Transport Stream Storage Null Packet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing MPEG-2 transport streams are inefficient, particularly when handling both constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) streams, as they require significant processing to regenerate transport streams and result in increased storage and bandwidth requirements due to the inclusion of null packets.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for efficiently storing transport streams by preprocessing packets to remove null packets, storing the location and number of removed null packets, and reinserting them during delivery, allowing for efficient storage and scalable transmission of both CBR and VBR streams from a single file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If null packets are included in stored transport streams to maintain CBR timing, then timing accuracy is improved, but storage space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts null packets from the transport stream during storage, removing unnecessary data while preserving timing information in metadata. This reduces storage space requirements while maintaining the ability to restore original timing characteristics during playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the transport stream by identifying and removing null packets before storage, and pre-storing timing information in metadata. This preliminary action eliminates the need to store actual null packets while preserving timing accuracy for later reconstruction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate storage files are used for CBR and VBR streams, then delivery flexibility is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal storage format that can represent both CBR and VBR streams using the same file structure. By storing timing information and null packet metadata in a standardized manner, the system can deliver either CBR or VBR streams from a single storage file, eliminating the need for separate files while maintaining delivery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation of transport stream data by separating actual packet data from timing/control information. This parameter change allows the same storage file to support different delivery modes (CBR or VBR) by applying different processing rules during playback, rather than requiring separate files for each mode.
3Quantity of substance
If null packets are removed during storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but regeneration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing timing information and null packet metadata during the storage phase. This pre-stored information simplifies the regeneration process, as the system only needs to insert null packets at predetermined locations based on stored metadata rather than performing complex analysis during playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary that carries timing and control information between the storage and playback systems. This intermediary structure simplifies regeneration by providing explicit instructions for null packet insertion, eliminating the need for complex regeneration logic while maintaining storage efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If full processing is applied to regenerate transport streams, then stream accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the transport stream during storage to identify and remove null packets while storing their location and timing information in metadata. During playback, the system only needs to perform simple null packet insertion based on pre-stored information rather than applying full processing algorithms, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining stream accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for efficiently storing transport streams. A first sequence of one or more packets associated with the first transport stream is received, the first sequence comprising one or more data packets. A storage packet is generated by selecting one or more packets from the first sequence, the storage packet comprising a packet header and the one or more data packets. One or more null packet insertion locations are identified in a second sequence of one or more packets associated with a second transport stream. Null packet insertion information is generated based on the one or more null packet insertion locations, the information including data indicative of a reconstruction parameter related to reconstructing the second sequence from the storage packet by inserting one or more null packets that are not stored in the storage packet, wherein the packet header includes the null packet insertion information. The storage packet is stored.