Streaming Client Pause Image Selection Using Buffer Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video streaming technologies display a blurry image when paused, which is undesirable for users and streaming client manufacturers, as they prefer a sharp image for better user experience and competitive advantage.
Innovation Solution
A method in a streaming client that selects an optimal frame from buffered video data, considering criteria such as contrast, I-frames, and cepstrum, to display a sharp still image during pauses, without requiring high-quality images from the service provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the last decoded frame is displayed as the pause image, then the implementation is simple, but the image quality is blurry
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-decodes and buffers multiple video frames in advance during normal streaming operation. When pause is detected, the system selects from the pre-available frames in the buffer rather than using the last decoded frame, ensuring high image quality without additional decoding delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection criterion from 'last decoded frame' to 'optimal frame from buffer' by evaluating frame quality parameters such as contrast, sharpness, and temporal characteristics. This parameter-based selection enables automatic identification of the best pause image.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-quality images are downloaded from the service provider, then the pause image quality is improved, but the system complexity and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The streaming client uses its own buffered video frames to generate the pause image instead of requesting separate high-quality images from the service provider. The client's existing buffer, which contains decoded frames from the ongoing stream, serves the dual purpose of both playback and pause image generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The video buffer serves multiple functions: it stores frames for continuous playback and simultaneously provides frames for pause image generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pause image retrieval mechanisms.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the pause image is displayed for a long time, then the user can see the image clearly, but the user experience deteriorates due to blurriness
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frame selection parameters to prioritize sharpness and contrast when choosing the pause image. By evaluating frames based on their visual quality metrics rather than simply using the last decoded frame, the system ensures high image quality throughout the pause period.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (10) in a streaming client (1) for handling video streaming data. The method (10) comprises: receiving (11), decoding (12) and buffering (13) video streaming data comprising frames of image data; displaying (14) the frames of image data on a display (40) of the streaming client (1); receiving (15) an input requesting a pause in the reception of video streaming data; selecting (16), among decoded frames of image data, an optimal frame of image data; continuing (17) displaying frames of image data available in a buffer (45) of the streaming client 1 until the selected optimal frame of image data is encountered; and displaying (18) the selected optimal frame of image data as a still picture on the display (40) of the streaming client (1). The invention also encompasses a streaming client (1), computer program (51) and computer program products (50).