Dynamic Timeout Adjustment for Streaming Video Fragments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Streaming video devices often experience buffering, stalling, or playback errors due to insufficient download speed of high-definition video content, leading to negative user experiences and resource wastage, as existing timeout mechanisms can prematurely cancel downloads even if content is near completion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adjustable timeout mechanism that dynamically extends the download time based on network conditions, fragment size, and remaining download progress to ensure continuous playback, thereby reducing unnecessary re-requests and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed timeout mechanism is used to cancel downloads that take too long, then playback reliability is improved by preventing indefinite waiting, but download completion is prematurely terminated causing resource wastage and unnecessary re-requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed timeout mechanism to a dynamic timeout mechanism that adjusts based on download progress. The timeout period is extended when the download is close to completion (e.g., within the last 10% of the fragment), allowing the download to finish without premature cancellation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining playback reliability through timeout enforcement while preventing resource wastage by allowing near-complete downloads to finish.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timeout parameter from a static value to a variable value that depends on download progress. Specifically, the timeout is modified based on the percentage of the fragment that has been downloaded, with longer timeouts applied when the download progress is high. This parameter change enables the system to adapt the timeout behavior to the actual download state, resolving the contradiction between reliable playback termination and avoiding unnecessary resource waste.
2Loss of energy
If the timeout is extended to allow near-complete downloads to finish, then resource wastage is reduced, but playback reliability may deteriorate due to longer waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by applying different timeout durations based on the specific stage of download completion. Instead of a uniform timeout for all downloads, the system implements stage-specific timeout behavior: shorter timeouts for early-stage downloads (to maintain reliability) and extended timeouts for late-stage downloads (to prevent resource wastage). This localized differentiation of timeout quality resolves the contradiction by optimizing timeout behavior for each download phase according to its specific needs.
3Productivity
If downloads are cancelled when timeout expires to prevent indefinite waiting, then system responsiveness is improved, but unnecessary re-requests are generated causing additional network traffic and processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively extending the timeout before the download actually completes, based on prediction of completion proximity. When the download reaches a certain progress threshold (e.g., 90% complete), the system preemptively extends the timeout to ensure the download finishes without triggering cancellation and subsequent re-requests. This preliminary extension prevents the harmful effect of unnecessary re-requests while maintaining system responsiveness through timely timeout management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining and applying a timeout for streaming video. Processing circuitry of a device may request video fragments to be downloaded and played, and if a requested fragment is not downloaded entirely before expiration of a timeout, the device may adjust the timeout to allow the download to complete. A timeout may be set based on available bandwidth and a size of a fragment requested for download, and the timeout may be extended based on network and/or device conditions.