Video Synchronization via Audio Feature Cross-Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video combining software requires manual synchronization of videos from multiple electronic devices, often resulting in time delays and unsynchronized frames due to differences in recording times and potential frame loss.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that acquire raw video files, extract video and audio signals, determine a sound feature, and synchronize the videos based on this feature to generate a combined video file, using a processor and decoder to align video and audio frames around a reference time point and additional checking points to ensure synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual synchronization is used to combine videos from multiple electronic devices, then the videos can be combined, but time delays and frame misalignment occur resulting in poor synchronization quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization qualityVSAvoidtime delay among videos
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual synchronization operations with automatic audio-based synchronization. The system extracts audio features from video files and uses cross-correlation algorithms to automatically determine time offsets between videos, eliminating the need for manual frame-by-frame adjustment and achieving precise synchronization without time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary element for synchronization. By using audio features (such as speech or sound patterns) as a reference timeline, the system aligns video frames from multiple devices based on corresponding audio events, serving as a mediator that coordinates the synchronization of multiple video streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing video combining software is used, then videos can be combined, but the synchronization result is not ideal due to manual operation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo combining efficiencyVSAvoidmanual synchronization operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service synchronization where the system automatically performs synchronization without user intervention. The algorithm independently extracts audio features, calculates time offsets, and aligns video frames automatically, allowing the video combining process to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the synchronization parameter from manual frame counters to automatic audio feature-based time offsets. By transforming the synchronization mechanism from user-controlled frame selection to algorithm-driven temporal alignment based on audio characteristics, the system improves both efficiency and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple videos are combined without precise synchronization, then the combining process is simple, but frame misalignment and time delays reduce the quality of the combined video

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo combining process simplicityVSAvoidframe alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary synchronization preparation by extracting audio features and calculating time offsets before the actual video combining process. This preliminary action establishes the synchronization parameters in advance, ensuring that when videos are combined, precise frame alignment is already predetermined, thus maintaining both simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10721545B2Method and device for combining videos
Publication Date: 2020.07.21 LENOVO (BEIJING) LTD
  • US10721545B2 patent drawing
  • US10721545B2 patent drawing
  • US10721545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes acquiring a plurality of raw video files, obtaining video signals and audio signals from the raw video files, determining a sound feature from the audio signals, and combining the raw video files based on the sound feature to generate a combined video file.