Live Media Streaming Buffer Management for Network Congestion

The patent implements dynamic buffer management where the buffer threshold is adjusted based on real-time network conditions. When network congestion is detected, the buffer threshold is lowered to trigger earlier refilling actions, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions rather than using a fixed buffer size. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the buffer system responsive to network variability while maintaining playback smoothness.

The system continuously monitors network conditions and buffer status, using this feedback to adjust buffer management strategies. When congestion is detected, the system receives feedback about network performance and modifies its buffer refilling behavior accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain playback smoothness while adapting to network congestion events.

Instead of implementing full bitstream switching capability that would require complex computation for analyzing and switching between multiple bit rate streams, the patent applies a simplified partial approach. It focuses buffer management efforts on the current active stream, adjusting buffer thresholds and refilling strategies based on network conditions without requiring full bitstream switching infrastructure. This partial action reduces computation burden while maintaining network adaptability.

The patent introduces buffer management as an intermediary layer between the network and playback. Rather than directly implementing complex bitstream switching at the playback level, the system uses buffer management strategies as a mediator to handle network variability. This intermediary approach simplifies the computational requirements by managing network adaptability through buffer control rather than through complex stream switching logic.

The patent ensures that buffer refilling actions are performed preliminarily before playback reaches critical points. By proactively refilling the buffer with I-frames and key data before they are needed for switching or playback, the system prepares the necessary reference frames in advance. This preliminary action allows for quality image decoding while reducing the urgency and complexity of real-time switching decisions.

The system dynamically adjusts buffer management based on the presence and timing of I-frames. When I-frames are detected or anticipated, the buffer management strategy adapts to prioritize their refilling and timing. This dynamic coordination between I-frame availability and buffer management enables the system to maintain image quality through proper I-frame reference usage while improving switching flexibility by anticipating frame dependency requirements.