Dynamic Media Packet Generation for Streaming Adaptability
Solution Overview
Problem
MPEG-4 hint tracks are limited in supporting dynamic changes in packet sizes, leading to inefficient use of processing and memory resources, and can result in bit-rate mismatches during media streaming, causing client overflow or underflow and loss of synchronization between elementary streams.
Innovation Solution
Generating media packets with varying sizes by providing packet boundary information within a hierarchical data structure, allowing for dynamic selection of packet boundaries based on selected packet size information, which can adapt to bandwidth constraints and network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed packet sizes are used in MPEG-4 hint tracks, then packetization is simplified, but adaptability to varying network conditions and bandwidth constraints is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic packetization by introducing a packetizer that can adjust packet sizes in real-time based on network conditions and bandwidth availability. Instead of using fixed packet sizes defined in hint tracks, the system dynamically determines optimal packet sizes during media stream processing, allowing adaptation to varying network conditions while maintaining efficient packetization through structured algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the packet size parameter from a fixed value to a dynamic variable. The packetizer modifies packet size parameters based on current bandwidth constraints and network conditions, enabling the system to adapt to different network environments. This parameter change allows the same media stream to be efficiently packetized for various network scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-size configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hint tracks are generated to support various packet sizes, then adaptability to different communication protocols is improved, but processing and memory resources are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal packetizer that can handle multiple communication protocols and packet size requirements through a single flexible structure. Rather than generating separate hint tracks for each protocol, the universal packetizer adapts its behavior based on the target protocol and network conditions, performing multiple functions with one component. This reduces the quantity of processing resources needed while maintaining support for various protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of network conditions and bandwidth constraints before packetization, allowing the system to pre-determine optimal packet sizes and structures. This preliminary action enables the packetizer to efficiently adapt to different protocols without requiring multiple pre-generated hint tracks, reducing memory resources while maintaining protocol versatility.
3Productivity
If packet sizes are dynamically adjusted, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but synchronization between elementary streams may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network conditions, bandwidth availability, and stream synchronization status. The packetizer uses this feedback to dynamically adjust packet sizes while maintaining synchronization between elementary streams. When synchronization drift is detected, the system adjusts packetization parameters to realign streams, optimizing bandwidth utilization without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic synchronization checks and adjustments in the packetization process. At regular intervals, the system verifies synchronization status between elementary streams and makes necessary adjustments to packet boundaries and timing. This periodic action ensures that dynamic packet size adjustments do not permanently disrupt synchronization, maintaining both bandwidth efficiency and stream reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a computer readable medium for generating media packets, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing packet boundary information representative of locations of potential packet boundaries within media objects; said packet boundary information facilitating generation of packets of varying sizes; (b) selecting packet boundaries in response to a packet size selection information; and (c) generating media packets in response to the selected packet boundaries.