Adaptive HTTP Streaming URL Resolution via BaseURL Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive streaming technologies face challenges in efficiently interpreting and generating Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for media segments using BaseURL elements during content playback, particularly in dynamic and distributed environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that receive metadata with BaseURL elements, resolve URLs for media segments, and decode the media data, allowing for flexible URL generation and access to media segments across multiple locations by mapping BaseURL elements to a sourceURL attribute, enabling efficient media playback and delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple BaseURL elements are provided for media segments, then URL resolution flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveURL resolution flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BaseURL elements into different levels (MPD level, Period level, Representation level) with specific scopes of application. Each level's BaseURL elements are processed independently and systematically, reducing the complexity of handling multiple URLs by breaking down the resolution process into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the hierarchy and scope of BaseURL elements at different levels before actual URL resolution occurs. The client device uses these pre-organized BaseURL elements in a systematic manner during playback, avoiding complex real-time decisions about which URL to use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If BaseURL elements are mapped to sourceURL attributes dynamically, then media content adaptability is improved, but processing time and playback delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia content adaptabilityVSAvoidplayback delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic capabilities allowing the client device to select different BaseURL elements based on playback conditions (e.g., network status, user preferences). The system can dynamically switch between alternative URLs without requiring complete re-resolution, reducing the time penalty of adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2615841B1Apparatus and method for providing streaming content

Publication Date: 2017.12.13 IDEAHUB INC

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AI summary

A method and apparatus for an adaptive Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) streaming service using metadata of content are provided. The metadata may include one or more BaseURL elements. Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of segments forming media may be generated based on the BaseURL elements. Additionally, a URL of a segment may be generated by mapping a BaseURL element among the BaseURL elements to a sourceURL attribute of the segment. Segments indicated by generated URLs may be identical to each other.