In-band Control Information Transmission for Media Stream Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In media presentation environments, there is a need for more efficient techniques to transmit control information alongside media content, as existing methods often result in anomalies where receiving devices may receive media content without associated control information or vice versa.
Innovation Solution
A method is described where control information is inserted into a stream of content information, with the host module dynamically varying the control information based on user actions, and transmitting this stream to a client module, ensuring control information is conveyed in-band with media content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control information is transmitted separately from media content, then transmission flexibility is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates causing receiving devices to receive media content without associated control information or vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control information and media content into a single integrated stream for transmission. Control information units are inserted among content information units within the same data stream, ensuring they are transmitted together and received together, thus maintaining synchronization while allowing flexible positioning of control information within the stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitted stream serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries both media content information and control information, and the position of control information units within the stream conveys additional instructions about processing operations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate transmission channels.
2Reliability
If control information is inserted among content information units, then synchronized delivery is improved, but processing complexity increases at the receiving device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses positional encoding where the position of control information units within the stream serves as a carrier for additional instructions. Different positions convey different processing instructions (e.g., repeat previous operation, apply specific processing). This allows the system to encode control instructions in the spatial arrangement rather than requiring separate signaling, simplifying the overall processing architecture.
3Productivity
If control information position conveys processing instructions, then communication efficiency is improved, but interpretation complexity increases at the receiving device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stream into discrete units of content information and units of control information. Each unit is independently identifiable and can be processed separately. The control information units are segmented and inserted at specific positions among content units, making it easier for the receiving device to identify and interpret control instructions without overwhelming complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Strategies are described for transmitting control information from a host module to a client module. The host module transmits the control information in-band along with a stream of media content information packets. The control information can be used to govern the operation of the client module. In one case, the control information alerts the client module to a discontinuity in streams, which may be the result of the user changing channels via the host or client module, etc., issuing a seek instruction, and so forth. Transmitting the control information in in-band fashion is advantageous because it reduces the need for complex linking between the control information and the associated content information.