Video Transcoder Bitstream Method for Format Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transcoding methods like full transcoding and guided transcoding incur coding efficiency costs and bandwidth inefficiencies due to re-encoding already compressed video streams, while simulcast increases network traffic without computational savings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mechanism to switch between transcoding methods (full, guided, and simulcast) by indicating the transcoding method in the bitstream, allowing the transcoder to derive transcoding information from syntax elements, reducing residual information transmission, and reusing existing encoder and decoder implementations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If full transcoding is used, then the transcoder can adapt to different device requirements, but the computational complexity and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat adaptationVSAvoidtranscoding energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transcoding process into two distinct parts: (1) encoding the original video at the source with multiple formats and quality levels, and (2) simple format conversion at the transcoder without re-encoding. This segmentation moves the computationally intensive encoding operations to the source and leaves only lightweight format conversion at the transcoder, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining format adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the complex encoding operations in advance at the video source before transmission. The source encoder pre-processes the video into multiple formats and quality levels, storing them for later retrieval. When transcoding is needed, the transcoder only needs to perform simple format conversion between already-encoded streams, avoiding the need to repeat the energy-intensive encoding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If guided transcoding is used, then the transcoding complexity is reduced, but additional side information needs to be transmitted increasing bandwidth usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranscoding complexityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the necessary encoding information (multiple formats and quality levels) and embeds it directly into the bitstream at the source during the initial encoding phase. This extraction and embedding eliminates the need for separate side information channels, as the transcoder can obtain all required format conversion data directly from the embedded information in the received bitstream, thereby reducing additional bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If simulcast is used, then the transcoder does not need to perform computations, but the network traffic increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranscoding computationVSAvoidnetwork traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal encoding structure at the source that generates bitstreams containing multiple formats and quality levels simultaneously. This multi-functional bitstream serves both as the primary video content and as the source for all required format conversions. The transcoder can selectively extract and convert to any required format without needing separate simulcast streams, thereby reducing network traffic while maintaining the ability to serve different device requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If re-encoding is performed at the transcoder, then format adaptation is achieved, but the coding efficiency decreases due to processing already compressed video

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat conversionVSAvoidcoding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional transcoding approach by moving the encoding operation to the source and the conversion operation to the transcoder. Instead of compressing already-compressed video at the transcoder (which causes efficiency loss), the source encoder creates optimally compressed streams in multiple formats, and the transcoder simply converts between these pre-optimized formats, preserving coding efficiency while achieving format adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3314896B1Methods and arrangements for transcoding

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

According to one aspect the present invention relates to a method for a video encoder. The method comprises providing (601) to a transcoder a first bitstream representing a video sequence with a first format, creating (602) a second bitstream representing transcoding information indicative of a transcoding method that should be used by the transcoder for transcoding the video sequence from the first format to a second format, and providing (603) to the transcoder the second bitstream.