Adaptive Bitrate Player Navigation via Segmented Thumbnail Manifests
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Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive streaming environments, users face limitations in navigating video content due to the inability to accurately access any point in the media program without buffering, and existing technologies like HLS restrict embedding other manifest files, hindering dynamic content delivery.
Innovation Solution
The system improves navigation by receiving and processing thumbnail images at different times, using a top-level manifest file to select media segment files with specific bitrates, and employing an adaptive bitrate player to adjust segment selection based on bandwidth availability, while also providing thumbnail images for precise playback positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If streaming media is delivered from dedicated servers with high bandwidth capabilities, then immediate playback at any point in the media program is enabled, but the required bandwidth of the provider increases as the number of end-users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media program is divided into multiple segments that can be independently downloaded and cached. Users can access any segment directly without requiring the entire file to be downloaded, enabling immediate playback while reducing the bandwidth burden on dedicated servers.
Solution Approach 2:
Media segments are pre-downloaded and cached on user devices before actual playback is needed. This preliminary caching action allows immediate playback without requiring high bandwidth during the playback moment, shifting the bandwidth requirement to the caching phase.
2Ease of operation
If progressive download downloads the entire file or enough of the entire file to start playback, then random access to buffered portions is enabled, but playback is delayed by slow Internet connections and is often choppy
Solution Approach 1:
The media file is segmented into smaller units that can be independently accessed. Users can download and cache specific segments needed for random access without waiting for the entire file, reducing playback delay while maintaining random access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of downloading the entire file or enough to start playback, the system downloads only the specific segments needed for the desired playback point. This partial downloading approach reduces both time and data consumption while enabling random access.
3Measurement precision
If thumbnail images are provided for navigation, then users can accurately access any point in the media program, but the complexity of managing and synchronizing thumbnail collections increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thumbnail collections are segmented and organized by media segment identifiers. Each thumbnail collection is associated with specific segments, making management simpler and synchronization easier while maintaining accurate navigation capability across the entire media program.
Solution Approach 2:
A manifest file acts as an intermediary that contains metadata about thumbnail collections, including associations with media segments. This intermediary structure simplifies the management and synchronization of thumbnails by providing a centralized reference point.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that improve navigation within video content in an adaptive streaming environment are provided herein.