Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Buffer Management for Seamless Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive bitrate streaming technologies face challenges in providing seamless video playback due to unpredictable network bandwidth, leading to buffering issues when changing video quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure bitrate based on transport stream file units and adjust image quality in real-time by considering the loaded buffer amount, using a processor to select the next image quality and modify the buffer load accordingly, ensuring seamless video playback without buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adaptive bitrate streaming is used to adjust video quality based on network bandwidth, then video playback quality is improved, but buffering interruptions occur due to unpredictable network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads video segments into the buffer before playback to ensure continuous playback even when network conditions deteriorate. The buffer is filled in advance with multiple segments at different quality levels, allowing the player to switch qualities without interruption and maintain seamless playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic quality switching by maintaining multiple version segments (different quality levels) of the same video content and selecting the appropriate quality based on real-time buffer status and network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing network conditions without causing buffering interruptions.
2Reliability
If multiple version segments are pre-loaded to enable quality switching, then buffering continuity is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by loading different quality versions of video segments selectively based on the current playback position and buffer status. Instead of pre-loading all quality versions for the entire video, the system loads multiple versions only for the current and near-future segments, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining quality switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by loading a limited number of segment versions (e.g., current segment at multiple qualities plus next segment at lower qualities) rather than loading all possible versions. This partial pre-loading provides sufficient buffer for quality switching without excessively consuming network bandwidth.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time bitrate measurement is performed to adjust video quality, then video quality adaptation is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the video player autonomously measure the bitrate of downloaded segments and automatically select the appropriate quality level without requiring complex external control systems. The player monitors buffer status, measures actual download speeds, and independently makes quality decisions, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the player continuously monitors the actual bitrate achieved during segment downloads and uses this information to adjust quality selections for subsequent segments. This closed-loop feedback allows adaptive quality adjustment based on real network conditions without requiring complex predictive models.
Data Source
AI summary
A video playback method executed in a computer system includes measuring a bitrate in transport stream (TS) file units, and selecting the image quality of the next TS file in consideration of the bitrate and the amount of buffer that has already been loaded.