Multichannel Video Decoder Using Key Frame Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital broadcasting systems require multiple video decoders to simultaneously decode video data from multiple channels, which is not suitable for portable receivers due to high system complexity, and unnecessary for lower-resolution sub-channels like Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Electronic Program Guide (EPG) applications.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel video reception apparatus and method using a single video decoder that decodes video frames from multiple channels by extracting and storing key frames of the sub-channel when a key frame occurs in the main channel, allowing for efficient simultaneous decoding of main and sub-channel images without affecting the quality of the main channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple video decoders are used to simultaneously decode video data from multiple channels, then video decoding performance is maximized, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video decoding task by separating key frames from non-key frames. The single video decoder processes only key frames from sub-channels when main channel key frames are being decoded, while non-key frames are handled through frame storage and selective retrieval. This segmentation allows one decoder to effectively handle multiple channels without requiring multiple parallel decoders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing key frames of sub-channels in advance in a frame buffer before they are needed for display. When a main channel key frame is being decoded, the system has already prepared the sub-channel key frames for immediate retrieval and display, eliminating the need for simultaneous decoding operations and reducing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional video decoder is used for sub-channel decoding (like PiP and EPG), then simultaneous decoding of multiple channels is achieved, but system complexity unnecessarily increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single video decoder universal by enabling it to process video frames from both main channels and sub-channels through a unified decoding architecture. The decoder switches between processing main channel frames and sub-channel key frames based on timing signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated decoders for different channel types while maintaining multichannel decoding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing where the single video decoder alternates between decoding main channel frames and sub-channel key frames in periodic intervals. The controller manages this periodic switching based on key frame detection and timing signals, allowing one decoder to serve multiple channels without requiring additional decoding hardware.
3Device complexity
If a single video decoder is used to decode both main channel and sub-channel video frames, then system complexity is reduced, but decoding quality and performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential sub-channel key frames for display purposes rather than attempting to decode all sub-channel frames simultaneously with the main channel. By selecting and storing only key frames (which contain complete image information) in the frame buffer, the system maintains high decoding quality for the single decoder while reducing the processing burden, thereby preserving reliability without requiring multiple decoders.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multichannel video reception apparatus of a mobile communication terminal for digital broadcasting. An RF processor receives a broadcast signal of a digital broadcast service via an antenna. A baseband processor processes the received broadcast signal in a baseband. A controller controls the RF processor and the baseband processor to receive the broadcast signal including video frames of a main channel and a sub-channel. A memory stores a program code, reference data, and updatable user data, for an operation of the controller. A video processor receives the video frames of the main channel and the sub-channel, decodes the latest key frame of the sub-channel if a key frame of the main channel occurs while decoding the video frames of the main channel, and after decoding the key frame of the sub-channel, decodes the frames of the main channel. A display divides the decoded video signal into a main-channel image and a sub-channel image and separately displays the images. An audio processor outputs an audio signal of the digital broadcast service included in the broadcast signal.