Method for Estimating the Type of the Group of Picture Structure of a Plurality of Video Frames in a Video Stream

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to a method for estimating the Group of Picture (GoP) structure in a video stream, particularly when direct information about frame types is unavailable due to encryption or data loss. The method analyzes the sizes of consecutive video frames, converts these sizes into a binary pattern (large for P-frames, small for B-frames), and then matches the observed pattern to predefined GoP structures. By identifying the best match, it accurately estimates the sequence and types of frames (I, P, B), which is crucial for video quality assessment and error detection when traditional analysis is not possible.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Automated quality monitoring in IPTV and broadcast TV to estimate perceived video quality without direct access to frame type information.
• Analyzing encrypted or partially corrupted video streams where bitstream headers are missing or inaccessible.
• Post-event forensic analysis of video transmission errors to determine frame losses and their impact.
• Integrating in set-top boxes, network probes, or monitoring systems to detect and report on video structure and quality.
• Assisting in adaptive streaming platforms to optimize delivery strategies based on GoP structure estimation.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables reliable estimation of video frame types without needing to decrypt the stream or access sensitive bitstream fields.
• Remains functional even when data loss (e.g., network packet loss) prevents full reconstruction of the original stream headers.
• Facilitates rapid, automated, and scalable video quality assessment and error localization in large distributed networks.
• Improves accuracy and robustness of video monitoring by reducing dependence on variable frame size thresholds.
• Supports better end-user experience by providing broadcasters and service providers with actionable insights on video sequence integrity.

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Patent Abstract

The invention provides a method for estimating the type of the Group of Picture structure, GoP, of a plurality of video frames in a video stream, comprising the steps of: a) capturing the frame sizes in byte of every video frame subsequent to an initial Intra-frame, I-frame, to obtain an array of frame sizes; b) converting, after a number of frames, the array of frame sizes obtained in step a) into an array of zeros and ones, where zero stands for small frames size, as assumed for bidirecional frames, B-frames, and one stands for large frame sizes, as assumed for predicted frames, P-frames; c) matching the array of zeros and ones obtained in step b) to a number of predefined patterns of binaries, said predefined patterns of binaries depicting possible GoP structures; d) converting the result of said matching in step c) to form a single score value; and e) determining the particular pattern of the number of predefined patterns of binaries having the best score value, according to a predefined metric.