HTTP Server Partial Segment Indication for DASH Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HTTP protocols do not support the delivery of incomplete versions of files or segments to clients, leading to playback interruptions and reduced functionality in applications that attempt to recover and use such incomplete responses.

Innovation Solution

Enabling HTTP servers to pass incomplete versions of segments to DASH clients by including indications of available byte ranges and access positions, allowing clients to parse and utilize partial segments for media playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HTTP servers drop partial segments to maintain protocol compliance, then protocol standard adherence is improved, but playback continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol standard adherenceVSAvoidplayback continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables HTTP servers to deliver partial segments (incomplete versions of media files) to clients instead of dropping them entirely. The server includes indication data in the response to signal that the segment is partial, allowing the client to attempt playback with available content rather than waiting for complete segments, thus maintaining playback continuity while partially compromising strict protocol compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If HTTP servers deliver incomplete segments to clients, then playback continuity is improved, but protocol compliance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback continuityVSAvoidprotocol standard adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces indication data as an intermediary mechanism between the server and client. This indication data signals to the client that the received segment is partial/incomplete, mediating the protocol violation by providing transparency about the segment state. The client can then adjust its behavior accordingly, allowing protocol flexibility while maintaining informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If clients request complete segments only, then data integrity is improved, but playback availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidplayback availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the client's segment reception approach to accept partial segments (incomplete versions) when complete segments are unavailable. Instead of insisting on complete data integrity, the client can play back with available partial content, sacrificing some data integrity to improve playback availability and reduce interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If clients wait for complete segments before playback, then data completeness is improved, but playback delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidplayback delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables clients to begin playback action preliminarily with partial segment data before complete segments are received. Instead of waiting for complete data, the client can start playing back with available content and continue receiving/processing segments in the background, reducing playback delay while gradually improving data completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3266182B1Indication for partial segment

Publication Date: 2020.11.25 QUALCOMM INC

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AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable HTTP servers, such as HTTP servers providing segments to DASH clients according to the various embodiments, to pass incomplete versions of segments in response to segment requests from the DASH clients. The various embodiments may enable clients, such as DASH clients, to parse incomplete versions of segments.