Methods and Apparatuses for Temporal Synchronisation Between the Video Bit Stream and the Output Video Sequence

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

This invention provides methods and apparatuses for accurately aligning (temporal synchronisation) the input video bit stream arriving at a decoder with the output processed video sequence produced by the decoder. It enables identification of which section of the input bit stream corresponds to which output frame, even in the presence of transmission errors, encryption, or processing delays. This is achieved by analyzing both the bit stream (including errors, packet loss, and frame types) and the reconstructed video output, to match frames between input and output, facilitating more reliable video quality assessments and advanced diagnostic tools.

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

• Automated video quality assessment systems in IPTV or streaming platforms to align quality metrics per frame.
• Troubleshooting or diagnosing video delivery issues at the user terminal (e.g., set-top box, smart TV, video monitors).
• Measuring the true impact of network issues like packet loss or jitter on processed video as displayed to end users.
• Synchronising encrypted video streams with their decoded output for monitoring without requiring decryption of payloads.
• Testing and validation of video encoder/decoder systems by matching input streams and outputs for research or manufacturing.
• Advanced analytics and monitoring by network operators or content providers to improve Quality of Experience (QoE).

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables precise matching of bitstream data to displayed video frames, improving video quality assessment accuracy.
• Works even when input streams are encrypted or suffer from packet loss, covering a wide range of real-world delivery scenarios.
• Does not require access to original reference (unprocessed) video content — operates on in-network or end-user side only.
• Supports both pixel-level and feature-based synchronisation, allowing flexible and scalable implementation.
• Assists in identifying exactly where errors or quality issues occur in the video stream as presented to the user.
• Facilitates automated monitoring and troubleshooting, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency for service providers.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for temporally synchronising the input bit stream of a video decoder with the processed video sequence decoded by the video decoder.