Media Decoder Configuration Update for Seamless Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transitioning between different types of streamed media content requires complete re-configuration of the media decoder, leading to playback stalling, audio-video desynchronization, and drifting from the live endpoint due to differences in media codec, codec parameters, and decryption configuration.

Innovation Solution

A method and media decoder that updates the decoder configuration using predefined rules to derive a parameterized version of the initial configuration, allowing seamless decoding without reconfiguring the media decoder, by comparing and updating decoder configuration information and header information for each media package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complete re-configuration of the media decoder is performed when transitioning between different types of streamed media content, then the decoder can properly decode the new media format, but playback stalling and audio-video desynchronization occur due to the time-consuming reconfiguration process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoder adaptability to different media formatsVSAvoidplayback continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the decoder with a universal initial configuration that can handle multiple media formats. Instead of waiting until reconfiguration is needed, the decoder is proactively set up with versatile parameters that accommodate different codecs and formats, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconfiguration when format transitions occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a decoder configuration that serves multiple media formats simultaneously. The initial decoder configuration is designed to be format-agnostic and capable of handling various codecs (H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1) and media types (video, audio, encrypted content) without requiring format-specific reconfiguration, allowing the same configuration to function across diverse media types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete re-configuration of the media decoder is performed to handle different media codecs and parameters, then the decoder can properly process the new media type, but decryption configuration and key retrieval communication are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoder support for different codecs and parametersVSAvoiddecryption key retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the decryption configuration as part of the initial decoder setup. The decryption parameters, key management settings, and security protocols are configured in advance alongside the codec parameters, so that when encrypted media content needs to be decoded, the decryption mechanism is already ready and no additional communication delays occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the media decoder is re-configured for each media package, then the decoder can accurately decode the specific media format, but playback stalling and blank media frame insertion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidplayback smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single initial decoder configuration that universally supports multiple media formats, codecs, and parameters. This universal configuration eliminates the need for package-by-package reconfiguration, allowing the decoder to continuously process different media packages without interruption, thus maintaining both decoding accuracy and playback smoothness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the decoder in a continuously operational state with a persistent initial configuration. Instead of interrupting playback for reconfiguration, the decoder continuously decodes media packages using the pre-established universal configuration, ensuring uninterrupted playback flow without blank frames or stalling while maintaining accurate decoding through the versatile configuration design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If complete re-configuration of the media decoder is performed when media type transitions occur, then the decoder can handle the new media format, but audio-video desynchronization and drifting from live endpoint occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoder format transition capabilityVSAvoidsynchronization timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a decoder configuration that universally handles different media formats with synchronized timing parameters. The initial configuration includes format-independent timing and synchronization settings that work across various codecs and media types, ensuring that audio-video synchronization and live endpoint alignment are maintained during format transitions without requiring reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4708888A2A media decoder for decoding streamed media and a method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
  • EP4708888A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708888A2 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4708888A2 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a method for decoding in a media decoder media streamed from a remote media service, the streamed media comprising media packages, the respective media packages comprising decoder configuration information and one or more media samples, the method comprising the steps of: configuring the media decoder using an initial decoder configuration; receiving decoder configuration information of a respective media package; identifying one or more differences between the received decoder configuration information and the initial decoder configuration; deriving, from the received decoder configuration information, an updated decoder configuration in accordance with a set of predefined rules; and decoding the one or more media samples of the respective media package in accordance with the updated decoder configuration. The present disclosure further relates to a media decoder configured to perform the decoding method and to a media player comprising such a media decoder.