Fast Seek in Streaming Media Without Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current streaming media technologies face significant delays when seeking to a specific point in non-indexed video files over wide area networks due to the need for linear scanning of frames, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially for long video files.
Innovation Solution
A method where the server searches for the beginning of the frame nearest to the seek point by examining surrounding bytes for a frame beginning indicator, using a search algorithm and subsequent tests to increase confidence in the frame's location, allowing for precise jumping to the seek point without generating an index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If linear scanning of frames is used to seek to a specific point in non-indexed video files, then the system maintains simplicity without index overhead, but seek time becomes excessively long especially for long video files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing frame beginning indicators at specific intervals throughout the video file during the indexing process. When a seek operation is requested, the system jumps directly to the pre-identified frame beginning location rather than scanning linearly, dramatically reducing seek time while maintaining compatibility with non-indexed video files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the video file by identifying and marking frame beginning indicators at regular intervals throughout the file. These segmented markers create a roadmap that enables the seek function to jump to specific segments (frames) without examining every byte sequentially, thus improving seek speed while keeping the indexing structure minimal.
2Productivity
If an index is generated to enable fast seeking, then seek time is reduced, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by generating only the essential indexing information needed for seeking - specifically frame beginning indicators at intervals - rather than creating a complete index of all video metadata. This partial indexing provides sufficient speed improvement while minimizing the complexity and storage overhead associated with full video file indexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the critical frame beginning indicator bytes from the video file stream to create a minimal index structure. By taking out only the essential seeking information rather than indexing all video properties, the system achieves fast seeking capability while keeping the index lightweight and manageable.
3Speed
If frame beginning indicator search is performed without validation, then the search process is fast, but accuracy of frame location may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a validation mechanism that checks whether the located frame beginning indicator is correct before using it for seeking. The system verifies the frame structure and provides feedback to confirm accurate location, ensuring both speed and precision in frame identification during seek operations.
Data Source
AI summary
When a user selects to seek to a point in a non-indexed media file, a search starts for the beginning of the frame. Using a search algorithm, the bytes surrounding the selection point are examined to find data equal to a known frame beginning indicator. Once such a byte is found, a subsequent test is performed on the next byte to determine if it contains a valid frame length. The system examines the byte at this length to determine if it contains a value that points to the frame beginning indicator under examination. If such a pointer does exist, the system concludes that the byte with the value equal to a known frame beginning indicator is likely the byte beginning the frame. Additional tests may be performed on the bytes surrounding this frame to increase the confidence level that it is, in fact, a valid complete frame.