Graph Streaming Application for Media Buffering Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media streaming services face challenges in reducing re-buffering events due to the need for specific primary and pre-fetching applications for each streaming use case, leading to sub-optimal buffering and increased delays in media playback.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses a graph streaming application to compute distances and scores for media content blocks across multiple potential playback paths, allowing for preemptive transmission and buffering of the most likely blocks, thereby reducing the need for multiple applications and optimizing buffering across various use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate applications (primary streaming and pre-fetching) are implemented for each streaming use case, then the likelihood of re-buffering events is reduced, but the device complexity and development overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary streaming application and pre-fetching application into a single unified application. This unified application implements both streaming and pre-fetching functionalities within one codebase, eliminating the need for multiple separate applications while maintaining the ability to reduce re-buffering events through coordinated block transmission and pre-fetching operations
Solution Approach 2:
The unified application is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a primary streaming application that transmits blocks in the order needed and a pre-fetching application that transmits blocks of other media content items likely to be played back next. This multi-functional design allows a single application to replace what previously required two separate applications
2Reliability
If buffering multiple blocks is implemented to prevent playback interruptions, then the reliability of continuous playback is improved, but the initial delay before playback begins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-fetching and buffering media content blocks before they are actually needed for playback. The unified application predicts which blocks will be needed next and transmits them in advance, so that when playback is initiated or when navigation occurs, the buffer is already populated with sufficient blocks to maintain continuous playback without significant delay
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a graph streaming application computes a first distance along a first potential playback path between a first playback position and a first media content block. The graph streaming application then computes a first score for the first media content block based on the first distance and a first probability associated with the first potential playback path. Similarly, the graph streaming application computes a second score for a second media content block based on a second playback position, a second potential playback path, and a second probability associated with the second potential playback path. The graph streaming application compares the first score and the second score to determine that the first media content block should be buffered by a client device. The graph streaming application then causes the first media content block to be stored in a playback buffer for subsequent playback on the client device.