Audio and video buffer synchronization based on actual output feedback
First Claim
1. In a system for outputting audio and/or video content, a method comprising:
- providing audio and/or video data to a first endpoint for buffering for subsequent output;
detecting actual output from the first endpoint;
adjusting, based on the actual output detected from the first endpoint, the relative timing of further actual output from the first endpoint with output corresponding to a second endpoint such that that actual output from the first endpoint is substantially synchronized with the actual output of the second endpoint.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for keeping endpoints such as speakers and displays synchronized via feedback based on the actual output of the endpoints. A source of audiovisual content transmits corresponding digital data to one or more endpoints, such as over a home network, where it may be buffered and/or decoded for playback. Microphones or the like sense actual (post-buffering/decoding) output from one or more endpoints and feed it back to a synchronization mechanism. The synchronization mechanism employs pattern matching or similar techniques to determine whether and how to adjust the timing of endpoints to synchronize their actual outputs. Synchronization may be accomplished by controllably delaying transmission and/or other processing, by controllably changing the rate of advancing in a buffer, and/or by jumping ahead in a buffer. The synchronization mechanism may adjust multiple endpoints, e.g., when limited buffer size limits the amount of adjustment a single device can provide.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a system for outputting audio and/or video content, a method comprising:
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providing audio and/or video data to a first endpoint for buffering for subsequent output;
detecting actual output from the first endpoint;
adjusting, based on the actual output detected from the first endpoint, the relative timing of further actual output from the first endpoint with output corresponding to a second endpoint such that that actual output from the first endpoint is substantially synchronized with the actual output of the second endpoint. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. In a system for outputting audio and/or video content, a subsystem comprising:
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a source that provides audio and/or video data corresponding to the content to endpoints for output;
a plurality of endpoints, including a first endpoint that plays the content based on received data from the source that is buffered;
a sensor that detects actual output of the first endpoint; and
a synchronization mechanism coupled to the sensor that determines synchronization of at least two endpoints including the first endpoint based on the actual output detected at the sensor, and that adjusts the relative timing of further actual output from the first endpoint with output corresponding to at least one other endpoint such that that actual output from the first endpoint is substantially synchronized with the actual output of the other endpoint. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. In an environment in which data corresponding to audio and/or video content is provided to a remote endpoint and another endpoint for output, a system comprising:
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means for sensing the actual output of the remote endpoint relative to the other endpoint; and
means for adjusting the actual output of the remote endpoint relative to the actual output of the other endpoint to substantially synchronize the actual outputs. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification