Live Media Server Repackaging for Seamless Playback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio/video players are inefficient in playing live streams due to the need for supplemental software and are often hindered by network security systems, especially when using low bandwidth connections, which results in delayed playback and restricted access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that repackages live streams into a media format compatible with existing media clients, allowing seamless playback without additional software installation, using a media server that transcodes and transmits the stream starting from the current point, utilizing HTTP over TCP/IP to bypass network security restrictions and simulate a virtually endless file length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional audio/video players are used to play live streams, then supplemental software must be purchased and installed, but this increases device complexity and ease of operation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary component that converts live stream data into a format compatible with conventional media players. This mediator handles the complexity of live stream processing, allowing standard players to function without supplemental software while maintaining compatibility with existing devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the live stream data in a different format (HTTP-compatible format) that can be played by conventional media players. This copying approach allows the same content to be accessed through both specialized and conventional players without requiring additional software installations
2Loss of time
If conventional audio/video players download complete fixed length media files before playback, then playback can start, but this causes long wait times especially on low bandwidth connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering where a small portion of the live stream is buffered in advance, allowing playback to start quickly without downloading the entire file. This preliminary action enables immediate playback while continuing to receive and buffer additional data in the background
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic buffering where the buffer size and data reception rate adjust based on network conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize playback continuity by adapting to varying bandwidth availability, preventing playback interruptions while minimizing initial wait time
3Reliability
If network security systems block interconnections for live streaming data transmission, then security is maintained, but this prohibits live stream playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameters by converting live stream data into HTTP format, which uses different ports and protocols that are typically allowed through network security systems. This parameter change allows the data to bypass security restrictions while maintaining the same functional purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the specialized live streaming protocol mechanism with the more universally accepted HTTP mechanism. This substitution replaces the blocked transmission method with an alternative that achieves the same goal (data transmission) without triggering security blocks
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for transmitting a continuous live performance to a media client via a data network for rendering to a user. The method comprises acquiring the continuous live performance as a live stream of digital data and, on receiving a request from the media client to transmit the live performance, repackaging said stream of digital data into a media format compatible with the media client commencing at a current point in said live stream of digital data and transmitting said repackaged digital data to said media client via the data network. The media format comprises a data file having a virtually endless length.