Bitstream Switching for Seamless Data Channel Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring multiple data channels over a network require terminating the first streaming session and establishing a new one to switch between channels, resulting in significant delays, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable bitstream switching and fast buffer filling to switch between data channels within an ongoing streaming session, allowing for seamless transitions without terminating the existing session, using a server that encodes data at different bitrates and a terminal with a buffer to receive and display the data without interrupting the stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal terminates the first streaming session and establishes a second streaming session to switch between data channels, then the terminal can receive data from different channels, but a significant delay period occurs during session establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal pre-establishes multiple streaming sessions (first streaming session for first data channel, second streaming session for second data channel) before channel switching is needed. This preliminary action allows the terminal to immediately switch between channels by activating the appropriate pre-established session, eliminating the delay that would occur from establishing a new session at the moment of switching.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple streaming sessions are maintained in a ready state simultaneously, ensuring that data reception capability is continuously available for multiple channels. Instead of interrupting the streaming process to establish new sessions, the system maintains continuous readiness for multiple channels, allowing seamless switching without breaking the streaming action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal establishes a new streaming session for each data channel, then the terminal can receive data from multiple channels, but the device complexity increases due to multiple session management
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-channel reception function into separate, independent streaming sessions. Each data channel has its own dedicated streaming session, which simplifies the management of each individual session while enabling multi-channel capability. The terminal can manage each session independently rather than handling multiple channels within a single complex session.
Solution Approach 2:
The streaming session establishment process is designed to be universal and reusable. The same session establishment mechanism can be applied to create multiple sessions for different channels, rather than requiring different complex management approaches for each channel. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multi-channel capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method transfer multiple data channels between a server and a terminal via a stream session over a network. The system and the method utilize a bitstream switching, a fast buffer filling and/or a fast playback start to facilitate a switch from a first data channel and a second data channel. The first data channel and/or the second data channel is delivered to and/or is transferred to the terminal from the server over the network via a streaming session. The server transfers second data of the second data channel to the terminal via one or more tracks which are encoded at more than one bitrate and/or are configured in one or more configurations. The terminal requests a change between the first track and/or the second track without terminating the stream session for the first data channel between the terminal and the server. As a result, the system and/or the method minimizes the delay period of time between requesting the switch to the second data channel and displaying the second data channel.