Splicing System for Seamless Video Segment Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) face delays when switching between playing compressed live video and recorded video segments due to the need for immediate decoding from specific random access points, limiting seamless transitions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an uncompressed copy of a video segment, which can be quickly decompressed, allowing for seamless switching between different video segments by decoding from a preceding random access point at a faster than normal speed and stopping decoding when reaching a specific point, enabling frame-synchronous presentation without transitional effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single decoder is used in the DVR, then device complexity is reduced, but switching delays occur when transitioning between compressed live video and recorded video segments
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-decodes recorded video segments into uncompressed format and stores them in buffer memory before they are needed for playback. When switching from live to recorded video, the pre-decoded segments are already available, eliminating the switching delay that would otherwise occur while the decoder transitions between compressed formats
Solution Approach 2:
An uncompressed copy buffer is introduced as an intermediary between the compressed recorded video segments and the display system. This buffer holds pre-decoded video data, allowing the single decoder to work on compressed live video while the buffer supplies uncompressed recorded video data for immediate playback without switching delays
2Adaptability or versatility
If decoding is performed from a preceding random access point to enable playback from arbitrary locations, then adaptability is improved, but decoding time increases causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary decoding of recorded video segments from random access points and stores the uncompressed data in buffer memory in advance. This allows the decoder to be positioned at any random access point without causing playback delays, as the data is already prepared and waiting in the buffer
Solution Approach 2:
The recorded video content is divided into segments that are decoded and buffered separately. Each segment can be independently decoded from its random access point and stored in the buffer, allowing flexible switching between segments without requiring full-decoding delays
Data Source
AI summary
A method for switching from playing a first compressed data segment to playing a second compressed recorded data segment, the method including playing an uncompressed copy of a start of the second compressed recorded data segment upon switching from playing the first compressed data segment, decoding the second compressed recorded data segment from a preceding random access point, the preceding random access point preceding, in the second compressed recorded data segment, a point at which playing is to be switched to the second compressed recorded data segment, stopping the decoding of the second compressed recorded data segment when reaching a point beyond a point currently being played in the uncompressed copy, and switching to playing the second compressed recorded data segment when playing the uncompressed copy of a start of the second compressed recorded data segment reaches the point at which the decoding of the second compressed recorded data segment was stopped. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.