Video Frame Encoding with Distributed I-Frame Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intra frame encoding in video streams, particularly with H.264 standards, results in bitrate spikes due to large I-frame vs P-frame size ratios, making playback of stored video streams inflexible and requiring long delays before starting from a full I-frame, which is not supported by conventional intra refresh encoding methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing low bit rate intra refresh encoding by distributing I-frames across multiple frames and using traffic shaping to delay data packet transmission, allowing playback to start from any intra frame encoded image frame, while maintaining a stable bitrate through organized data packet distribution and metadata for chronological positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If intra frame encoding is used in H.264 standards, then image quality is improved, but bitrate spikes occur due to large I-frame vs P-frame size ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the I-frame data into multiple data packets that are distributed across multiple image frames. Instead of transmitting the entire I-frame in one block, the frame is divided into slices or blocks that are spread across successive frames, converting a single large bitrate spike into multiple smaller transmissions over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic intra refresh where specific regions of frames are periodically encoded as I-frames at regular intervals. This creates a structured, predictable pattern of intra-frame transmissions rather than continuous high-bitrate I-frames, allowing rate control and smoothing of bitrate fluctuations over time.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional intra refresh encoding is used, then bitrate spikes are reduced, but playback flexibility is lost requiring long delays before starting from a full I-frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of complete I-frames and stores them as reconstructed frames at the decoder. By pre-processing and preparing full I-frame data in advance during the distributed transmission process, the system ensures that complete reference frames are available immediately when needed for random access or seek operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of I-frame data by distributing packets across multiple frames while maintaining the ability to reconstruct complete I-frames at the decoder. Multiple copies or representations of frame data exist in different forms (distributed packets vs. reconstructed frames), providing flexibility for different playback scenarios.
3Quantity of substance
If I-frames are distributed across multiple frames, then bitrate spikes are mitigated, but device complexity increases due to packet distribution and reconstruction processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reconstruction process at the decoder that assembles distributed packets into complete I-frames. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of packet distribution and reassembly, shielding the core encoding/decoding logic from the intricacies of distributed transmission while maintaining bitrate stability benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for encoding and transmitting a plurality of image frames of a video stream includes: intra refresh encoding the plurality of image frames; encoding one image frame of the plurality of image frames to produce encoded image data of the one image frame, the encoded image data being organized in a plurality of data packets, wherein the encoding comprises intra frame encoding the one image frame; transmitting, over a time period, the intra refresh encoded image frames; transmitting the plurality of data packets, wherein the transmission of the plurality of data packets is distributed over the time period during which the intra refresh encoded image frames are transmitted. An interrelated method for receiving and storing the plurality of image frames, as well as devices and computer program products for performing the methods, are also provided.