METHOD OF BUFFER MANAGEMENT FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF CORRELATED MEDIA PRESENTATIONS

摘要

The present invention concerns synchronization of correlated media presentations among two or more media devices. Each device makes a determination as to whether inter-presentation synchronization may be outside of a predetermined tolerance. If so, the device making the determination communicates its buffer and playback status to the other device. Based upon comparison of the buffer and playback status of the local presentation with the buffer and playback status of the presentation at the other device, each device makes a determination as to whether to pause play-back, so as to allow the other device to catch up, advance playback, so as to catch up with the other device, or take no action, allowing the other device to take action to correct the synchronization issue.

主权项

1. A method for coordinating presentation of a first media presentation at a first device and a second media presentation at a second device comprising the steps of:
comparing the time elapsed during presentation of a portion of the first media presentation with an amount of time associated with the portion of the first media presentation; responsive to a determination that the difference between the time elapsed during presentation of the portion of the first media presentation and the amount of time associated with the portion of the first media presentation exceeds a threshold, performing the steps of:
comparing the buffer status of the first media presentation at the first device with a buffer status of the second media presentation at the second device; andresponsive to a determination that the buffer for the first media presentation on the first device is fuller than the buffer for the second media presentation on the second device, adjusting playback of the first media presentation on the first device.