Abstract: Disclosed herein are a video decoding method and apparatus and a video encoding method and apparatus. A virtual frame is generated by a video generation network including a generation encoder and a generation decoder. The virtual frame is used as a reference frame in inter prediction for a target. Further, a video generation network for inter prediction may be selected from among multiple video generation networks, and inter prediction that uses the selected video generation network may be performed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers. The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and processing a series of video frames includes receiving the series of video frames, determining whether the video frames are associated with a recognized non-video source, and depending on the determination, processing the video frames using a variety of techniques. A system may detect whether each video frame is a repeat frame or a new original frame, keep the new original frames, discard the repeat frames, and then adjust one or more timestamps associated with the new original frames so as to conform to an intermediate frame rate. The frame indexes and timestamps associated with the new original frames are stored in a FIFO or buffer. The system can interpolate video frames using the stored timestamps, and output a series of video frames. The output video stream is delivered at any frame rate and can include original video frames and interpolated video frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: Aspects of performing smooth backwards playback in a DVD system are described. The aspects include reconstructing frame data for every frame in a set of frames of an original playback, the set of frames preceding a currently displayed frame. Further included is the utilization of at least seven frame buffers to store frame data during the reconstructing step. The reconstructed frame data is then displayed in reverse order of the original playback for the set of frames.

Abstract: A system provides personalized media in video for presentation using a video decoder in a device such as a video recorder, hardware or software player, computer system, or television. The personalized media may be embedded or hidden in a video stream or provided separately. A video decoder determines profile and preference information associated with a viewer, group, or demographic and personalizes commercial content using the profile and preference information. The system includes personalized media by introducing, embedding, overlaying, etc., media on video during commercial breaks. Personalized media may be provided during normal viewing or may be provided when a skip forward or fast forward request is received. The system may also evaluate personalization mechanisms using neuro-response measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that facilitate the relatively smooth playback of video at an altered playback speed. Video frames are scored and selected for removal (or duplication) to provide faster (or slower) playback speed based when the video is displayed at a predetermined frame rate.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. The image processing apparatus includes: a video receiver which receives a stream including first- and second-eye images, the first-eye image being a P frame or a B frame; a decoding unit which performs a first decoding of the first- and second-eye images; an encoding unit which encodes the first-decoded first- and second-eye images; and a controller which controls the encoding unit to encode the first-eye image into an I frame, and controls the decoding unit to second decode the encoded the first- and second-eye images at a reverse playing.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for improving performance of video decoders during rewind and fast forward operation. Video decoder performance is improved by avoiding repetitive decoding of prediction pictures. When a decoded prediction picture is stored in a frame buffer, techniques are presented for decoding multiple pictures in the rewind order which are dependent thereon, displaying the picture directly from the frame buffer, and setting one type of prediction picture as another type of prediction picture.

Abstract: A rewind or fast forward operation may be performed in which a series of reduced-in-size images from previous frames in a video program may be presented to the viewer. In one implementation, a device may obtain sampled images corresponding to select frames of the video program and output a series of the sampled images in an order in which a sampling time corresponding to each of the sampled images in the video program monotonically increases or decreases in the output series. Differences in the sample times between successive images in the series of sampled images may not be uniform. The device may receive a selection of one of the images in the output series of sampled images and change a current output location of the video program to a location corresponding to the sampling time of the selected image.

Abstract: A method for producing an auxiliary video stream arranged for reverse trick mode playback from a video stream including a plurality of uni-directional predicted frames, the method including producing the auxiliary video stream by performing the following steps copying each uni-directional predicted frame included in the video stream into a memory, thereby producing a plurality of copied frames in the memory, replacing each one of the plurality of copied frames with one corresponding supplemental frame, thereby producing a plurality of corresponding supplemental frames, and producing a copy of the video stream arranged in reverse processing order, the producing a copy including replacing each frame which corresponds to one of the plurality of copied frames with the one corresponding supplemental frame from among the plurality of corresponding supplemental frames. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: A method of operating an IP client device for presentation of video content to a viewer includes the step of transmitting a trickplay request to a server. The client device receives from the server a manifest that references at least first and second consecutive video content fragments. The first fragment contains a sequence of N1 frames and the second fragment contains a sequence of N2 frames, and defines a set of M1 frames of the first fragment, where M1 is less than N1, and a set of M2 frames of the second fragment, where M2 is less than N2. The client device transmits a request for the M1 frames and the M2 frames and receives the M1 frames and the M2 frames. The client device presents the M1 frames and the M2 frames consecutively at the uniform, predetermined frame rate. The sequence of the M1 frames and the M2 frames has a presentation duration of (M1+M2)/F.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system(s), method(s), and apparatus for accurate fast forward rate when performing trick play with variable distance between frames. In one embodiment, there is presented a circuit for providing a fast forward video sequence. The circuit comprises a system time clock for providing a time reference, said time reference incremented at a predetermined fast forward rate; a comparator for comparing the time reference with timing information associated with a picture; and a controller for determining whether to display the picture based at least in part on the comparison between the timing information and the time reference.

Abstract: A method for producing an auxiliary video stream arranged for reverse trick mode playback from a video stream including a plurality of uni-directional predicted frames, the method including producing the auxiliary video stream by performing the following steps copying each uni-directional predicted frame included in the video stream into a memory, thereby producing a plurality of copied frames in the memory, replacing each one of the plurality of copied frames with one corresponding supplemental frame, thereby producing a plurality of corresponding supplemental frames, and producing a copy of the video stream arranged in reverse processing order, the producing a copy including replacing each frame which corresponds to one of the plurality of copied frames with the one corresponding supplemental frame from among the plurality of corresponding supplemental frames. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing a cross frame playing mode in media-on-demand in a peer to peer network, comprising the following steps of: (a) partitioning a requested media file into blocks and encapsulating the blocks into a media content file, and recording a number of a block where each media key frame is located so that a frame index file is formed; (b) distributing said media content file and said frame index file in the peer to peer network; (c) when requesting a media, a client acquiring said frame index file and media blocks in said media content file from a source node; (d) when cross frame playing is required, the client calculating the number of a block where a next key frame is located according to said frame index file, and acquiring a corresponding media block to de-encapsulate, decode and play.

Abstract: At least one trickplay source file is generated from original media content. Trickplay view files for rendering particular trickplay view rates are then generated from the trickplay source file.

Abstract: A module may provide codec-independent services including determining frame display order, frame dependency sets, and queuing the dependency frames in advance so as to enable display of a video. The module enables a video to be played forwards or backwards at a variety of playback speeds from any position within the video. In one implementation, a device communicatively coupled to a plurality of decoders accesses a video that includes a plurality of frames. One or more of the frames are decodable by one or more of the communicatively coupled decoders. The device identifies a frame in the video that is to be displayed, and determines a plurality of dependency frames in the video upon which decoding of the frame to be displayed depends. The device provides an indication that one or more associated dependency frames are to be decoded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing smooth visual search of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes requesting and buffering portions of video from at least one of the alternative streams using a playback device, decoding the buffered portions of video using a decoder on the playback device, receiving at least one user instruction directing the playback device to perform a visual search of the media, requesting and buffering portions of video from the trick play stream using the playback device, and decoding the buffered portions of the trick play stream using a decoder on the playback device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moving picture reproduction apparatus including a frequency change unit for changing a display frequency to a frequency of a moving picture when a reproduction of the moving picture starts and for changing the display frequency to a frequency prior to the start of the reproduction of the moving picture when the reproduction of the moving picture stops, and a reproduction unit for stopping the reproduction of the moving picture when the frequency change unit changes the display frequency, wherein the frequency change unit maintains the display frequency at the frequency of the moving picture in a case where the reproduction unit stops the reproduction of the moving picture in response to the change of the display frequency by the frequency change unit.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for time-shifted access to media content. The time-shifted access may be facilitate with a time-shift buffer and the use of time-shift buffers to mark periods in time from which time-shifted access is to be begin according to triggering events registered at output devices being used to facilitate the time-shifted access.

Abstract: A video system and process in which a series of video frames are encoded for fast forward and/or fast reverse playback, wherein a subset of frames are encoded as reference frames that have a hierarchical relationship with each other. The reference frames are I frames and predicted frames, such as P, B, or IDR frames.

Abstract: A playback device judges whether a connected display device is equipped to display only interlaced video or both interlaced and progressive video. If equipped to display both interlaced and progressive video, a mode setting unit 15 sets an operation mode of the playback device to an image quality mode for interlaced signal output or a continuity mode for progressive signal output, according to a user selection received via a GUI. If continuity mode is set, the playback device decodes the video stream and performs progressive signal output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for time-warped playback of presentation layer protocol data. The method includes a protocol engine executing on a computing device recording a protocol data stream comprising a plurality of packets representing a user session. The protocol engine determines a complexity factor for a first portion of the protocol data stream and for a second portion of the protocol data stream based on content of the packets of the protocol data stream. The protocol engine determines a first playback rate for the first portion of the protocol data stream and a second playback rate for the second portion of the protocol data stream using the complexity factor of each portion of the protocol data stream, wherein the first playback rate differs from the second playback rate. The protocol engine renders the protocol data stream according to the determined playback rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for smooth rewind playback of streamed media are provided. The media includes relatively-encoded frames and independently-encoded frames. The method includes receiving a rewind request indicating a rewind speed for rewind playback of the media, selectively dropping relatively-encoded frame(s) based on a receipt constraint and a decoding constraint to form a subset of the media, and receiving frames of the subset. The method further includes selecting, in a reverse order, a selected group of pictures (GOP) included within the subset, and decoding relatively-encoded frame(s) of the GOP in a forward sequential frame order. The method further includes caching relatively-encoded frame(s) of the GOP in the forward sequential frame order, and when caching, dropping and overwriting relatively-encoded frame(s) of the GOP selectively according to a memory constraint and/or a display constraint.

Abstract: A method of playing a compressed digital video sequence, comprising steps comprising attributing to each frame a display duration determined as a function of a playing speed set point, and at each period of a frame synchronization signal: if a display duration cumulative value is equal to or greater than a threshold value corresponding to the period of the synchronization signal, playing a previously acquired decoded frame and decreasing the cumulative value of the threshold value; and if the present cumulative value is less than the threshold value, acquiring a new decoded frame and adding the display duration attributed to the newly acquired frame to the cumulative value, until the cumulative value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, playing a last decoded frame acquired and decreasing the cumulative value of the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, providing a transport stream including a video stream that comprises a sequence of pictures corresponding to a video program, each of the pictures of the sequence uniquely associated with one of k successive tiers, where k is a non-negative integer number starting with a lowest tier number; and providing personal video recording assist (PVRA) information in the transport stream at a location corresponding to each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a first tier and each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a second tier different than the first tier, the PVRA information comprising an indication of a first tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the first tier and a second tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the second tier, the pictures corresponding to the first tier number decodable independently of the pictures corresponding to the second tier number.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable medium for changing video playback speed are disclosed. Video playback speed may be changed by determining a first frame rate and a second frame rate for which a frame rate transition is to be made. An instantaneous frame rate is calculated to produce a calculated instantaneous frame rate, wherein the calculated instantaneous frame rate is between the first frame rate and the second frame rate. A timestamp of a frame is adjusted based on the calculated instantaneous frame rate to produce an adjusted timestamp. Graphical data for the frame is provided in accordance with the adjusted timestamp to enable display of the frame. Thereafter, the frame may be displayed in accordance with the adjusted timestamp.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a memory may receive digital video data containing a first I frame and a second I frame with a plurality of P frames located between the I frames. The I frames each include a first timestamp. A processor may determine a subset of the P frames to be played in a trick mode along with the first I frame and the second I frame based on the number of P frames included in the plurality of P frames and the desired playback speed.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a digital video segment simulating motion at one speed, the frames in the segment spaced at a uniform time interval. The method further includes receiving a desired speed of motion, determining the appropriate uniform time interval corresponding to the desired speed, and generating a frame sequence simulating the motion at the desired speed, the frames in the generated sequence spaced at the determined appropriate uniform time interval. If the generated frame sequence includes a frame from the original segment, then only frames from the original segment are included in the generated frame sequence, and if the generated frame sequence includes an interpolated frame then only interpolated frames are included in the generated frame sequence.

Abstract: Trick modes are substantially prevented during DVR and NDVR content by obtaining an audiovisual asset that is digitally compressed in accordance with a compression technique employing at least a plurality of substantially complete frames and a plurality of substantially intermediate frames, substantially removing the plurality of substantially complete frames from a portion of the asset for which trick play is to be substantially prevented, and streaming the asset, with the plurality of substantially complete frames substantially removed from the portion thereof, to a user thereof.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for time-shifted access to media content. The time-shifted access may be facilitate with a time-shift buffer and the use of time-shift buffers to mark periods in time from which time-shifted access is to be begin according to triggering events registered at output devices being used to facilitate the time-shifted access.

Abstract: A rewind or fast forward operation may be performed in which a series of reduced-in-size images frame previous frames in a video program may be presented to the viewer. In one implementation, a device may obtain sampled images corresponding to select frames of the video program and output a series of the sampled images in an order in which a sampling time corresponding to each of the sampled images in the video program monotonically increases or decreases in the output series. Differences in the sample times between successive images in the series of sampled images may not be uniform. The device may receive a selection of one of the images in the output series of sampled images and change a current output location of the video program to a location corresponding to the sampling time of the selected image.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a technique for dynamically adjusting streaming media bit rates in response to user requests for accelerated playback. When user may selects to accelerate playback of streaming media content, a content player may begin decoding data from a content buffer at the accelerated rate. At the same time, the content player may estimate a bit rate that can be supported by both the accelerated playback rate and prevailing network bandwidth and latency. That is, a bit rate at which the accelerated playback may be continued without resulting in an eventual buffer under-run.

Abstract: Information that identifies key frames in video data within multimedia data is generated as reproduction controlling data and the reproduction controlling data is positioned at a predetermined position in the multimedia data. Upon special reproduction, the reproduction controlling data can be used to easily identify, read out, and reproduce key frames that should be used for random access and the like. By positioning the reproduction controlling data in an area within the multimedia data that is ignored by conventional apparatuses, file compatibility can be also maintained. This attains increased efficiency of special reproduction processing of multimedia that has ISO Base file format or a similar format.

Abstract: A decode control apparatus for decoding encoded data and generating reverse playback image data is provided. The apparatus includes a unit for controlling the reading of the encoded data at a specified playback speed and a unit for generating, from the encoded data read under the control of the read control unit, a plurality of shortened encoded data groups. The apparatus also includes a unit for distributing the plurality of shortened encoded data groups among a plurality of decoders and a unit for generating the reverse playback image data responsive to the specified playback speed, based on decoding the plurality of shortened encoded data groups by the plurality of decoders.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system, comprising an encoder comprising memory with personal video recording assist (PVRA) logic; and a processor configured to execute the PVRA logic to: provide a reference picture reordering command (RPRC) in association with one or more pictures of a video stream to be received in a video stream receive-and-process (VSRP) device, the RPRC configured to cause the VSRP device to reorder or modify associations of reference pictures to ascending reference indices of a derived, default reference picture list such that lower tier number pictures precede higher tier number pictures in a modified reference picture list used for decoding the one or more pictures.

Abstract: Trick mode playback is implemented by disengaging a frame synchronization signal, and then decoding “I” and “P” frames to two (or more) buffers. Specifically, each buffer has a pointer that is associated with a memory/origin address. The pointers are locked in place by disengaging the frame synchronization signal. Once the pointers are locked in place, the “I” frames and “P” frames are decoded to the two buffers in an alternating fashion based on a continuous swapping of the memory addresses associated with the two pointers. Because both “I” and “P” frames (as opposed to only “I” frames) are decoded and displayed, the trick mode playback appears smoother. In addition, because the frame synchronization signal was disengaged, the frames can be decoded at a rate faster than a single frame time. That is, one frame need not be completely decoded and read out before the next frame is decoded.

Abstract: Exemplary trick play advertising systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system detecting a command to execute a trick play function on a media content program, accessing a splash screen advertisement in response to the detected command, and providing the splash screen advertisement for display during an execution of the trick play function. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.