Blended Media Stream Initialization for 2D and 3D Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems are unable to transmit and render 2D and 3D media streams in combined media streams, requiring separate transmission and rendering of each media type.

Innovation Solution

A system and method to combine 2D and 3D media streams into a single combined media stream by interleaving frames with sample descriptions for proper rendering, using an initialization segment to identify frame types and rendering instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 2D and 3D media streams are transmitted in separate individual streams, then each media type can be transmitted with dedicated rendering instructions, but the system complexity increases and playback flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines 2D and 3D media streams into a single blended media stream, merging previously separate transmission channels. The encoder blends frames from both 2D and 3D streams into one output stream that contains alternating frames from each source, reducing the number of separate streams from two to one while maintaining the ability to render both media types appropriately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blended media stream serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries both 2D and 3D content, includes initialization segments with rendering instructions for both media types, and enables the decoder to handle different media formats within a single stream. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated streams while preserving rendering capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate 2D and 3D media streams are used, then rendering instructions can be dedicated to each media type, but transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidrendering information completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The encoder performs preliminary blending of 2D and 3D frames into a single stream before transmission. By pre-combining the streams and embedding all necessary rendering information in advance within initialization segments, the system eliminates the need for separate transmissions while ensuring complete rendering information is available upfront for both media types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12513370B1Systems and methods for blending media

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 APPLE INC

AI summary

Streaming media includes generating an initialization segment having a first sample description for a first set of image parameters and a second sample description for a second set of image parameters. The method also includes transmitting a media stream including the initialization segment, a first set of frames referencing the first sample description, and a second set of frames referencing the second sample description.