Video Stream Codec Detection Through Flow-Based Packet Repackaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting video stream codecs in building security systems are computationally intensive and unwieldy, requiring large equipment and are inefficient for law enforcement monitoring due to the lack of a priori knowledge of encoders used, especially as the number of cameras increases, leading to increased communication link bit rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for codec detection in video streams that involves processing packet headers and payloads to determine flow and codec-specific structures, allowing rapid and efficient identification of codecs through specific tests, and in some cases, repackaging or replacing video data to facilitate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If brute force methods are used to detect video codecs by running multiple encoders in parallel, then codec detection can be performed, but the approach becomes computationally intensive and requires large equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific identifying features from video packets (such as header information, payload structures, and codec-specific markers) to determine the encoder type. Instead of running multiple encoders, the system extracts relevant diagnostic information from the video stream itself to identify the codec being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of packet headers and payload structures before attempting full codec detection. By examining initial packet characteristics and maintaining state information across packets, the system prepares detection data in advance, reducing the computational burden during actual codec identification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of cameras is increased to improve monitoring coverage, then more video streams are captured, but the bit rate of the communication link increases making detection slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream analysis into manageable units (individual packets and frames) and processes them independently using efficient algorithms. By dividing the high-bitrate stream into discrete analyzable segments and using lightweight detection methods on each segment, the system maintains detection speed despite increased overall data volume from multiple cameras.
3Measurement precision
If brute force encoder testing is performed to identify video codecs, then codec detection can be achieved, but the process is unwieldy and requires personnel to bring heavy equipment into the building
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service codec detection by automatically analyzing video packet characteristics without requiring external encoder testing equipment. The detection algorithm autonomously examines packet headers, payload structures, and codec-specific identifiers to identify the encoder type, eliminating the need for personnel to bring heavy testing equipment into the facility.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for carrying out the method receiving packets, each of the packets comprising a header and a payload. For a particular packet among the packets, the method includes processing at least the header of the particular packet to determine a flow associated with the particular packet; attempting to determine a payload structure based on the flow, the payload structure associated with transport of coded video data in the payload of the particular packet; and if the attempting is successful, repackaging coded video data contained in the payload of the particular packet into a new packet and forwarding the new packet to an external system or storing the new packet in memory.