Dynamic Manifest File Management for Trickplay Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
As devices such as set-top boxes and mobile devices experience a reduction in storage capacity due to smaller form factors, they struggle to accommodate the data required for trickplay playback of content, such as rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding, which is traditionally supported by larger storage capacities.
Innovation Solution
The generation and management of manifest files by communication devices to efficiently obtain and manage portions of content items, allowing for trickplay capabilities by modifying metadata and appending new metadata to existing manifest files, even in resource-constrained environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If devices reduce their form factor and physical size, then device portability and compactness are improved, but storage capacity decreases making it difficult to accommodate trickplay data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manifest file into multiple parts and stores them across different locations (local device storage and remote server). This allows the system to maintain trickplay functionality without requiring all metadata to be stored locally, thus resolving the contradiction between small device form factor and sufficient storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary to store portions of the manifest file that are not currently stored locally. The device can retrieve these portions when needed for trickplay operations, effectively extending the device's storage capacity beyond its physical limitations.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional STBs with large storage capacity are used, then trickplay playback over the entirety of content items is supported, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic manifest file management system where the manifest file can be updated, modified, and extended over time. New metadata can be appended to existing manifest files, allowing the system to adapt to different content items and trickplay requirements without requiring a fixed, large storage capacity from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal manifest file structure that can serve multiple content items and trickplay operations. By storing metadata in a standardized format that can be reused and referenced across different content, the system reduces the total storage requirements while maintaining comprehensive trickplay functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manifest files are dynamically updated and extended with new metadata, then trickplay functionality is maintained, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing manifest files with anticipated metadata requirements. The system prepares the manifest file structure in advance, allowing for efficient updates and extensions without requiring complex real-time data management during trickplay operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a first manifest file from a first server that includes first metadata that identifies a second server where a first portion of data associated with a content item is stored, responsive to the receiving of the first manifest file, determining that a trickplay command is received by a processing system, responsive to the determining that the trickplay command is received, generating or modifying a second manifest file to incorporate the first metadata, and obtaining the first portion of the data associated with the content item from the second server in accordance with the second manifest file. Other embodiments are disclosed.