ABR Segment Size Optimization for White Spot Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming environments, video outages occur in areas with low or poor signal quality, disrupting user experience as existing technologies fail to dynamically adjust segment sizes in response to potential service outages, leading to interruptions in video playback.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically adjust segment sizes in an ABR streaming client's buffer based on the estimated duration of a service outage while traversing a 'white spot' area, using an ABR stream delivery server that determines the approaching outage area and adjusts segment sizes to ensure continuous playback by pre-loading sufficient content into the buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If segment sizes are increased to pre-load sufficient content for outage coverage, then video playback continuity is improved, but buffer storage requirements and data transmission load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic segment size adjustment where the ABR streaming client and server continuously monitor buffer status, network conditions, and outage predictions to adaptively modify segment sizes. This resolves the contradiction by making segment sizes flexible rather than fixed, allowing optimization between playback continuity and buffer usage based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters including segment size, bitrate, and buffering strategy based on predicted outage conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system ensures adequate content pre-loading for continuity while optimizing buffer utilization according to actual network and playback state
2Reliability
If segment sizes are dynamically adjusted based on outage duration, then playback reliability during outages is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where the ABR client monitors buffer status and network conditions, and the server receives this information to adjust segment sizes accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism resolves the complexity issue by using systematic monitoring and response rather than ad-hoc adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The ABR streaming client autonomously monitors its own buffer status and network conditions, and the server automatically adjusts segment sizes based on this information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach manages complexity through automation rather than simplification
3Reliability
If more content is pre-loaded into the buffer before entering outage areas, then video playback continuity is improved, but data transmission load and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting outage areas using geographic location data and network conditions, then proactively adjusts segment sizes and pre-loads content before the device enters the outage zone. This resolves the contradiction by timing the pre-loading action optimally rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial pre-loading based on predicted outage duration and buffer status, adjusting the degree of pre-loading to match actual needs. This avoids excessive data transmission by pre-loading only the necessary amount of content for the predicted outage period
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A scheme for optimizing segment sizes for an adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming client engaged in a current ABR streaming session. In one implementation, a determination is made whether a wireless UE device executing the ABR streaming client is approaching a radio white spot area. If so, a video buffer of the ABR client is configured to preload a fixed number of segments having an adjusted size depending on the duration of the radio white spot area. The preloaded segments may comprise lower quality video segments, and as the wireless UE device exits the radio white spot area, the segment size and/or bitrates may be restored depending on the signal quality.