Video Decoder Frame Block Comparison Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing video decoder devices is time-consuming and prone to human error, as it requires manual monitoring of decoded video frames to determine functionality, which can lead to misdiagnosis and affects manufacturing throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that segment decoded video frames into blocks, calculate and compare pixel values to reference values from known-functional decoders, determining functionality based on threshold matches, enabling real-time testing without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of decoded video frames is used to determine decoder functionality, then a person can visually detect errors in decoded video, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection mechanism with an automated computerized analysis system. The test system automatically receives decoded video frames, segments them into blocks, calculates values from pixel data, and compares these values against reference data to determine decoder functionality. This substitution eliminates human involvement in the actual testing process, thereby removing both the time consumption and human error associated with manual monitoring while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If a person monitors decoded video frames for multiple video decoder devices, then testing can be performed across multiple devices, but the person becomes prone to misdiagnosis over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service testing system where the computerized test system autonomously performs all testing operations without requiring human intervention. The system automatically receives encoded video frames, controls the video decoder devices, processes decoded video frames through segmentation and value calculation, compares results against reference data, and determines functionality. This automation allows the system to test multiple devices continuously without fatigue or loss of concentration, maintaining high reliability across large numbers of devices while maximizing productivity.
3Extent of automation
If automated block-by-block comparison with reference data is implemented, then testing speed and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the decoded video frame into multiple smaller blocks and further dividing each block into sub-blocks. This hierarchical segmentation allows the complex task of entire frame comparison to be broken down into manageable units. The test system calculates values for each sub-block and compares them against corresponding reference data, enabling automated processing of large volumes of pixel information through systematic division rather than attempting to process the entire frame as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference data that represents correctly decoded video frames from known-functional video decoder devices. These reference frames serve as templates or copies against which the output of devices under test is compared. By creating and storing these reference copies in advance, the system enables automated comparison without requiring complex real-time analysis of what constitutes correct decoding, thereby simplifying the testing logic while maintaining high automation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various arrangements for testing video decoder device functionality are presented. A video frame decoded by a video decoder device under test may be received. The received video frame may be segmented into a plurality of blocks. A first value may be calculated for a first block of the plurality of blocks of the received video frame using pixel values of pixels present within the first block. The first value may be compared to a first reference value. The first reference value may correspond to a first reference block of one or more reference frames. Video decoder functionality of the video decoder device may be determined to be functional at least partially based on comparing the first value to the first reference value.