, the device simply retrieves these pre-calculated timing points, avoiding the need for real-time manual synchronization during playback setup
2Adaptability or versatility
If synchronized playback of multiple videos is implemented, then user collaboration and instruction effectiveness improve, but video data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates video data storage from synchronization information storage. Only essential timing metadata (synchronization points) is stored in the database, while the actual video files are streamed on-demand, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be permanently stored while enabling multi-user collaboration
Solution Approach 2:
The video management device acts as an intermediary that stores only synchronization timing information in its database, mediating between multiple video playback devices. This allows collaborative playback without each device needing to store complete video data, reducing overall storage requirements while maintaining collaboration capabilities
3Productivity
If synchronized playback without pre-editing is enabled, then productivity and ease of use improve, but synchronization precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Synchronization points are calculated and stored in advance in the video management device's database before playback occurs. During playback, devices simply retrieve these pre-determined timing points, ensuring high synchronization precision without requiring manual editing setup, thus achieving both efficiency and accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A video playback device includes a processor that executes a procedure. The procedure includes receiving a designation of a tuning during video playback in each of plural respective videos, and, according to a playback instruction, playing back the plural videos in synchronization starting from the timings designated for the plural respective videos.