Video Bitstream Switching with Parameter Set Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In video coding environments, particularly with adaptive HTTP streaming, issues arise during bitstream, track, or representation switching, especially when using open GOP structures, which can lead to inefficiencies and incorrect decoding due to mismatched initialization parameters.

Innovation Solution

A file parser and method for reconstructing a video bitstream that retrieves switching information and initialization parameters from a video file, allowing seamless switching between different tracks or representations by ensuring the decoder is initialized correctly for both the current and potential candidate tracks, even in open GOP scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If out-of-band parameter set integration is used, then parameter sets are stored separately in sample entries, but incorrect parameters may be selected during track switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter set storageVSAvoidparameter selection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing switching information that indicates which sample entries are switch-to candidates before actual switching occurs. This allows the decoder to be pre-configured with the correct parameter sets, ensuring reliable parameter selection during track switching without needing to search for correct parameters at the moment of switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If in-band parameter sets are used, then parameter sets are stored with samples in AUs, but parameter sets cannot be efficiently shared across tracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter set sharingVSAvoidparameter set storage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample entry structure is designed with multi-functionality to serve both in-band and out-of-band parameter set integration. The same sample entry can store parameter sets that are either embedded with samples or referenced separately, allowing efficient parameter sharing across tracks while maintaining flexibility in storage location. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate parameter set storage mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If open GOP structure is used, then coding efficiency is improved, but decoding reliability during switching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoiddecoding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by using switching information to indicate which sample entries are appropriate switch-to candidates. This feedback loop ensures that during track switching, the decoder receives the correct parameter set references, maintaining decoding reliability even within the open GOP structure that enables higher coding efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If track switching is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but decoding correctness deteriorates due to mismatched initialization parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack switching capabilityVSAvoiddecoding correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing switching information that identifies correct sample entries for switching before actual track switching occurs. This ensures that when switching happens, the decoder already has the correct initialization parameters ready, maintaining decoding correctness while enabling flexible track switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4264948B1File parser, file generator, encoder, decoder, client, server, and methods using parameter sets for coded video sequences
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4264948B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4264948B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4264948B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention concerns file parsers, file generators encoders, decoders, clients, servers and methods using parameter sets for coded video sequences. Said parameter sets may comprise decoding parameter information and may be conveyed in-band or out-of band. Some embodiments provide solutions to problems being related with correctly initializing a decoder for decoding coded video sequences in open GOP switching scenarios. Some embodiments may provide for hierarchical track switching levels.