Dynamic MPD Structure for Flexible HTTP Media Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HTTP media streaming methods lack flexibility in managing media presentations, particularly when content characteristics change over time or comes from different sources, due to rigid Media Presentation Description (MPD) structures.

Innovation Solution

A new MPD structure is introduced that includes period elements with multiple alternative representations, each with ordered media segment URIs, allowing clients to select based on attributes like codec, bit rate, and language, and enabling updates by adding, removing, or modifying representations, with options for polling or push updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strict MPD structure is used, then media streaming reliability is improved, but adaptability to changing content characteristics deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia streaming reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to changing content characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The MPD structure is made dynamic by introducing optional elements and flexible attribute configurations. The Media Presentation Description can now adapt its structure based on content characteristics, allowing for dynamic adjustment of representations, segments, and timing information while maintaining core streaming functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in the MPD by allowing modification of temporal parameters, representation attributes, and segment configurations. The system can change playback timing, adjust quality parameters, and reconfigure segment structures without breaking the fundamental MPD framework, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple alternative representations are provided, then client flexibility is improved, but MPD structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient flexibilityVSAvoidMPD structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MPD is segmented into modular components including periods, representations, segments, and attributes. Each component can be independently configured and managed, allowing clients to flexibly select representations while the server manages complexity through structured organization. This segmentation enables multiple alternative representations without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9621610B2Methods and arrangements for HTTP media stream distribution

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method performed by a server of a communication network for making an HTTP media stream accessible to a client is provided. A Media Presentation Description (MPD) is generalized, such that the MPD is provided with at least one period element sequentially arranged according to a media play timeline. Each period element is provided with at least one representation such that at least one of the period elements is provided with at least two alternative representations. Each representation is provided with an ordered sequence of at least one media segment URI. Each media segment URI references at least one media segment of the HTTP media stream. The generated MPD enables a client to select representations and to acquire referenced media segments based on the selected representations.