Picture in Picture Video Stream Selection via STN Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard DVD-Video and BD-ROM formats face challenges in implementing Picture in Picture due to the lack of simultaneous decoding of multiple video streams, leading to issues with data size and compatibility across different playback apparatuses, which restricts the ability to display secondary videos in various formats and resolutions, resulting in inconsistent Picture in Picture functionality.
Innovation Solution
A recording medium that includes multiple video streams and a table of permitted secondary video streams, allowing playback apparatuses to select playable streams based on their capabilities, ensuring consistent Picture in Picture operation across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video streams are recorded individually for Picture in Picture functionality, then compatibility across different playback apparatuses is improved, but data size becomes prohibitively large
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary video stream is designed to be universally playable across different playback apparatuses by using a common video format (MPEG2 transport stream) that can be decoded by both PAL and NTSC format players, eliminating the need for separate format-specific streams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the format parameter of the secondary video stream from format-specific (50i for PAL, 60i for NTSC) to a universal format (MPEG2 transport stream) that can be adapted to different playback formats through the playback apparatus, reducing data redundancy
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary video streams are created in different formats (PAL 50i, NTSC 60i), then Picture in Picture can be displayed in appropriate formats, but playback compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process where the secondary video stream is first encoded in a universal MPEG2 transport stream format, which then serves as a mediator that can be decoded and displayed in either PAL or NTSC format depending on the playback apparatus capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary video stream uses a universal video format (MPEG2 transport stream) that can be played back on both PAL and NTSC format apparatuses, making the stream multi-functional and format-agnostic
3Adaptability or versatility
If HDTV decoding function is added to secondary video decoder, then Picture in Picture with HDTV secondary video is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding functionality by having a dedicated secondary video decoder for standard definition streams and utilizing the primary video decoder for HDTV streams when needed, avoiding the need to always equip the secondary video decoder with HDTV decoding capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
When HDTV Picture in Picture is needed, the system copies or utilizes the primary video decoder's HDTV decoding capability to handle the secondary video stream, rather than requiring a separate HDTV decoding function in the secondary video decoder
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of video streams and STN_table are recorded in the local storage 200. Each of the plurality of video streams is a secondary video stream to be played together with a primary video stream, and includes picture data representing a child image to be displayed in Picture in Picture that is composed of a parent image and the child image. In the STN_table, entries of secondary video streams that are permitted to be played are described in the order of priority.