DASH Client SCTE 35 Segmentation Descriptor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms in TS-based dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP do not allow for real-time control of client behavior during unexpected events such as content changes, blackouts, or emergency alerts, leading to inefficient network resource usage and potential race conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of SCTE 35 segmentation descriptors in DASH MPEG-2 transport streams allows for client-side control of adaptive bit rate streaming, enabling responsive actions to SCTE 35 messages, such as triggering manifest reloads, thereby managing schedule changes and unexpected events with low latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clients continuously request new manifests in DASH adaptive streaming, then the system can respond to content changes, but network communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having clients monitor SCTE 35 segmentation descriptors in incoming transport streams. When specific segmentation events are detected (such as splice_insert or time_signal), the client triggers a manifest reload. This event-driven feedback mechanism ensures the client responds only when actual content changes occur, rather than continuously polling, thus reducing network overhead while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If clients respond to all segmentation descriptors, then unexpected events are handled effectively, but race conditions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between various types of segmentation descriptors and applying different response strategies. Specifically, the client examines the segmentation_type_id and command_descriptor_tag to determine the appropriate action. For example, splice_insert commands trigger manifest reloads while other segmentation types may be ignored or handled differently. This selective response approach ensures reliable handling of unexpected events while avoiding unnecessary actions that could cause race conditions.
3Productivity
If clients use SCTE 35 segmentation descriptors for control, then adaptive bit rate streaming is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of SCTE 35 segmentation descriptors, which were originally designed for ad insertion but are now multi-functionally used for various stream events including program changes, content transitions, and emergency alerts. By utilizing this existing standardized format for multiple purposes, the system optimizes adaptive bit rate streaming without requiring entirely new protocols, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity to only the additional logic needed to interpret and respond to relevant segmentation commands.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method embodiments are provided for controlling end client behavior in dynamic adaptive streaming over hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) (DASH). In an embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the end client, a DASH Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-2 stream (TS) segment, wherein the DASH MPEG-2 TS segment includes segmentation descriptors, and performing, with the end client, an action, such as a media presentation description (MPD) reload, indicated by the segmentation descriptor. In an embodiment, the segmentation descriptor conforms to a Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) 35 protocol or a HTTP live streaming (HLS) protocol.