Client-Side QoS for ABR Streaming via Pre-Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streaming often results in interruptions to high-quality video streaming when network bandwidth is insufficient, requiring users to wait for content to download fully or experience delayed playback, especially when viewing high-definition content like Ultra High Definition (UHD) Video on Demand (VOD).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a client-side Quality-of-Service (QoS) system that allows non-real-time download of the highest quality video rendition from a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and caching it locally, enabling seamless switching to lower quality during bandwidth issues while maintaining real-time streaming, with audio segments retrieved separately to prioritize cache-misses during playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ABR streaming is used to deliver high quality VOD, then high quality video can be streamed, but the client must drop the bit rate to sustain viewing when network bandwidth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by downloading and caching content segments in advance before they are needed for playback. The client device proactively retrieves segments from the CDN and stores them in local cache memory, so that when playback is needed, the segments are already available and do not need to be downloaded in real-time, eliminating the need to drop bit rate to sustain viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local cache as an intermediary between the CDN and the client device. This cache acts as a buffer that decouples the streaming client from real-time network dependencies, allowing the client to access previously cached content without being constrained by current network bandwidth conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high quality and ensuring viewing continuity.
2Ease of operation
If progressive download is used, then the user can view content without waiting for complete download, but the user must wait for indeterminate period before playback starts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-downloading and caching content segments before the user needs to play anything. This advance preparation eliminates the indeterminate wait time associated with progressive download, as the content is already ready in the cache when the user initiates playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device autonomously manages the caching process by automatically downloading and storing segments in local cache without requiring user intervention or waiting for user-initiated progressive downloads. This self-service approach ensures content is ready for immediate playback when needed.
3Ease of operation
If progressive download is used, then content can be viewed as it downloads, but the client device must have sufficient storage for the entire asset to be fully downloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the entire content asset into smaller segments that can be independently cached and managed. Instead of requiring storage for the complete asset, the system segments content into manageable portions that are downloaded and cached only as needed, significantly reducing the storage requirement while maintaining viewing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by caching only the necessary segments for current and upcoming playback rather than downloading the entire asset. This partial caching approach provides sufficient viewing capability without requiring storage for the complete content, resolving the contradiction between viewing flexibility and storage requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ABR streaming is used, then the client can adapt to network conditions, but the user experiences interruptions to high-quality viewing when bandwidth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-downloading high-quality content segments into local cache before network conditions deteriorate. This advance preparation allows the client to maintain high-quality viewing even when current network bandwidth is insufficient, as the high-quality segments are already available in cache and do not require real-time high-bandwidth transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The local cache acts as an intermediary that decouples the video playback from real-time network conditions. By storing high-quality segments locally, the cache enables consistent high-quality viewing without requiring continuous high-bandwidth connection, thus resolving the contradiction between bandwidth adaptation and video quality consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Client-side Quality-of-Service (QoS) for viewing of Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streams may be provided. First, a plurality of Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) objects corresponding to a first video rendition of a content program may be downloaded from a Content Delivery Network (CDN) in non-real-time. The plurality of ABR objects may comprise a portion of ABR objects comprising the content program. Next, the plurality of ABR objects downloaded in non-real-time may be stored in a cache. At least a portion of the content program may then be retrieved in real-time using ABR streaming. Retrieving the at least a portion of the content program may comprise obtaining a first ABR object corresponding to the content program and a second ABR object corresponding to the content program.