Parallel Thread Video Preview for Smart TV Fast Forward
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart TVs face limitations in fast forward and fast backward operations due to the lack of a preview function, resulting in an inconvenient user experience as they require interrupting video playback and waiting for buffering, unlike computer mice which allow cursor movement and previewing before jumping to a specific position.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that initiate a second thread parallel to the primary video playback thread to obtain and display frame images at specific video positions during fast forward or fast backward operations, allowing users to preview and jump to desired positions without interrupting the current video playback, using multiple threads for independent tasks and decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single thread is used for video playback, then the system is simple and resource-efficient, but the preview function cannot be implemented without interrupting playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video processing system into multiple independent threads: a first thread for main video playback and a second thread for preview operations. This segmentation allows both playback and preview functions to execute simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second thread performs preliminary actions by pre-decoding and preparing preview frames before the user needs to jump to a specific position. This allows the system to provide instant preview capability without interrupting the main playback thread, improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable complexity through asynchronous processing.
2Productivity
If fast forward operation is implemented by buffering, then the video can be played from target position, but the playback is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The second thread performs preliminary decoding and preparation of video clips at target positions before the user confirms playback resumption. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming buffering during playback interruption, as the video data is already prepared and ready for immediate playback continuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by having the first thread continue uninterrupted video playback while the second thread simultaneously prepares preview content. Both threads operate in parallel without blocking each other, ensuring that the main playback experience remains continuous and uninterrupted despite fast forward operations.
3Ease of operation
If preview function is added to remote control operation, then user experience improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into dedicated functional threads: the first thread handles main playback operations while the second thread handles preview operations. This segmentation isolates complexity within specific threads while keeping the overall system architecture manageable, allowing enhanced user experience without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second thread acts as an intermediary between the user's preview requests and the main video stream. It receives preview operations from the remote control, prepares the necessary video clips and frames, and makes them available for playback without interfering with the main playback thread, thus improving user experience while managing system complexity through a dedicated intermediary layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for video playing processing and a TV are provided. The method for video playing processing includes: initiating a second thread in parallel with a first thread if a preview operation is received, when the video is played by the first thread, wherein the preview operation is used for indicating a fast forward or fast backward operation on the video; obtaining, by the second thread, a video clip at a video playing position corresponding to the preview operation in the first thread; obtaining, by the second thread, at least one frame image decoded from the video clip; displaying, by the second thread, the at least one frame image on a playing screen of the video played by the first thread. In the process of the fast forward or fast backward, playing of the current video is not affected, resulting in a better user experience.