MPEG-DASH Ad Break Shortening for Live Stream Manifest Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MPEG-DASH implementations fix advertisement durations prior to insertion, preventing dynamic adjustments by the advertisement-server, which limits flexibility and efficiency in live and on-demand streaming services.
Innovation Solution
Enable the advertisement-server to dynamically shorten advertisement durations and communicate the new duration to the origin server for manifest updates, using open standard tools and new MPD events, allowing seamless integration with client playback adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advertisement duration is fixed by the origin server prior to insertion, then the system maintains simplicity and stability, but the advertisement-server cannot dynamically adjust duration, reducing flexibility and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static advertisement duration into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted in real-time. The advertisement-server receives a maximum duration from the origin server but can shorten it dynamically based on available ads, and the system updates the manifest accordingly to reflect the actual duration used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the duration control into two layers: the origin server sets a maximum duration boundary, while the advertisement-server determines the actual duration within that boundary. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently within its authority, enabling dynamic adjustment without compromising system stability.
2Productivity
If advertisement duration is fixed in advance, then the manifest structure remains simple, but the system cannot accommodate variable advertisement lengths, limiting efficiency in live streaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the advertisement-server reports the actual advertisement duration back to the origin server, which then updates the manifest. This feedback loop ensures that the manifest accurately reflects the actual duration used, maintaining information accuracy while enabling efficient dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The origin server pre-establishes a maximum duration in the manifest before advertisement insertion. This preliminary action sets a boundary that prevents duration information errors while allowing flexibility within the established limit, improving streaming efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
3Loss of time
If the system uses fixed advertisement breaks, then the playback schedule is predictable, but the client cannot return to main content earlier even when advertisements are shorter, wasting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to update the manifest with the actual advertisement duration after the advertisement-server determines it. This allows the client to receive updated timing information and adjust its playback schedule accordingly, reducing time loss without compromising the reliability of the overall playback structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The playback schedule transitions from a static, pre-determined timeline to a dynamic one that adapts based on actual advertisement durations. The client can return to main content earlier when advertisements are shorter, optimizing time utilization while maintaining schedule stability through structured updates.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for shortening an advertisement duration using moving picture experts group (MPEG)-dynamic adaptive streaming over http (DASH), including transmitting, to a client, a media presentation description (MPD) including a remote period including the advertisement duration, and an indication that the advertisement duration is able to be shortened; receiving an update request including a shortened advertisement duration; updating the MPD based on the shortened advertisement duration to generate an updated MPD including the shortened advertisement duration; and transmitting the updated MPD to the client.