Smart Search Module for Video Scene Change Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video content search functionalities, such as SKIP and SEEK, are cumbersome for users to locate desired points-of-interest, particularly scene changes, due to lack of precision and user effort required, especially in longer content or smaller display formats, leading to inaccuracies and frustration.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a smart search method that utilizes a playback device with a scene change detection module and smart search module to detect key scene changes within a defined time window, predicting user intent and shifting playback to the nearest key scene change, thereby improving navigation and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional SKIP functionality is used to advance playback position, then user can quickly move through video content, but user may inadvertently advance beyond the desired scene change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback advancement speedVSAvoidscene change location accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of scene changes within a time window before the user actually seeks to that position. By pre-identifying scene change locations and preparing this information, the system can quickly present accurate scene options to the user without requiring them to manually navigate through content, thus achieving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying detected scene changes and their locations during the seeking process. This feedback mechanism allows users to see what scenes they are approaching and select the desired one, preventing inadvertent advancement beyond the target scene while maintaining quick navigation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If trick mode SEEK functionality is used to locate scene changes, then user can search through video content, but user must pay exceedingly close attention to identify scene changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescene change search capabilityVSAvoiduser attention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the complex task of scene change detection automatically without requiring user involvement. The scene change detection module continuously analyzes video content and identifies scene boundaries, then presents this information to the user. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually monitor and identify scene changes during fast-forward playback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary scene change detection module that acts as a mediator between the video content and the user. This module processes the raw video stream, extracts scene change information, and presents it in a user-friendly format, thereby simplifying the user's task while maintaining search capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If slide bar-based SEEK functionality is used for precise seeking, then user control is improved, but loss of granularity occurs for longer video content or smaller display areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback position accuracyVSAvoiddisplay area for slide bar
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a one-dimensional slide bar interface to a two-dimensional presentation by displaying thumbnail images alongside or instead of the slide bar. These thumbnails provide visual context and scene identification, allowing users to locate desired positions more accurately without requiring a large display area, thus maintaining precision while adapting to smaller screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the video content into discrete scene units and presents these as distinct selectable options to the user. Instead of requiring continuous positioning along a slide bar, users can select from pre-identified scene segments, which maintains precision for locating specific points of interest while being adaptable to various display sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If thumbnail images are presented alongside slide bar to assist searching, then user can identify scenes better, but thumbnails may be relatively small in size on smartphones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescene identification accuracyVSAvoidthumbnail image size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the presentation of thumbnails based on available display space and user interaction. When a user shows interest in a particular thumbnail or time range, the system can expand that thumbnail or provide a larger preview, ensuring that scene identification remains accurate while adapting to the constraints of mobile display screens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3906694B1Systems, methods, and devices supporting scene change-based smart search functionalities
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 DISH NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES INDIA PTE LTD
  • EP3906694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3906694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3906694B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed enabling smart search functionalities utilizing key scene changes appearing in video content. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of, while engaged in playback of the video content, receiving a user command at a playback device to shift a current playback position of the video content to a default search playback position (PPDS). In response to receipt of the user command, the playback device searches a time window encompassing the default search playback position (PPDS) for a key scene change in the video content. If locating a key scene change within the time window, the playback device shifts playback of the video content to a playback position corresponding to the key scene change (PPST). Otherwise, the playback device shifts playback of the video content to the default search playback position (PPDS).