Web Browser Pseudo Seamless Video Source Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network video technologies face challenges in seamlessly switching between different video source formats like DASH, fly, and mp4 during playback, leading to potential blocking and a poor user experience due to misalignment of group of pictures and varying browser support.
Innovation Solution
A pseudo seamless switching method where a web browser determines synchronization time based on bandwidth and buffer length conditions to switch between video sources, ensuring seamless transitions without playback interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct switching between different video source formats is performed, then switching speed is improved, but playback blocking occurs due to gop misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-buffering video data before switching occurs. The system calculates required buffer length based on playback rate and gop structure, ensuring sufficient data is available before the switch to avoid playback blocking. This preliminary preparation enables format switching without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a buffer - that mediates between different video source formats during switching. The buffer acts as a transition zone that absorbs the discontinuity caused by gop misalignment between formats, allowing seamless switching while maintaining playback continuity.
2Reliability
If buffer length is increased to enable seamless switching, then playback continuity is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the buffer length parameter based on network conditions and video format characteristics. Rather than using a fixed large buffer, the system calculates the minimum required buffer length considering playback rate, gop structure, and network stability, optimizing the balance between playback continuity and bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by buffering only the necessary amount of data required for seamless switching rather than buffering excessive data. The buffer length is precisely calculated based on the specific switching scenario, providing just enough data to cover the transition period without unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video source formats are supported, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal switching mechanism that can handle multiple video source formats (DASH, HLS, RTMP, etc.) through a single unified approach. The buffer-based switching method works across different formats without requiring format-specific switching logic, reducing system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by focusing on parameter changes (buffer length, playback rate, gop size) rather than implementing complex format-specific processing logic. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves multi-format support through a simplified universal switching framework.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, a device and a computer-readable medium for a pseudo seamless switch between different video sources and belongs to a field of the Internet technology. According to the method, a device and a computer-readable medium for a pseudo seamless switch between different video sources of the present invention, when a video source needs to be switched, the Web browser first establishes a target video source playback instance; determines a synchronization duration based on a playing state of an original video source and a network state; after the synchronization duration, the Web browser switches to the target video source playback instance to achieve seamless switching between various video sources, so as to effectively avoid blocking during playback and greatly improve user experience. And the method, device and computer-readable medium for a pseudo seamless switch between different video sources of the present invention have the advantages of simple implementation, low application cost and wide application range.