Encoding Timecode in Video Using Colored Pixel Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of sideband timecode with video frames is unreliable, and the extraction of burnt-in timecode using OCR techniques is computationally intensive and prone to errors, increasing resource usage and complexity in video encoding and decoding processes.
Innovation Solution
Encoding timecode in video using colored regions of pixels within frames, allowing for subsequent decoding without the need for burnt-in timecode or OCR, thereby reducing computational resources and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If OCR techniques are used to extract burnt-in timecode from video, then timecode extraction is achieved, but computational resources are significantly increased and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical character recognition system with a direct digital color analysis system. Instead of using OCR to recognize numerals rendered as images, the system directly analyzes pixel color values to extract timecode information, eliminating the need for complex image processing and pattern matching algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential color information from video frames to encode timecode, separating the timecode data from the visual content. This allows the timecode to be stored as color metadata rather than as visible numerals, enabling direct extraction without OCR processing.
2Ease of operation
If burnt-in timecode is added to video frames, then timecode visibility is improved, but encoding and decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color information as an intermediary carrier for timecode data. Instead of directly embedding visible numerals that require processing, the system encodes timecode as color values in video frames, which can be easily extracted and decoded without adding visible elements to the video content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and color values in video frames to encode timecode information. Different colors or color patterns represent different timecode values, allowing the timecode to be conveyed through color metadata rather than through visible numerals that would increase processing complexity.
3Loss of information
If sideband timecode is used alongside video, then timecode metadata is provided, but alignment reliability with video frames deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timecode data directly into the video frame structure by encoding it as color information within the frames themselves. This integration ensures that the timecode is intrinsically aligned with the video frames, eliminating the synchronization and alignment issues that occur with separate sideband timecode tracks.
Data Source
AI summary
Timecode is encoded in video using colored regions of pixels. Pixels in adjacent regions in frames of a video are color-coded to encode timecode. For example, two adjacent regions might both be colored red to encode the numeral ‘0.’ As another example, two adjacent regions might be colored red and purple, respectively, to encode the numeral ‘1.’ The regions can be the same size as a macroblock (e.g. 16×16 pixels) used by a video encoder and aligned to macroblock boundaries for efficient encoding. The colors of the adjacent regions can be decoded to obtain the timecode. The timecode might then be burned into frames of the video, displayed non-destructively over the video, or used in another manner.