Dynamic Media Sequence Generation for HTTP Live Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HTTP live streaming technologies do not efficiently utilize resources when generating media files, as they require all media files to be present on the server before streaming can occur, preventing dynamic generation of media sequence files during seeking operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically generating media sequence files on demand by determining the position of a media source file corresponding to a requested media sequence file, allowing for seeking and generating the file in real-time, even if it does not exist initially, using a system comprising an HTTP server, media generator, and media storage, without modifying existing media players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all media files are pre-generated and stored on the server before streaming, then reliable media playback is ensured, but resource utilization is inefficient and system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating media sequence files on-demand when seek operations are detected, rather than pre-generating all files. The server monitors playback position and proactively generates required media segments before they are actually requested, ensuring availability while improving resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The media generation system serves itself by automatically detecting seek operations and triggering generation of required media sequence files without manual intervention. The system self-manages the conversion from media source files to player-compatible formats dynamically based on actual playback needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If media sequence files are generated on-demand during seeking operations, then system flexibility and resource efficiency are improved, but complexity of the streaming system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a media conversion component as an intermediary between the media source files and the media player. This intermediary automatically handles format conversion and file generation when seek operations occur, adding functionality without requiring modifications to the player itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The streaming server is enhanced with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional file host and as a dynamic media conversion engine. The same server infrastructure handles both pre-generated files and on-demand generation, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If media files are completely downloaded before playback, then playback quality is ensured, but user waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media content is segmented into discrete media sequence files that correspond to specific time ranges in the original media source. This segmentation allows the player to request and playback individual segments without waiting for complete file downloads, while maintaining quality through controlled generation of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables skipping of the download-wait-playback sequence by generating and delivering media segments on-demand. When seek operations are detected, the system rushes through the generation and delivery of required segments, allowing playback to begin or resume without completing full downloads first.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamically generating media sequence files on demand for HTTP live streaming is described. The operations may include receiving a request for a media sequence file, over a network utilizing HTTP live streaming, based on a forward or backward seek operation of a remote media player; in response to the request, determining a position of a media source file that corresponds to the media sequence file to enable seeking to the position of the media source file to generate the media sequence file from the media source file; and facilitating provision of a notification that the media sequence file is generated. The media sequence file represents one of sequential portions of the media source file. The format of the media sequence file is different from a format of the media source file. The format of the media sequence file is compatible with the remote media player.