Hybrid Video Coding Using Software and Hardware Codecs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current codecs for mobile devices, such as smartphones, face challenges in efficiently transmitting videos with various resolutions due to the need for software codecs, which increase network traffic and data usage by transmitting redundant video data.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid video coding method that combines software and hardware codecs by generating scaled-down video frames using a software codec and differential images using a hardware codec, allowing for efficient encoding and decoding of videos across different resolutions, thereby reducing redundant data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a software codec is used to encode videos with various resolutions, then adaptability to different resolutions is improved, but network traffic and data usage increase due to redundant data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The video encoding process is segmented into two layers: a base layer encoded at lower resolution using software codec, and an enhancement layer encoded at higher resolution using hardware codec. This segmentation allows selective transmission based on resolution requirements, reducing redundant data while maintaining adaptability to different resolutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges software codec and hardware codec into a hybrid encoding system. The software codec handles base layer encoding for adaptability, while the hardware codec handles enhancement layer encoding for efficiency, combining their strengths to reduce network traffic without sacrificing resolution adaptability.
2Productivity
If a hardware codec is used for encoding, then encoding speed is improved, but flexibility to add new functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The encoding function is segmented between hardware codec (for speed-critical enhancement layer) and software codec ( for flexibility-critical base layer). This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance zone while collectively providing both speed and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid codec system achieves multi-functionality by integrating both software and hardware encoding capabilities. The system can selectively use software codec for flexible adaptation to new formats and hardware codec for high-speed encoding, making the system universally applicable to various scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate videos with different resolutions are transmitted, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but network data usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Video data is segmented into base layer (lower resolution) and enhancement layer (higher resolution). The base layer ensures basic compatibility with all devices, while the enhancement layer provides improved quality for capable devices. This segmentation eliminates the need to transmit duplicate full-resolution videos to all devices, reducing network data usage while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels are provided locally to different devices based on their capabilities. Devices with limited capabilities receive only the base layer, while devices with higher capabilities receive both base and enhancement layers. This local quality adaptation ensures compatibility across devices without wasting network bandwidth on unnecessary high-quality transmissions to incapable devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a methods and/or systems for hybrid video coding. A hybrid video coding method may include generating scaled-down video frames by scaling down frames of an original video, generating a stream of a first layer by encoding the scaled-down video frames using a first encoder of a software codec, and generating a stream of a second layer using the frames of the original video and a second encoder of a hardware codec.