Netflix patents video switch frames for smoother playback
Netflix describes a method for adding special data markers to video files that tell the player which parts of the video to keep in memory when switching between different video streams. This helps the player maintain a consistent state without needing to reload large chunks of data, which can reduce processing load. The filing covers how these markers are created by the encoder and read by the decoder to ensure seamless transitions.
In the filing’s own words
Techniques are disclosed for generating and decoding switch frames in a video-coding bitstream to enable controlled stream switching and random access playback. An encoder determines switch points between encodes and generates switch frames that include explicit signaling defining reference-frame preservation information across each switch point. The explicit signaling specifies which reference frames in a decoded picture buffer are to be preserved or refreshed, thereby maintaining consistent reference states across encodes and reducing bandwidth and processing overhead. Switch frames can include generalized switch frames that selectively preserve inter-referenced frames or random access switch frames that depend on a keyframe for decoding. A decoder receives the bitstream, parses the explicit signaling from each switch frame, updates the decoded picture buffer according to the indicated preservation information, and reconstructs the decoded pictures for seamless playback.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method for encoding switch frames in a bitstream, the method comprising: determining a plurality of switch points for transition between a plurality of encodes included in a video stream; and for each switch point included in the plurality of switch points: encoding a switch frame that includes explicit signaling defining reference-frame preservation across the switch point; and inserting the switch frame into the bitstream to cause a decoder receiving the bitstream to apply the explicit signaling to update a decoded picture buffer in accordance with the defined reference-frame preservation.
Facts
- Company
- Netflix (NETFLIX, INC.)
- Official title
- GENERALIZED SWITCH FRAMES
- Publication number
- US20260331142A1
- Application number
- 19415560
- Filed
- Dec 10, 2025
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G11B 27/34 Physics & computingH04N 19/105 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/503 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/70 Electricity & electronicsH04N 19/82 Electricity & electronicsMore from Netflix in AI & software
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.