3D Video Overlay Embedding via Layer Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scalable 3D video systems face challenges in efficiently embedding subtitles and graphic overlays, particularly in frame compatible systems, as current methods either complicate the design with additional hardware or require reprocessing of base layer information, which is costly and less flexible.

Innovation Solution

The method involves providing subtitles and graphic overlays separately for each layer in a scalable 3D video system, using a base layer and enhancement layers, where overlays are added before multiplexing, and utilizing a predictor module to generate enhancement layer overlays from base layer data, ensuring full resolution reconstruction without significant design penalties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to embed subtitles and graphic overlays in scalable 3D video systems, then the design becomes more complex with additional hardware requirements, but this increases the device complexity and reduces ease of manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembedding capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the subtitle and graphic overlay embedding function from the video encoding process itself, treating it as a separate post-processing operation. This allows the embedding functionality to be implemented in software rather than requiring additional hardware within the encoding device, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining reliable embedding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a separate embedding module that acts as an intermediary between the video encoder and the final output. This module receives encoded video frames and independently processes subtitle and graphic overlay insertion, eliminating the need for complex integrated hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If base layer information is reprocessed to embed subtitles and overlays, then full resolution reconstruction is achieved, but this increases processing cost and reduces flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution reconstructionVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the embedding of subtitles and graphic overlays at the enhanced layer level before the final reconstruction process. By preparing the overlay information in advance at the appropriate resolution level, the system avoids the need to reprocess the entire base layer information, thereby maintaining full resolution reconstruction while improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the embedding process into separate operations: first embedding subtitles and overlays at the enhanced layer level, then performing the reconstruction process independently. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized separately, avoiding the computational burden of reprocessing base layer information while still achieving full resolution output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware is added to support subtitles and overlays, then embedding capability is improved, but this reduces ease of manufacture and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembedding capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for additional physical hardware with a software-based embedding solution. The embedding functionality is implemented through software modules that process video frames computationally, eliminating the requirement for extra hardware components and thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatile embedding capability.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8676041B2Support of full resolution graphics, menus, and subtitles in frame compatible 3D delivery
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US8676041B2 patent drawing
  • US8676041B2 patent drawing
  • US8676041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Full resolution graphic overlays (e.g., graphics, menus, arrows, buttons, captions, banners, picture in picture information) and subtitles in frame compatible 3D delivery for a scalable system are described.