Set-Top Box Video Quality Measurement via Reference Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to directly measure video quality at customer premises, relying on indirect predictors like signal-to-noise ratio, and lack a way to correlate network performance metrics with full-reference video quality metrics for end-to-end video evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A system that captures video signals from head ends, stores them as sample files on set-top boxes, and compares them to reference files using a quality server, enabling direct measurement of video quality from head ends to customer premises equipment, correlating with network performance metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indirect performance metrics (signal-to-noise ratio, carrier-to-noise ratio) are measured at customer premises, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference video signal as an intermediary that is injected into the video distribution network at the headend and received at the customer premises. This reference signal serves as a mediator between the source and the measurement point, enabling direct quality comparison without requiring complex indirect measurements at the customer location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the original video signal that is distributed through the same network path as the test signal. By comparing the received test signal against this reference copy, the system achieves precise quality measurement without needing to physically travel to the customer premises for measurement.
2Measurement precision
If full-reference video quality metrics are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the reference signal injection system to serve multiple functions: it provides a reference for quality measurement, enables network path identification, and facilitates end-to-end performance evaluation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing customer premises equipment (set-top boxes, receivers) to perform the quality measurement functions rather than requiring dedicated external measurement devices. The customer equipment itself becomes part of the measurement system, reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If end-to-end video quality measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The reference video signal is pre-injected into the network at the headend before actual quality measurement begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming signal generation and distribution during the measurement process itself, allowing for rapid quality assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signal continuously traverses the network path, allowing for ongoing quality measurements without interruption. This continuous action enables real-time quality monitoring without the time loss associated with repeated setup and signal transmission cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A video signal is provided to a set top box. An instruction to record a specified portion of the video signal, thereby creating a video sample, is provided to the set top box. The video sample is received from the set top box. Reference video corresponding to the video sample is obtained. A comparison of the video sample and the reference video is performed.