Video Thumbnail Generation via Modified Packet Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy digital video devices face challenges in generating preview thumbnails due to high processing and memory requirements, especially when decoding video for fast-forward or rewind operations, as they typically require double the resources needed for normal high-definition video decoding, leading to insufficient resources on lower-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating thumbnail images by modifying the packet header to set reference frames to zero and designating video frames as unused for reference, allowing only intra-coded frames to be decoded, which reduces memory allocation and computational load, thereby minimizing memory footprint and processing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video is decoded for thumbnail generation using the same decoder as normal video, then thumbnail images can be generated, but processing resources and memory requirements double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates thumbnail decoding from main video decoding by creating a specialized thumbnail decoder that processes only intra-coded frames. This segmentation allows independent optimization of resource allocation, enabling thumbnail generation without consuming resources needed for primary video playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes reference frame data from the decoding process by modifying packet headers to indicate zero reference frames. This extraction eliminates unnecessary memory allocation for reference frames that are not needed for thumbnail generation, reducing memory requirements while maintaining thumbnail quality.
2Reliability
If video is decoded for thumbnail generation using the same decoder as normal video, then thumbnail images can be generated, but processing resources double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated thumbnail decoder that is simpler and less resource-intensive than a full video decoder. This specialized decoder processes only the necessary intra-coded frames for thumbnails and can be discarded or reset between thumbnail generations, reducing overall processing resource requirements on legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting and removing reference frame processing from the thumbnail decoding path through header modification, the invention eliminates computationally expensive operations. This extraction reduces the processing burden on legacy devices while maintaining sufficient quality for thumbnail display.
3Manufacturing precision
If reference frames are allocated for video decoding, then high definition video quality is maintained, but memory footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality standards to different parts of the video processing system. Main video decoding maintains full HD quality with appropriate reference frames, while thumbnail decoding uses a simplified approach with zero reference frames. This local quality differentiation allows memory optimization for thumbnails without compromising primary video quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the decoding parameters for thumbnail generation by modifying packet headers to set reference frame count to zero and marking frames as unused for reference. This parameter change reduces memory footprint for thumbnail processing while maintaining sufficient visual quality for preview purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes the steps of receiving an encoded video packet including a packet header and generating a modified packet header. The modified packet header is generated by setting a first value in the packet header to indicate zero reference frames, and by setting a second value in the packet header designating an i-frame as unused for reference. The i-frame is decoded in response to the modified packet header to extract the i-frame without caching the i-frame in a decoded picture buffer. A thumbnail image is generated and includes an image from the i-frame. The thumbnail image is stored directly in memory.