Content Supply Device Synchronized Zapping and Viewing Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive streaming technologies like DASH, rapid zapping between channels is hindered by segment length mismatches and delayed switching, which can be mitigated but results in inefficient coding and increased bandwidth requirements.
Innovation Solution
A content supply device generates zapping streams with synchronized segment lengths and viewing streams with longer durations, aligned with zapping streams, and creates metafiles that allow for rapid switching by indicating synchronized or asymmetric alignment, enabling seamless channel switching without extra delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If segment length is reduced to enable rapid zapping, then switching speed is improved, but coding efficiency deteriorates and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the streaming data into two distinct types: zapping segments with short duration (e.g., 2 seconds) optimized for rapid channel switching, and viewing segments with longer duration (e.g., 10 seconds) optimized for coding efficiency. The playback head can switch between different zapping segments of other channels rapidly, while viewing segments maintain efficient compression ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segment types are assigned different quality characteristics tailored to their specific用途. Zapping segments prioritize fast decoding and small size for quick channel switching, while viewing segments prioritize high compression efficiency for sustained playback. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between switching speed and coding efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are delivered through separate content supply devices, then channel diversity is improved, but zapping delay increases due to segment length mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
A single content supply device delivers multiple channels through one unified system, eliminating the need for separate devices per channel. The device generates both zapping segments and viewing segments for multiple channels simultaneously, allowing rapid switching between channels without the delays caused by segment length mismatches that occur in multi-device architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the delivery of multiple channels into a unified stream structure where zapping segments from different channels are synchronized and can be switched rapidly. The playback head can jump between zapping segments of different channels without waiting for segment boundaries to align, thereby reducing zapping delay while maintaining channel diversity.
3Ease of operation
If zapping stream uses shorter segment duration, then switching responsiveness is improved, but coding efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stream into zapping segments with short duration (e.g., 2 seconds) for responsive channel switching and viewing segments with longer duration (e.g., 10 seconds) for efficient coding. The system selectively uses appropriate segment types based on the operation being performed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segment types are assigned different quality characteristics tailored to their specific用途. Zapping segments prioritize fast decoding and small size for quick channel switching, while viewing segments prioritize high compression efficiency for sustained playback. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between switching responsiveness and coding efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a content supply device, a content supply method, a program, a terminal device, and a content supply system, which are capable of performing rapid zapping between channels. A content supply device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first supply unit configured to generate a zapping stream by delimiting streaming data according to a timing and a duration in common with another channel and to supply the zapping stream to a reception side via a network, a second supply unit configured to generate a viewing stream by delimiting the streaming data according to a duration of an integer multiple of the duration of the zapping stream and to supply the viewing stream to the reception side via the network, and a metafile generating unit configured to generate a metafile that is for the reception side to receive the zapping stream and the viewing stream. The present disclosure can be applied to a system in which content is delivered in a streaming manner.