Codec-Switching Buffer Control for Continuous Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image display apparatuses struggle with codec switching delays and screen interruptions when receiving content encoded with different coder-decoders (codecs), particularly during channel switching or when streaming content combining multiple codecs, leading to resource reallocation and buffer emptying issues.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device with a decoder capable of handling multiple codecs, a buffer memory for storing encoded and decoded data, and a controller that manages the buffer memory to divide it into separate spaces for different codecs, allowing parallel or simultaneous data input/output based on a codec change signal, minimizing switching delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If codec change is performed in conventional image display apparatus, then different codecs can be supported, but screen interruption and playback delay occur due to buffer emptying and resource reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory is divided into multiple independent buffer spaces, each corresponding to a different codec type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain separate data streams for different codecs simultaneously, enabling seamless codec switching without requiring complete buffer emptying and resource reallocation, thus reducing codec switching delay while maintaining multi-codec support
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-allocates multiple buffer spaces for different codecs before codec switching occurs. When a codec change signal is detected, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared buffer space corresponding to the new codec, eliminating the need for buffer emptying and initialization delays. This preliminary preparation of buffer spaces enables instantaneous codec switching
2Device complexity
If a single buffer memory is used for multiple codecs, then device complexity is reduced, but codec switching causes resource reallocation and screen interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory is segmented into multiple independent buffer spaces, each dedicated to a specific codec. This segmentation prevents resource reallocation conflicts during codec switching, as each codec has its own dedicated buffer space. The system can switch between codecs by switching buffer spaces without affecting other codecs, ensuring continuous and reliable playback without screen interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer memory is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple codec types simultaneously. By incorporating multiple buffer spaces within a single buffer memory unit, the system can handle different codec formats (e.g., H.264, H.265, VP9) without requiring separate physical buffer memories, thus maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliable continuous playback across different codecs
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus including the same are disclosed. A signal processing device of the present disclosure includes a decoder to decode data encoded based on at least two different coder-decoders, a buffer memory, and a controller to control the decoder and the buffer memory, wherein the controller controls the decoder to divide the buffer memory into a first storage space and a second storage space based on a codec change signal being received, and manages input or output of data of the first and the second storage space in parallel or simultaneously. Accordingly, it is possible to change codecs in real time without delay when codec change is required and to provide content without interruption of a screen to a user.