Dynamic Media Delivery Adaptation for Streaming Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for delivering media content over broadband connections are inadequate as they fail to adapt to varying connection speeds and user preferences, leading to playback stoppages and inconsistent streaming experiences.

Innovation Solution

A system that dynamically selects between streaming and progressive downloading based on connection speed, adjusting bitrate and buffer fill size to ensure seamless playback, while also considering user preferences and changes in network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If streaming is used to deliver media content, then playback can begin quickly, but playback stoppages occur when connection speed is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to start playbackVSAvoidplayback continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the delivery method parameter between streaming and progressive downloading based on connection speed conditions. When connection speed is sufficient, streaming is used for quick playback start; when connection speed is insufficient, progressive downloading is used to ensure playback continuity without stoppages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If progressive downloading is used to ensure playback continuity, then playback stoppages are reduced, but playback cannot begin until a portion of content is received

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback continuityVSAvoidtime to start playback

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between streaming and progressive downloading based on real-time connection speed assessment. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between quick playback start and playback continuity depending on current network conditions, rather than using a fixed delivery method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed delivery method is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying connection speeds is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery method selectionVSAvoidadaptability to connection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring connection speed and using this information to dynamically select the appropriate delivery method. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to varying connection speeds while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making based on measured parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8782276B2Method and system for selecting a delivery method for media on demand

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and systems are disclosed. A computer implemented method includes receiving device a first connection speed of a data connection to a host including a media content delivery method based on the first connection speed and user preference information. The method requesting delivery of the media content from the host using the media content delivery method. The computer implemented method includes determining, during delivery of the media content to the receiving device, a second connection speed of the data connection. The method of delivery is determining, during delivery of the media content to the receiving device, whether to modify the media content delivery method based on the second connection speed and the user preference information.