Dynamic Block Size Adjustment for Streaming Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-bitrate systems experience delays in playback initiation due to static block sizes and preset minimum buffer requirements, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and potential playback interruptions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic block control, where a computing device determines transcoder conditions and adjusts block sizes dynamically based on predicted network and transcoder quality of service forecasts, allowing for more efficient buffering and playback initiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static preset minimum number of blocks are buffered before playback, then playback stability is ensured, but latency time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback stabilityVSAvoidlatency time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic block quantity adjustment where the media device determines an actual minimum block quantity based on real-time network conditions and transcoder status, replacing the static preset minimum block requirement. This allows the system to adaptively optimize between playback stability and latency by adjusting buffer requirements dynamically rather than using fixed values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of minimum block quantity from a fixed preset value to a dynamically determined value based on network conditions and transcoder status. The media device calculates the actual minimum block quantity needed based on current conditions, thereby optimizing playback initiation time while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a static block size is used in the stream, then system complexity is reduced, but bandwidth efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidbandwidth efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic block size adjustment where the transcoder modifies block sizes based on real-time network conditions and client device status. Instead of using fixed static block sizes, the system adapts block quantities dynamically to optimize bandwidth utilization and playback efficiency across different network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the media device always selects the lowest bitrate stream, then initial playback is ensured, but quality level decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial playbackVSAvoidquality level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the media device monitors network conditions and transcoder status during playback, then dynamically adjusts the selected stream bitrate. Instead of always selecting the lowest bitrate stream, the device uses feedback from network performance and transcoder capabilities to intelligently select optimal bitrate streams, thereby improving quality while maintaining playback reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250192822A1Managing Minimum Block Quantities for Data Stream Playback

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Methods, computing devices, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for managing sending of data streams associated with a requested content item. A minimum quantity of blocks may be downloaded for initiating playback. The minimum quantity may be based on quality of a network connection with a client device requesting the content item.