Dynamic Media Stream Switching via Quality Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in selecting the best media stream for a live event from multiple recordings with varying quality and sources, as they cannot readily compare and switch between different media streams.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically switches between media streams by obtaining source data from multiple stream sources, applying quality assessment functions to assign quality scores, and generating selection data to enable the streaming client to access the highest quality stream portions, thereby providing a seamless streaming presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple media streams are provided from different stream sources, then the variety of recording qualities and perspectives increases, but the complexity of selecting and switching between streams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manifest file as an intermediary between multiple stream sources and the streaming client. This manifest contains structured information about available streams, their qualities, and selection criteria, enabling the client to automatically select appropriate streams without manual intervention or complex comparison logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements quality assessment functions that continuously evaluate stream quality and provide feedback to the streaming client. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic stream selection based on current quality metrics, allowing the system to adapt to changing stream conditions automatically
2Ease of operation
If manual stream switching is required, then the consumer has control over stream selection, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to readily compare streams
Solution Approach 1:
The manifest file is generated in advance and contains pre-processed information about all available streams, including their qualities, formats, and other relevant attributes. This preliminary organization of stream information eliminates the need for real-time comparison and enables immediate informed selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metadata tagging and quality indicators (analogous to visual indicators) to differentiate stream qualities. The manifest structure provides clear, distinguishable information about each stream's characteristics, making it easy for the client to identify and select the most appropriate stream without manual comparison
3Reliability
If dynamic stream switching is implemented, then the streaming quality improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stream selection process into distinct, manageable components: stream discovery, quality assessment, manifest generation, and client selection. Each component handles a specific aspect of the problem, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high streaming quality through systematic evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a streaming client with a streaming presentation of an event, with said presentation being obtained by dynamically switching between a plurality of media streams which represent different recordings of the event. For that purpose, source data is obtained from a plurality of stream sources. The source data is constituted by content data and/or metadata of concurrent portions of the plurality of media streams. By applying a quality assessment function to the source data, a quality score is assigned to each one of the concurrent portions. This allows selection data to be generated which enables the streaming client to access a selected one of the concurrent portions of a respective media stream. For example, a segment may be selected which provides a highest quality score. By doing so, it is therefore not required anymore for a consumer to manually switch between different media streams.