Video Signal Graphics Detection Without Hardware Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video signal processing systems, such as vision mixers, do not provide information on which graphics are added to a video signal at any given time, making it difficult to detect and modify content without modifying the existing hardware, which is costly and risky.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive a first video signal, graphics signals, and a second video signal, comparing calculated pixel values from the first signal with actual pixel values of the second signal to determine the presence of graphics, allowing detection without modifying existing hardware, even in the presence of rounding errors or noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If vision mixers are modified to provide information about added graphics, then detection capability is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that receives video signals from the vision mixer without requiring modification to the mixer itself. The detection apparatus acts as a mediator between the existing vision mixer and the graphics information extraction process, using signal analysis techniques to detect graphics presence and characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical/hardware modifications to the vision mixer with a software-based signal processing approach. By analyzing the video signal characteristics and comparing frames, the system extracts graphics information through computational methods rather than hardware changes.
2Loss of information
If graphics are added to video signals with transparency, then information presentation is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to pixel comparison difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing reference video frames before graphics are added. These reference frames serve as a baseline for subsequent comparison, enabling the detection system to identify graphics by detecting differences from the known clean state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by not relying on simple pixel-by-pixel comparison but instead analyzing multiple signal characteristics including frame differences, color space transformations, and statistical properties of the video signal to account for transparency effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple graphics signals are mixed periodically, then broadcast flexibility is improved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct analysis stages: frame capture, reference comparison, difference calculation, and graphics identification. Each stage handles a specific aspect of the detection task, making the overall complex process manageable and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detection results from one frame inform the analysis of subsequent frames. By continuously comparing new frames against references and adjusting detection parameters based on observed patterns, the system adapts to the periodic nature of multiple graphics signals.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention allows detecting which graphics, if any, have been added to the video signal at any given time by utilizing only the various signals provided by prior art hardware. A first video signal, graphics signal(s), and a second video signal are received. It is then determined which graphics, if any, are present in a given frame of the received second video signal based on comparing actual values of pixels of the received second video signal and calculated values of pixels derived from the first video signal, and the graphics signal(s), and the combination of graphics signal(s) which produces the best match is searched for.