Variable-Length Code Streams With Separation Markers for Fast Image Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with limited processing capacity struggle to efficiently display and manipulate high-resolution images due to delays in operations like zooming and panning, leading to user irritation and potential erroneous handling.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of separation markers in Variable Length Coding streams allows for partial access and faster processing by identifying specific code words or data blocks, reducing the need to decode entire streams, thereby saving time and processing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If Variable Length Coding is used to compress image data, then the data size is reduced, but the time to access and decode specific parts of the image increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sizeVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the compressed image data into separate data blocks, each representing a specific area of the image. Separation markers are inserted between these blocks to enable independent identification and access. This segmentation allows the decoding process to jump directly to specific regions without processing the entire image, thus reducing access time while maintaining compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary organization of the compressed data by inserting separation markers during the encoding phase. These markers are placed at predetermined positions to indicate the boundaries of data blocks. This preliminary structuring enables fast forward searching and direct access to specific image areas during decoding, eliminating the need to decode the entire stream sequentially.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the processing capacity of the device is increased to handle high-resolution images, then the operations become smoother, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing task by dividing the compressed image data into separate data blocks corresponding to different image areas. Each block can be independently decoded and processed. This segmentation allows devices with limited processing capacity to handle high-resolution images by processing only the necessary portions, reducing the overall processing burden without requiring more powerful hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables partial decoding of image data by allowing the system to access and decode only specific data blocks corresponding to the area of interest. Instead of decoding the entire high-resolution image, the system performs partial action on the required portions, significantly reducing processing requirements while maintaining the ability to display high-resolution content when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the entire data stream is decoded to access specific image data, then the data integrity is maintained, but the processing time and capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization during encoding by inserting separation markers at specific positions in the compressed data stream. These markers are placed according to a predetermined rule that allows the decoder to identify data block boundaries without full decoding. This preliminary action preserves data integrity while enabling fast access to specific regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces separation markers as intermediary elements in the compressed data stream. These markers serve as mediators between the compressed data and the decoding process, providing structural information that enables selective access. The markers do not interfere with the compressed data integrity but facilitate efficient navigation and partial decoding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7652595B2Generating a data stream and identifying positions within a data stream
Publication Date: 2010.01.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating a data stream encoded by means of a Variable Length Coding scheme. Code words for a data stream including a plurality of code words are encoded in accordance with a Variable Length Coding scheme. A separation marker is inserted between encoded data blocks in the data stream.