Method and Apparatus for Objective Video Quality Assessment Based on Continuous Estimates of Packet Loss Visibility

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

This invention introduces a method and apparatus for objectively assessing the quality of video sequences transmitted over potentially error-prone networks. It extracts features directly from the received video bitstream at the client side and uses a specialized module to predict, for each packet loss event, how visible the resulting error is to viewers. Uniquely, the system provides a continuous (rather than binary) estimate of error visibility, factoring in content features and the propagation of errors through the video sequence, to determine overall perceived video quality without requiring access to the original source video.

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

• Automated video quality monitoring in IPTV or streaming video services to detect in-network degradations.
• Quality assurance in live video broadcasting over the internet or mobile networks.
• Benchmarking and optimization of video codecs and network delivery protocols.
• Real-time feedback for adaptive streaming algorithms to optimize user experience.
• Network troubleshooting tools, enabling service providers to pinpoint and resolve video quality issues.
• Integration into set-top boxes or smart televisions for end-user video quality diagnostics.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a no-reference assessment, meaning it works without needing the original, uncompressed video for comparison.
• Offers more accurate and granular prediction of visual quality impact by estimating error visibility on a continuous scale rather than just visible/invisible.
• Incorporates video content characteristics and human visual perception, enabling more realistic quality estimation.
• Helps service providers proactively detect and address video quality issues, improving customer satisfaction.
• Supports real-time implementation and is suitable for deployment at edge devices like set-top boxes or smart TVs.
• Enables better resource allocation and streaming quality adaptation by informing network management systems with perceptually-relevant data.

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Patent Abstract

The invention provides a method and apparatus for assessing the quality of a transmitted video signal sequence at the receiver side, the method comprising the steps of a) capturing the input video bit stream and supplying it to a video bit stream analyzer; b) extracting at least one feature or a set of features from the captured input video bit stream by the bit stream analyzer; c) supplying the extracted feature or set of features to a packet loss visibility estimation module; d) determining, by the packet loss visibility estimation module, the visibility of a packet loss occurred during transmission of the video signal by assigning a continuous estimate for each packet loss event occurred within a specific time interval; e) combining the packet loss visibility estimate determined by the estimation module with the extracted at least one feature or set of features to assess the overall quality, Q, of the transmitted video signal sequence.