Multi-Program Picture-in-Picture Viewing in Wireless Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital multimedia broadcasting techniques for mobile wireless devices face challenges in efficiently supporting multi-program viewing due to limited computation resources, particularly in switching between channels without causing decoding issues or extensive computational costs.
Innovation Solution
The techniques employ relatively low frame rate presentation for some channels, using low resolution channel switch frames (CSFs) to allow quick channel selection and subsequent higher resolution, higher frame rate playback, enabling simultaneous presentation of frames from multiple channels at different rates, including picture-in-picture viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple channels are decoded and presented simultaneously at high frame rates, then picture quality and viewing experience are improved, but computation resources are exceeded in mobile wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different frame rates to different channels based on their importance and user interaction requirements. The first channel (primary program) is decoded and presented at a high frame rate to maintain picture quality, while the second channel (secondary program or EPG) is decoded and presented at a lower frame rate. This local differentiation of quality parameters allows the system to maintain acceptable picture quality for the primary content while reducing overall computational burden on the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent decodes both channels but presents only a subset of decoded frames from the second channel at lower frame rates. This partial action approach allows the system to prepare content in advance (decode) while controlling the actual presentation rate to match computational capabilities. The system performs more decoding than strictly necessary for the lower frame rate display, which can be useful for future channel switching or user selection.
2Speed
If channel switching is performed quickly, then user responsiveness is improved, but decoding issues and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary decoding of the second channel in the background before the user actually needs to switch to it. By pre-decoding frames from the second channel and preparing them for presentation, the system reduces the latency associated with channel switching. When the user requests to switch channels, the decoded content is already available or nearly ready, enabling fast switching without the overhead of real-time decoding during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the frame rate of the second channel based on the current viewing state and user interactions. When the second channel is in the background or not actively viewed, it is presented at a lower frame rate to conserve resources. When the user switches to or hovers over the second channel, the system can increase its frame rate dynamically. This dynamic adjustment allows fast channel switching while maintaining decoding stability by adapting computational effort to actual usage needs.
3Productivity
If low resolution channel switch frames are used for quick channel selection, then channel switching efficiency is improved, but picture quality during selection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents frames from the second channel at periodic intervals at a lower frame rate when the channel is not actively viewed. This periodic presentation maintains basic visibility and allows users to browse or preview the second channel content at reduced quality, improving channel switching efficiency. When the user actually selects or focuses on the second channel, the system transitions to presenting frames at the full high frame rate, restoring picture quality. This periodic action strategy allows efficient channel exploration without permanently sacrificing picture quality.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a number of techniques for processing multimedia data that can improve multi-program “picture-in-picture” viewing, particularly in a wireless mobile apparatus setting. In one example, a method includes receiving multiple channels of the multimedia data, decoding frames associated with two or more of the channels, presenting first frames of a first channel at a first frame rate, and presenting second frames of a second channel at a second frame rate while presenting the first frames, wherein the second frame rate is lower than the first frame rate. In another example, method includes receiving multiple channels of the multimedia data, receiving channel switch frames (CSFs) associated with the multiple channels, and simultaneously presenting the CSFs associated with two or more of the multiple channels to a user.