Set-Top Box Thumbnail Generation Using Segmented Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy digital video devices face challenges in generating preview thumbnails due to limited processing resources and memory, as decoding video for thumbnails doubles the processing requirements and memory usage, especially when users fast forward or rewind, leading to difficulties in locating desired locations within a program.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for thumbnail generation in video devices that involves decoding and storing periodically timed frames as JPEG images, using a video set-top box to generate thumbnails by identifying I-frames and encoding them with reduced resolution, and transmitting a subset of thumbnails based on user requests, optimizing memory usage and processing demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video is decoded for thumbnail generation using the same video decoder, then thumbnail functionality is achieved, but processing requirements and memory usage double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the video decoding process specifically for thumbnail generation. Instead of using the full video decoder, it implements a dedicated thumbnail decoder that replicates only the essential decoding functions needed for low-resolution thumbnail images, thereby reducing memory requirements while maintaining thumbnail generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the video processing functionality by separating thumbnail decoding from main video decoding. It divides the decoder resources into distinct components: a full video decoder for HD video and a simplified thumbnail decoder for preview images, allowing each to operate with appropriate memory allocation without interfering with the other
2Adaptability or versatility
If video is decoded for thumbnail generation using the same video decoder, then thumbnail functionality is achieved, but processing requirements and memory usage double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the video decoding process specifically for thumbnail generation. Instead of using the full video decoder, it implements a dedicated thumbnail decoder that replicates only the essential decoding functions needed for low-resolution thumbnail images, thereby reducing processing requirements while maintaining thumbnail generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the thumbnail decoder adapts its operation based on system conditions. It can dynamically adjust its processing mode, utilizing available CPU cycles during idle periods for thumbnail generation without interfering with main video playback performance
3Device complexity
If a single video decoder is used for both video playback and thumbnail generation, then device complexity is reduced, but legacy devices cannot generate preview thumbnails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video processing functionality by separating thumbnail decoding from main video decoding. It divides the decoder resources into distinct components: a full video decoder for HD video and a simplified thumbnail decoder for preview images, allowing each to operate with appropriate memory allocation without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional decoding system where the same processing architecture handles both full video playback and thumbnail generation. The thumbnail decoder serves as a specialized component that works in conjunction with the main video decoder, enabling legacy devices to perform multiple functions without requiring completely separate hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes are provided to generate and transmit a thumbnail image for a video searching function including a video input configured to receive a video signal, a processor configured to decode the video signal to generate a video program, to generate a plurality of thumbnail images in response to the video program, to determine a subset of the plurality of thumbnail images in response to a client request and to couple the subset of the plurality of thumbnail images to a network interface, and the network interface configured to transmit and receive data on a local area network, the network interface being operative to receive the client request from a client device and to transmit the subset of the plurality of thumbnail images to the network interface for transmission to the client device.