Search algorithms for using related decode and display timelines

1. A method of searching multiple related timelines representing a sequence of video images, the method comprising:

identifying a first point on a first timeline associated with a sequence of video images, wherein the sequence of video images is comprised of one or more samples;

determining a search range on a second timeline associated with the sequence of video images based on a positive offset and a negative offset associated with the one or more samples; and

searching the second timeline based on the determined search range for a second point that corresponds to the identified first point.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising associating a display offset with each of the samples comprising the sequence of video images, wherein one or more of the display offsets comprises a negative value.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein determining a search range further comprises determining a search range on the second timeline based on a maximum positive display offset and a maximum negative display offset associated with the one or more samples.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising adjusting the search range if the first point occurs within a decode duration or a display duration.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the search range is extended backward in time by a period equal to the decode duration or the display duration in which the first point occurs.

6. The method of claim 2 , further comprising storing the display offsets associated with the samples comprising the sequence of video images in a data structure, wherein the display offsets are run length encoded.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying a sample number associated with the second point.

8. A system for searching multiple related timelines representing a sequence of video images, the system comprising processor electronics configured to:

identify a first point on a first timeline associated with a sequence of video images, wherein the sequence of video images is comprised of one or more samples;

determine a search range on a second timeline associated with the sequence of video images based on a positive offset and a negative offset associated with the one or more samples; and

search the second timeline based on the determined search range for a second point that corresponds to the identified first point.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to associate a display offset with each of the samples comprising the sequence of video images and one or more of the display offsets can comprise a negative value.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to determine a search range on the second timeline based on a maximum positive display offset and a maximum negative display offset associated with the one or more samples.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to adjust the search range if the first point occurs within a decode duration or a display duration.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to extend the search range backward in time by a period equal to the decode duration or the display duration in which the first point occurs.

13. The system of claim 9 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to store the display offsets associated with the samples comprising the sequence of video images in a data structure, wherein the display offsets are run length encoded.

14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the processor electronics are further configured to identify a sample number associated with the second point.