Point-of-Interest References in Encrypted Media Transport Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for locating points of interest in digital multimedia streams are computationally intensive and require decrypting encrypted streams, making them inflexible and inefficient for intermediate processing functions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates references to points of interest within the media stream, allowing intermediate processing functions to locate key frames and program-specific information without parsing the entire stream, using a point-of-interest producer to identify and annotate media packets, and a consumer to utilize these references for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to locate points of interest by examining structural information in each encoded stream, then points of interest can be identified, but the computational load becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding point of interest information (such as frame type indicators, timestamps, and synchronization data) directly into the transport stream during encoding. This allows intermediate processing functions to locate key frames and program-specific information without having to parse and analyze the entire stream structure, significantly reducing computational load while maintaining accurate point of interest identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using metadata tables and program specific information (PSI) that act as indexes to the actual media content. These intermediaries contain pre-processed location information that guides processing functions to specific points of interest without requiring full stream examination, thereby reducing computational requirements
2Reliability
If the transport stream is encrypted, then security is improved, but locating points of interest requires decrypting the entire stream which reduces flexibility and increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the transport stream into encrypted media packets and unencrypted metadata packets. The metadata containing point of interest information is transmitted in clear text or with separate encryption, allowing intermediate processing functions to access location data without decrypting the entire encrypted stream, thus maintaining security while improving processing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary metadata layer that carries point of interest information separately from the encrypted media content. This intermediary structure allows processing functions to obtain location data without full decryption, maintaining security while enabling flexible processing of specific stream portions
3Measurement precision
If intermediate processing functions parse the entire encoded stream to locate key frames, then accurate location is achieved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding location markers, frame type indicators, and synchronization information into the stream metadata during encoding. Intermediate processing functions can directly query these pre-prepared indexes to locate key frames instantly without parsing the entire stream, achieving both accurate location and reduced processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by making point of interest information self-descriptive and directly accessible within the stream structure. Metadata packets contain explicit location data that allows processing functions to autonomously identify and extract key frames without external assistance or full stream analysis, reducing both time and computational resources required
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a stream of transport packets encapsulating media packets, and generating a reference to the point-of-interest media packet relative to the location of the point-of-interest within the transport packet stream. The reference is generated for each media packet that is identified as a point-of-interest.