Test Pattern Generation for Video Compression Loss Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing video and audio equipment fail to effectively quantify losses due to video compression and synchronization issues, particularly in digital systems, leading to noticeable artifacts and lipsync errors.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to generate test patterns that visually and numerically indicate losses in video and audio equipment, including periodic signals for quantization errors, color transformation mismatches, and lipsync errors, using sinusoidal patterns, color transformations between Rec. 601 and Rec. 709 standards, and synchronized video and audio sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If lossy compression algorithms are used to reduce data size, then file size is reduced to manageable levels, but compression artifacts are introduced that may be visually noticeable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sizeVSAvoidvisual quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color bars with specific color transitions and patterns to detect compression artifacts. By analyzing color information in the test pattern, the system can identify quantization errors and distortion introduced by lossy compression algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with automated digital analysis. Instead of relying on human eyes to judge quality, the system uses computer algorithms to objectively measure compression artifacts through numerical analysis of the test pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If color transformation between incompatible standards (Rec.601 and Rec.709) is performed, then compatibility with different transmission standards is achieved, but color errors are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandard compatibilityVSAvoidcolor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates color bars that span the gamut of colors in both Rec.601 and Rec.709 standards. By displaying these specific color patterns and analyzing their transformation through the video equipment, the system can detect color errors introduced by incompatible standard conversions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The test pattern with specific color bars acts as an intermediary to expose hidden color errors. The color bars serve as a known reference that, when transformed through the video equipment, reveals any discrepancies caused by standard mismatches between encoding and decoding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If test signals such as color bars and multiburst are used to test degradations, then analog signal testing is possible, but digital compression system testing is not effectively achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal type compatibilityVSAvoidcompression distortion detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic test pattern that includes temporal variations and specific sequencing designed to expose compression artifacts. The test pattern changes over time in a controlled manner to elicit specific responses from the compression system that can be measured and quantified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional analog test signals with digitally generated test patterns specifically designed for digital compression systems. The test pattern is created and analyzed entirely in the digital domain, enabling precise measurement of compression distortion that was not possible with analog test methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If single-ended reference free techniques are used for distortion measurement, then original frame access is not required, but small distortions cannot be discerned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe access requirementVSAvoiddistortion detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reference test pattern as an intermediary that contains embedded reference information. This reference pattern serves as a baseline against which distortions can be measured, enabling the detection of small artifacts without requiring access to the original uncompressed video frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10148946B2Method for generating test patterns for detecting and quantifying losses in video equipment

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 SRI INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A method for detecting and quantifying losses in at least one of video and audio equipment, comprising the steps of generating the test pattern; processing the test pattern through video equipment; and displaying the processed test pattern to a display to a viewer. In one embodiment, the test pattern is indicative of video compression losses due to quantization. In another embodiment, the test pattern is indicative of a color transformation mismatch after encoding/decoding with incompatible video transmission standards. In a third embodiment, the test pattern is iso-luminant after a color transformation between a first and second video transmission standard. In a fourth embodiment, the test pattern is indicative of lipsync error.