Dual Content Stream Coding for Lost Segment Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional streaming video systems experience delays due to segment loss during transmission, which conventional bandwidth increases cannot fully address, as error correcting codes only correct errors within the same segment.

Innovation Solution

A dual encoding method is employed, where content is encoded using a first algorithm and then re-encoded using a logical operation to form a second stream that can reconstruct missing blocks, allowing local reconstruction at the user device using spare bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional error correcting codes are used to correct transmission errors, then errors within the same segment can be fixed, but segments lost during transmission cannot be recovered and cause streaming delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoidstreaming delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The content stream is divided into multiple blocks, and a second encoded content stream is created by performing logical operations on adjacent blocks of the first encoded content stream. This segmentation allows the system to reconstruct lost segments using combinations of other segments, thereby reducing streaming delays caused by segment loss while maintaining error correction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If bandwidth is increased to reduce delays from retransmissions, then transmission speed improves, but the fundamental need for retransmissions remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidsegment delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary encoding by creating a second encoded content stream from the first encoded content stream before transmission. This pre-processing allows the receiving device to reconstruct lost segments without requiring retransmissions, addressing the reliability issue before transmission problems occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary encoding process that transforms the original content into multiple encoded streams. This intermediary layer enables the receiving device to recover lost segments through logical operations on received blocks, serving as a mediator between transmission imperfections and reliable content delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a segment is lost during transmission, then the receiving device must wait for retransmission, but holding all subsequently received packets causes streaming pauses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete data receiptVSAvoidstreaming continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device performs self-service by reconstructing lost segments locally using logical operations on received blocks from the first and second encoded content streams. This eliminates the need to hold subsequent packets or wait for retransmissions, maintaining streaming continuity while ensuring complete data receipt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260019459A1Methods and systems for content stream coding

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for encoding content using a first encoding algorithm to produce first encoded content. Content can also be encoded using a second encoding algorithm to produce second encoded content, where the second encoded content can comprise data that can be used to reconstruct the first encoded content. At any time relative to the encoding, a request for the content can be received from a user device. In response to receipt of the request, the first encoded content is transmitted to the user device and the second encoded content is transmitted to the user device.