Method and apparatus for providing seamless resumption of video playback

• US 20090060472A1
• Filed: 03/10/2008
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Lindahl, Aram, Hicks, Kourtny Minh, Bull, William
• Granted Patent: US 8,683,197 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 386/343
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs

Abstract

Video data files are provided to a user for playback. Once playback begins, the methods and apparatus of the present invention enable a user to interrupt the video playback function and quickly resume playback prior to reloading the selected video file. The techniques of the present invention can store video data in a cache memory and, upon interruption, capture a frame of video data at approximately the time of the interruption. The captured frame and cache data can be used to provide the user with a unique menu option for resumption of the video playback at the moment of interruption.

Claims

1. A method of providing a user with rapid resumption of video playback from a point after beginning of a video file, comprising:

initiating video playback from said beginning of said video file;

loading cache memory with a predetermined amount of video frame data;

capturing a frame of video on or about the time said user interrupts said video playback;

providing said user with an indication that video playback may be resumed at the point it was interrupted and;

resuming video playback using data from cache memory until said data from cache memory is fully utilized or said video file is reloaded for playback.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing said indication comprises:

displaying a graphic image based, at least in part, on said captured image.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said providing an indication further comprises:

displaying a menu entry for resuming video playback on a non-video playback menu.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

enabling said user to perform a non-video playback function while preserving said predetermined amount of video data in said cache memory.

5. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

enabling said user to pan said video file from said displayed graphic image.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said enabling said user comprises:

giving said user capability to pan forward, frame-by-frame from said displayed graphic image.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein said enabling said user comprises:

giving said user capability to pan backward, frame-by-frame from said displayed graphic image.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing said user with an indication comprises:

displaying a non-standard video playback menu if said user selects said video file, said non-standard video playback menu comprising a textual menu listing movie files and a graphic image comprising at least data from said captured image.

9. A method of providing a user with rapid resumption of video playback from a point after beginning of a video file, comprising:

providing a user with a video playback menu, each entry in said playback menu comprising;

a thumbnail image related to each movie file available for playback; and

a textual message which comprises at least the title of each of said available movie files.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said textual message for each entry further comprises:

an indication of the total time required to playback said entry.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said providing comprises:

creating an alternate format for displaying a given entry only if said user was playing back said given entry and said user interrupts said playback, said alternate format comprising;

a graphic image formed, at least in part, from a frame of video data being processed approximately when said user interrupted said video playback.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

creating a menu option on at least one non-video playback that provides said user with a short cut to resume video playback of said video file.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said created menu option comprises:

a graphic image based, at least in part, on a frame of video data captured at a time approximately when said user interrupted said video playback; and

a textual message that instructs said user that said video playback may resume.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said textual message comprises:

a message similar in content to “

Now Playing”

.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising:

enabling said user to pan said video file based on said frame of captured video data.

16. Apparatus for playing back video data files and for performing at least one non-video playback function comprising:

main memory for storing said video data files;

cache memory for temporarily storing portions of a video data file from said video data files when one of said video files is selected for playback;

an input for accepting user commands; and

a processor for;

accepting an input user command to interrupt playback of said selected video file at a point in time in said playback;

capturing at least one frame of video data at approximately said point in time;

creating a non-standard menu entry that informs said user that said video playback may be resumed at said point in time; and

resuming said playback function at said point in time based on data stored in said cache memory when and if said user elects to resume video playback of said selected video data file.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said non-standard menu entry comprises at least a graphic image that is based, at least in part, on said captured frame of video data.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said processor, based on inputs from said user, pans said graphic image.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said processor enables said user to pan forward frame-by-frame.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said processor enables said user to pan backward frame-by-frame.