Content Readiness Estimation for Network Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of high-quality video content over networks generates high network loads, leading to response time deterioration for other users, and users face uncertainty in determining when downloaded content will be ready for playback, often resulting in unnecessary downloads during peak periods.
Innovation Solution
A method that provides users with a content readiness estimate based on network conditions, allowing them to defer downloads to less busy times and enabling informed choices about when to commence content use, including options for download scheduling and priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If content is downloaded immediately for direct playback, then user can view content straight away, but network load increases and response times for other users deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating and presenting content readiness estimates to users before actual download begins. This allows users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with downloads during peak periods, thereby preventing network overload while still enabling timely content delivery when network conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing users with real-time readiness estimates based on current network conditions. This feedback loop enables users to adjust their download decisions dynamically, choosing to delay downloads when network load is high and proceed when conditions improve, thus balancing individual user needs with overall network health.
2Reliability
If download is scheduled during low demand periods, then network load is reduced, but user cannot determine when content will be ready for playback
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously provides feedback to users through readiness estimates that reflect current network conditions. This information feedback eliminates the uncertainty users face when scheduling downloads during low-demand periods, as they can now see real-time estimates of when their content will be ready for playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static scheduling approaches to dynamic readiness estimation that adapts to changing network conditions. Instead of fixed time windows, the system dynamically calculates and communicates readiness times based on current network state, allowing users to make informed decisions while the system optimizes for both network load and user experience.
3Reliability
If user downloads content during peak periods to ensure availability, then content is stored locally for playback at user's choosing, but network performance deteriorates due to unnecessary downloads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of readiness estimates before users commit to downloads. This preliminary information allows users to avoid unnecessary downloads during peak periods by seeing that content may not be ready until later, thereby preserving network resources while still ensuring content availability when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system empowers users to make their own informed decisions about download timing based on provided readiness estimates. Users can independently determine whether to proceed with downloads or delay them, eliminating the need for default immediate-download behavior that wastes network resources during peak periods.
4Speed
If direct viewing or progressive download is used, then content is delivered and played back simultaneously, but playback may be interrupted due to ongoing download
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of network conditions and calculates readiness estimates before playback begins. This preliminary action allows the system to determine whether conditions are favorable for uninterrupted progressive playback or whether full download should be completed first, thereby preventing playback interruptions while maintaining fast content access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is presented of requesting and receiving content over a network for use at a device. A request for the content is sent (S1) from the device to a content server located in the network. A response is received (S2) at the device from the content server. The response provides a content readiness estimate for the requested content. The readiness estimate is an estimate of when the content will be ready for use at the device according to a predetermined criterion, based on network conditions affecting delivery of the content from the content server to the device. A content readiness indication is presented (S3) at the device to a user of the device. The readiness indication is derived in dependence upon the readiness estimate and indicates to the user when or whether the content will be or is ready for use at the device according to the predetermined criterion. An instruction is received (S4) at the device from the user indicating when the user wishes to commence use of the content at the device. Content is received (S5) at the device from the content server and stored it at least until it is required for use. Use of the content is commenced (S6) at the device according to the instruction.