Automated Video Testing via Frame Identifier OCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing systems for set top boxes are inefficient and inaccurate, relying heavily on manual subjective assessments, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased costs due to the need for frequent retraining of operators and the inability to detect frame processing errors in video output.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing apparatus that processes video output from set top boxes by using frame identifiers and optical character recognition (OCR) to detect frame processing errors, allowing for objective testing of video and audio quality, and enabling real-time testing without waiting for complete sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual subjective assessment is used for testing set top boxes, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inconsistencies and operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical inspection system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to detect frame processing errors, video artifacts, and display defects objectively, eliminating operator subjectivity and fatigue while maintaining ease of operation through automated testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frame identifiers as an intermediary element that is embedded in video frames and automatically detected by the testing system. These identifiers serve as a mediator between the video output and the testing apparatus, enabling automated detection of frame processing errors without requiring manual interpretation of video content
2Measurement precision
If complete video sequences are processed before testing, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes frame identifiers from video frames as they are being generated, performing preliminary analysis on individual frames or small batches rather than waiting for complete sequences. This allows testing to begin earlier in the video rendering process, reducing waiting time while maintaining detection accuracy through the use of frame identifiers that can be independently verified
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the video testing process into independent frame-level or sequence-level segments that can be tested individually. By segmenting the testing into manageable units based on frame identifiers, the system can process and validate frames as they become available rather than requiring complete video sequences, thereby improving throughput while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If automated testing with frame identifiers is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frame identifiers as a standardized intermediary that simplifies the interaction between the video processing apparatus and the testing system. These identifiers provide a common language and structure that enable automated detection without requiring complex custom integration for each video source, thereby managing system complexity while improving productivity
4Loss of information
If manual inspection methods are used, then device complexity is kept low, but loss of information increases due to undetected frame processing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection with automated optical detection systems that can identify frame processing errors, video artifacts, and display defects with high precision. The system uses image processing and pattern recognition to detect subtle errors that would be missed by human operators, significantly reducing information loss while managing complexity through standardized testing protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A test apparatus for testing a video processing apparatus comprises means for receiving from the video processing apparatus a video output representative of a test sequence, the test sequence comprising a plurality of frames, each frame comprising an image of a respective different one of a plurality of frame identifiers; means for obtaining a sequence of sets of frame data from the video output, each set of frame data representative of a frame; and means for processing each set of frame data to determine the frame identifier for that frame.