Adaptive Content Reproduction Logic for Streaming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing streaming services face challenges in providing uninterrupted content reproduction due to fluctuating network conditions, particularly on wireless networks, where buffering is necessary but can lead to prolonged wait times for users as the system waits for optimal conditions to start or resume playback.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with a communicator, processor, and memory that includes programs to adaptively determine when to start reproducing content based on network conditions by comparing the bitrate of the received content with the current network bandwidth and the time period during which buffered content is reproducible, allowing for immediate playback when conditions are favorable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If buffering is performed to ensure uninterrupted content reproduction, then reliability of streaming is improved, but user wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestreaming reliabilityVSAvoiduser wait time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic buffering adjustment by continuously monitoring network conditions (bandwidth, latency, packet loss) and adapting the buffering strategy in real-time. The system dynamically determines when to start reproduction based on current network state rather than using fixed buffering thresholds, allowing optimal balance between reliability and wait time under varying network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters (buffering amount, reproduction start time, buffer refill rate) based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to measured network metrics, the system optimizes the trade-off between ensuring uninterrupted playback and minimizing user wait time for different network scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed amount of data is buffered before reproduction starts, then network fluctuations are handled better, but content delivery speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestreaming stabilityVSAvoidcontent delivery speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed buffering thresholds with dynamic determination of reproduction start conditions. The system continuously evaluates network conditions and adjusts the buffering requirement dynamically, allowing faster start times when network conditions permit while maintaining stability when conditions are poor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network performance metrics and using this information to adjust reproduction timing decisions. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from network behavior patterns and optimize the balance between buffering requirements and delivery speed based on actual network conditions rather than static rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3412020B1Electronic device and content reproduction method controlled by the electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3412020B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3412020B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3412020B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic device includes a communicator configured to receive content from an external device via a network; a display configured to display the received content while the content is being received by the communicator; a processor; and a memory storing one or more programs executable by the processor. The one or more programs include instructions for buffering the received content, comparing a status of the network with a bitrate of the content, and determining when to start reproducing the content based on a result of the comparing.