Conditional Media Download Using Idle Network Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing streaming methods, such as progressive download, often fail to provide continuous playback due to network impairments and cause network congestion, especially during peak usage, leading to interruptions and degraded services for all users.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that conditionally use idle network capacity by initially downloading media content using a conventional streaming mode to fill a buffer, then switch to a network savings mode that downloads only when idle capacity is available, and transition to an expedited delivery mode if necessary to prevent playback stalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional streaming mode is used to download media content, then playback continuity is maintained, but network congestion increases during peak usage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between conventional streaming mode and network savings mode based on buffer fill level thresholds. When the buffer reaches a first threshold level, the system transitions from conventional streaming to network savings mode, allowing adaptive adjustment of network resource usage while maintaining playback continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills the buffer to a threshold level using conventional streaming mode before switching to network savings mode. This preliminary action ensures sufficient content is available in the buffer to maintain playback continuity even when network capacity is limited.
2Quantity of substance
If network savings mode is used to reduce network traffic, then network congestion is reduced, but playback interruptions may occur when idle capacity is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a buffer filled to a threshold level before relying on network savings mode. This buffer acts as a cushion that can sustain playback during periods when idle network capacity is unavailable, preventing playback interruptions while reducing overall network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors buffer fill levels and dynamically adjusts the download mode based on feedback from buffer status and network conditions. When the buffer level drops below the threshold, the system can transition back to conventional streaming mode to refill the buffer, ensuring playback continuity.
3Reliability
If buffer size is increased to maintain playback during network impairments, then playback continuity is improved, but network resources are consumed longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of network download by switching between two distinct modes (conventional streaming and network savings) based on buffer fill level thresholds. This allows the system to maintain playback continuity with a moderate buffer size while minimizing network connection duration through intelligent mode switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for downloading data by conditionally using idle network capacity are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods downloads into a buffer a first portion of media content in accordance with a first content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data even when there is no idle network capacity, and upon determining that the buffer has been filled to a threshold level, downloads into the buffer a second portion of the media content in accordance with a second content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data, e.g., only when there is idle network capacity.