Dynamic Manifest Segmentation for Media Seeking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital media player systems face increased data overhead and request complexity due to the separate downloading of manifest files or their integration with digital media items, which hinders efficient seeking within media files.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device generates a manifest file as it buffers a digital media item, using a client-based manifest for buffered portions and requesting a server-based manifest for unbuffered portions, reducing the need for separate downloads and integrating mapping information into the media item.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manifest file is separately downloaded or integrated with the digital media item, then seeking within the media item is enabled, but data overhead and request complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manifest file into two parts: a first manifest file containing keyframe information for the beginning portion of the media item, and a second manifest file containing keyframe information for the remaining portion. This segmentation allows the client device to download only the necessary manifest data for the currently buffered portion, reducing overall data overhead while maintaining seeking capability throughout the entire media item.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates the first manifest file in advance during the buffering process, before the user needs to seek to any particular location. This preliminary generation of manifest information for the buffered portion eliminates the need to download the complete manifest file beforehand, reducing data overhead while ensuring seeking capability is immediately available for the buffered content.
2Ease of operation
If a manifest file is separately downloaded or integrated with the digital media item, then seeking within the media item is enabled, but the number of requests for data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic manifest file strategy where the client device switches between the first manifest file (generated locally during buffering) and the second manifest file (downloaded from server) based on the user's seeking needs. This dynamic approach reduces request complexity by minimizing server communications while maintaining full seeking capability through intelligent selection of the appropriate manifest file for the current playback position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the complete manifest file is downloaded from the server, then seeking to any portion of the media item is possible, but data overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different manifest file solutions for different portions of the media item. The first manifest file (generated locally) serves the beginning buffered portion, while the second manifest file (downloaded from server) serves the remaining unbuffered portion. This localized approach ensures seeking capability for the entire media item while minimizing data overhead by only downloading necessary manifest data from the server.
Data Source
AI summary
A media player generates a first manifest file for a digital media item as the digital media item is downloaded and/or processed. The first manifest file is used to seek to locations within a buffered portion of the digital media item. When a seek request to a location in an unbuffered portion is received, the media player downloads a second manifest file from a server. The second manifest file is used to seek for subsequent seek requests.