Adaptive Streaming Quality Switching via Probing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive streaming services face challenges in quickly switching to high-quality streaming without delay, especially in variable mobile network environments, due to the need for pre-stored chunks encoded at different bit rates and difficulties in determining service quality conditions for terminals with changing network and terminal states.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a probing procedure to assess the terminal's service quality processing state, transmitting probing packets according to the MMT communication protocol, and adjusting the streaming service quality based on the reception measurement results to quickly switch to a higher quality without delay, using a predetermined number of packets at set intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-stored chunks encoded at different bit rates are used for adaptive streaming, then service quality can be adapted to network conditions, but switching to high-quality streaming experiences delay due to the need to buffer and switch between pre-encoded segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-collecting and buffering streaming data packets at the server side before the terminal requests them. When adaptive quality switching is needed, the terminal can immediately request higher quality packets that are already prepared, eliminating the delay associated with real-time encoding and buffering that would normally occur during quality transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using a probing procedure with test packets to assess terminal processing capability and network conditions before committing to a quality switch. This intermediary assessment step allows the system to determine the optimal quality level without experiencing buffering delays, as the probing results guide direct packet transmission at the appropriate quality level.
2Speed
If frame-based packet transmission is used to reduce streaming delay, then low-delay streaming is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine conditions for raising service quality and provide suitable resolution based on variable terminal environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the terminal periodically report its processing state and network conditions to the server. The server uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate service quality level and adjust packet transmission accordingly. This feedback loop enables real-time quality adaptation without requiring complex pre-planning or buffering, thus maintaining low delay while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the service quality level changeable and adaptive based on real-time terminal state and network conditions. Rather than fixing the quality level or using rigid segment-based switching, the system dynamically adjusts packet quality in response to changing conditions, enabling both low delay and adaptability simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If probing packets are transmitted multiple times at predetermined intervals to assess terminal capability, then accurate service quality determination is achieved, but transmission time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting probing packets a predetermined number of times at set intervals rather than continuously or excessively. This partial probing approach achieves sufficient measurement precision to determine terminal capability and network conditions while minimizing the time and overhead associated with probing, balancing accuracy with efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for providing an adaptive streaming service and, more particularly, to a method for providing an adaptive streaming service, and a device therefor, the method being capable of adaptively changing the quality of a streaming service and providing the same by considering a service quality processing state in a terminal using the streaming service.