Video Processing Bandwidth Reduction via Selective Signal Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video/audio processing systems connected by IP networks face bandwidth limitations, particularly in live video productions, due to the need to transmit full input signals for each channel, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that selectively transmit only the relevant portions of input signals forming the composed image, using packetized data links between processing and input units, where the processing unit determines which parts of the signal to request from input units, reducing bandwidth requirements by limiting transmission to a maximum of twice the bandwidth needed for a full-size input signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If full input signals are transmitted for each channel in IP network-based video processing systems, then routing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and transmits only the necessary portions of video signals rather than complete signals. The system identifies and transmits only the specific signal segments required for the current program output composition, eliminating redundant data transmission while maintaining routing flexibility through selective signal extraction from multiple input channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments video signals into transmissible portions based on the specific composition requirements. The system divides the signal transmission task into selective segments, where only the necessary parts of input signals are extracted and transmitted over the network, rather than transmitting complete signals for all channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input signals are routed to multiple destinations simultaneously in distributed video production, then system versatility is improved, but network bandwidth limitations are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routing capabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary signal portions required for each specific routing destination and composition. By selectively extracting and transmitting only the needed signal segments rather than complete signals, the system enables multiple simultaneous routings within available network bandwidth constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portions of signals rather than complete signals. This partial transmission approach allows the system to handle multiple routing operations simultaneously without exceeding network bandwidth, as each transmission contains only the minimal required data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If IP networks are used to connect processing units for distributed video production, then system complexity is reduced and adaptability is improved, but bandwidth limitations and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributed processing capabilityVSAvoidbandwidth management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically extracts and identifies the necessary signal portions for transmission based on the program output composition. This automated extraction process simplifies bandwidth management by eliminating the need for manual bandwidth allocation and optimization, reducing operational complexity while maintaining distributed processing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining and transmitting only the necessary signal portions required for the current composition. The bandwidth management is handled autonomously through the composition-based signal selection mechanism, eliminating the need for external bandwidth optimization interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2920957B1Method of operating a video processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 EVS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2920957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2920957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2920957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In video productions the production signal is frequently a composed image consisting of many different source signals. A typical example of such composed images are news programs, sales programs etc. where significant portions of the composed image consists of inserted advertisements, stock market information, breaking news and the like as inserted tiles or bars. The total number of input signals involved to create the composed image can easily reach approximately 15. Normally, the necessary bandwidth to transfer all input signals is simply not available in IP networks. Therefore, a new method for operating video processing system based on IP networks is suggested. The method proposes to transfer only the relevant parts of the input signals which are needed to create a composed image and thus effectively limit bandwidth requirements.