HTTP Streaming Playlist Segmentation for Server Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current streaming services require specialized servers and skills, leading to high costs and limited content availability, especially in large-scale deployments, as they typically use dedicated streaming protocols.
Innovation Solution
A method for streaming media using non-streaming protocols like HTTP, where media data is segmented into files, and a playlist file with URIs directs clients to these files, enabling real-time or near-real-time streaming, with features like dynamic playlist updates and bit rate switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized streaming servers and protocols are used, then streaming quality and reliability are improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making standard web servers perform multiple functions - they not only serve static web content but also handle dynamic media streaming operations. The server generates playlist files on-demand and manages media segment delivery using standard HTTP protocols, eliminating the need for specialized streaming server software while maintaining streaming capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating media content into segmented files and generating playlist files that reference these segments. Multiple clients receive identical playlist files from the server, allowing each client to independently access and stream media content without requiring complex server-side session management.
2Reliability
If specialized streaming infrastructure is deployed, then content delivery reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling standard web servers to automatically generate and update playlist files without requiring specialized streaming software or complex configuration. The server dynamically creates playlist files containing media segment URLs and delivers them to clients using standard HTTP, allowing any web server to provide streaming services immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments media content into smaller manageable files and organizes them with sequential numbering. Playlist files contain references to these segmented media files, allowing the system to deliver large media content through standard HTTP protocols that are optimized for smaller file transfers, improving reliability without specialized infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic playlist updates are implemented, then adaptability and content flexibility are improved, but loss of information and synchronization issues may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where clients periodically request updated playlist files from the server. The server generates fresh playlist files with current media segment information and sends them to clients, ensuring that clients have the latest content information while maintaining synchronization through repeated requests and responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary actions by pre-segmenting media content and preparing playlist files with all necessary media segment URLs before client requests. This allows clients to receive complete playlist information in advance, reducing the need for real-time synchronization updates and minimizing information loss during streaming.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for real-time or near real-time streaming of content using transfer protocols such as an HTTP compliant protocol. In one embodiment, a method includes dividing a stream of data, representing the contiguous time based content of a program (e.g. a live video broadcast), into a plurality of distinct media files, and generating a playlist file having a plurality of tags and Universal Resource Indicators (URIs) indicating an order of presentation of the plurality of distinct media files. The plurality of media files and the playlist file can be made available for transmission to a client device which can retrieve the media files using the playlist file.