Video Signal Format Switching Without Resolution Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a user switches from 3D to 2D video mode, the left or right eye signal of 3D formatted video content is dropped, resulting in reduced video quality due to half resolution, affecting the 2D viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
Generating and transmitting both 2D and 3D versions of video content simultaneously, with metadata providing tuning information for devices to switch between formats, allowing seamless switching without dropping signals or reducing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a user switches from 3D to 2D video mode by dropping one eye signal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the video quality deteriorates due to half resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video content into separate 2D and 3D signal streams that are transmitted independently. The set-top box receives and processes these segmented streams separately, allowing it to switch between formats without degrading quality. Each stream maintains full resolution independently, eliminating the need to drop signals when switching modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing the video content into both 2D and 3D formats before transmission. The set-top box receives both formats in advance and stores them in buffer memory, enabling instant switching between modes without real-time signal manipulation that would cause quality loss.
2Manufacturing precision
If both 2D and 3D versions of video content are transmitted simultaneously, then the video quality is maintained during format switching, but the bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the format parameter of the video content to create both 2D and 3D versions from the same source material. By modifying format parameters rather than transmitting completely separate content, the bandwidth requirement is reduced while still maintaining full resolution quality for both formats during switching.
3Speed
If the system switches between 2D and 3D formats using signal dropping, then the switching speed is improved, but the viewing experience deteriorates due to resolution loss
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box performs preliminary action by pre-buffering both 2D and 3D signal streams in memory before switching is required. This allows instant format switching without real-time signal processing or dropping, maintaining both full resolution and fast switching speed while providing seamless format transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for viewing video content is described. In one aspect a first data stream including video content in a 2D format may be received. The first data stream may include embedded first data identifying tuning data for accessing the video content in a 3D format. The video content may be outputted in the 2D format. A notification of availability of the video content in the 3D format may be displayed to a viewer, and an instruction to tune to the video content in the 3D format may be received. The video content in the 3D format then may be outputted.