Adaptive Audio Video Stream Proxy for Unmanaged Broadband
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Solution Overview
Problem
Converged service providers face challenges in delivering video services to televisions through unmanaged broadband connections, as existing technologies require costly set-top boxes and are not compatible with consumer devices using unmanaged connections, limiting the reach of video services to a smaller audience.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive video stream proxy system that converts constant or adaptive bit rate video streams into non-adaptive bit rate streams, modifies video transport and control stacks, and adds a home networking stack to mimic local server delivery, enabling video streaming and user interaction through a remote user interface proxy, thus decoupling video streaming from traditional set-top box requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video services are delivered through managed broadband connections using traditional set-top boxes, then video quality and service reliability are improved, but device cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home network proxy device as an intermediary between the video source and home devices. This proxy handles protocol conversion, adaptive bitrate streaming, and network adaptation, eliminating the need for traditional set-top boxes while maintaining service reliability. The proxy acts as a mediator that translates between managed and unmanaged network protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the video service infrastructure through software-based proxy functions rather than physical set-top boxes. The home network proxy replicates the functionality of traditional set-top box operations (transcoding, protocol conversion, stream management) in a virtualized form that can operate on unmanaged broadband connections.
2Device complexity
If video services are delivered over unmanaged broadband connections to existing home devices, then device cost and infrastructure complexity are reduced, but video stream compatibility and service reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive bitrate streaming where the home network proxy dynamically adjusts video stream parameters based on real-time network conditions and device capabilities. The system continuously monitors bandwidth, latency, and device characteristics, then adapts the video stream accordingly to maintain compatibility and quality across diverse unmanaged broadband connections and home devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the video stream including bitrate, resolution, and protocol format based on network conditions and device capabilities. The home network proxy performs transcoding to convert video streams into formats suitable for unmanaged broadband delivery while maintaining quality within acceptable ranges for various home devices.
3Ease of operation
If traditional set-top boxes are used for video delivery, then video stream control and user interface functionality are improved, but device cost and market penetration potential worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal home network proxy that can serve multiple functions across different devices and network configurations. The proxy provides video stream control, user interface functionality, protocol conversion, and adaptive streaming capabilities in a single platform that works with various home devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs, smart TVs) without requiring device-specific set-top boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the home network proxy automatically performs protocol conversion, adaptive bitrate adjustment, and stream management without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system autonomously adapts to network conditions and device capabilities, providing user interface functionality and video control features that would traditionally require expensive set-top box hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided comprising: receiving a constant bit rate video stream representing a single video from a video source via a managed broadband connection; converting the constant bit rate video stream into a single non-adaptive bit rate video stream by modifying a video transport stack of the video to be compatible with a home device media player video transport stack; modifying a video control stack of the video to be compatible with a device in a home network; adding a home networking transport stack to the video stream, wherein the home networking transport stack is such that it would appear to the device in the home network as if the video stream came from a server local to the home network; and delivering the video stream to a device in the home network.