Aggregated Program Restart via Broadcast Stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital video networks face increasing bandwidth requirements due to the linear increase in bandwidth needed for each program restart request, making it inefficient to handle large numbers of restart requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a technique where program restart requests from multiple end-user devices are serviced via a single broadcast stream within an aggregation interval, allowing for personalized content delivery before switching to the restarted broadcast stream, and using a switch buffer for a smooth transition, thereby reducing the need for new unicast streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new unicast stream is established for each program restart request, then program restart functionality is implemented, but bandwidth requirements increase linearly with the number of requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast streams into a single broadcast stream by aggregating program restart requests within a time interval. Instead of creating separate unicast streams for each restart request, the system collects requests and delivers the restarted program broadcast to all requesting devices simultaneously through one broadcast stream, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining restart functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing an aggregation interval before the actual program restart. During this interval, the system collects and aggregates restart requests from multiple devices before initiating the broadcast stream. This preliminary aggregation phase allows the system to prepare and coordinate the restart broadcast efficiently, reducing the need for individual unicast stream establishment.
2Ease of operation
If multiple unicast streams are created for program restart requests, then each end-user device receives personalized content, but the network bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple personalized unicast content streams into a single broadcast stream that serves all devices in the aggregation group. By merging these streams, the system maintains personalized content delivery capability while reducing network bandwidth consumption from multiple separate streams to one consolidated broadcast stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast stream serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers the restarted program broadcast to all devices, provides personalized content (such as targeted advertisements) to each device within the aggregation interval, and coordinates the transition from unicast to broadcast mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated streams.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for providing program restart functionality in a digital video network involves receiving requests from different end-user devices to restart a program and servicing the program restart requests from the different end-user devices via a single broadcast stream. In an embodiment, program restart requests that are received within an established time interval, referred to as an aggregation interval, are serviced by the same broadcast stream. Additionally, during the aggregation interval and before the program restart begins, personalized content can be provided to the end-user devices via, for example, unicasting. Once the aggregation interval is over, all of the unicast streams are switched over to the same broadcast stream and the program broadcast is restarted. In an embodiment, a switch buffer is provided just before the restarted broadcast stream in order to ensure a smooth transition from each of the multiple unicast streams to the restarted broadcast stream.