Video Distribution Device Scalable Bit Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video distribution methods face challenges in smoothly changing reproduction speed without increasing data transfer rates and reducing decoding load, particularly in fast-forwarding scenarios, where they either require double bandwidth or result in skipped frames due to frame thinning.
Innovation Solution
A video distribution system that hierarchically composes video content with basic and extended signals, allowing independent bit rate control for each signal to adjust reproduction speed without increasing data transfer rates, using scalable codecs like H.264/SVC to manage bit rates and time information for seamless playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fast forward reproduction is performed at double speed by increasing read-out rate, then reproduction speed is improved, but network bandwidth and decoding load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The video stream is segmented into multiple layers (base layer and enhancement layers). During fast forward reproduction, only the base layer is transmitted, while enhancement layers are stopped. This segmentation allows the system to reduce the quantity of data transmitted while maintaining acceptable video quality, thereby resolving the contradiction between reproduction speed and network bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of transmitted data by selecting different layers based on reproduction conditions. For fast forward reproduction, the parameter changes to transmit only base layer data at reduced bit rate, whereas for normal reproduction, full layered data is transmitted. This parameter change enables speed adjustment without proportionally increasing bandwidth usage.
2Speed
If fast forward reproduction is performed at double speed by increasing read-out rate, then reproduction speed is improved, but decoding load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoded video stream is segmented into essential base layer components and optional enhancement layer components. During fast forward reproduction, the decoder only processes the base layer, reducing the computational power required. This segmentation strategy allows faster reproduction without proportionally increasing decoding load.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of decoding the full video stream at high speed, the system performs partial decoding by processing only the base layer during fast forward reproduction. This partial action approach reduces the power consumption and decoding load while still achieving the desired reproduction speed improvement.
3Speed
If frame thinning is performed to achieve fast forwarding, then reproduction speed is improved, but video quality deteriorates due to frame skipping
Solution Approach 1:
The video content is segmented into base layer and enhancement layers, where the base layer contains essential visual information. During fast forward reproduction, the base layer is transmitted and decoded continuously without frame skipping, maintaining acceptable video quality. The segmentation allows the system to preserve quality in the essential layer while enabling speed control.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a video distribution device which can realize a smooth change of reproduction speed without increasing a data transfer rate from the time of a normal reproduction and decrease a decoding load even when the reproduction speed is changed.The video distribution device which distributes a video content composed of a basic signal and one or more extended signals that are hierarchically configured includes content read-out means for reading out the basic signal and the extended signal in the video content at mutually independent bit rates and reproduction speed change means for changing a content reproduction speed by specifying a read-out bit rate for each signal to the content read-out means.