Live Streaming Index File Transmission Delay Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Live streaming systems based on HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) experience high live delay when a terminal requests a live stream for the first time, which negatively impacts user experience due to the transmission of an index file after caching video fragments, leading to increased latency for non-first terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
The system determines if a play request is the first request from a terminal device and, if not, generates and transmits an index file only after a current video fragment is cached, allowing sequential playback of cached and current fragments, thereby reducing live delay and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server transmits an index file corresponding to cached video fragments when a terminal requests a live stream for the first time, then the terminal can access cached content, but the live delay increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by caching video fragments before the terminal requests them. When a terminal requests a live stream, the server has already cached the necessary video fragments in advance, allowing immediate transmission without waiting for the terminal to request and receive an index file first. This preliminary caching action eliminates the delay caused by index file transmission and processing.
2Ease of operation
If the server generates and transmits an index file after caching video fragments, then the terminal can sequentially playback cached and current fragments, but the latency increases for non-first terminal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the index file transmission step from the live streaming process. Instead of transmitting an index file that requires terminal processing and sequential fragment retrieval, the server directly transmits the cached video fragments to the terminal. This extraction eliminates the intermediate index file step, reducing latency while maintaining the ability to provide sequential playback content.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary caching of video fragments before the terminal requests them. By having the fragments ready in advance and directly transmitting them upon request, the server eliminates the delay caused by index file generation and transmission. The sequential playback capability is maintained through the ordered transmission of cached fragments without requiring an index file.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the server processes and transmits index files for all play requests, then all terminals can access live streams, but the live delay is high and user experience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic processing based on terminal request patterns. For first-time requests, the server caches video fragments and transmits them directly. For subsequent requests from the same terminal, the server can utilize previously cached fragments without regenerating index files. This dynamic approach adapts the response strategy based on the terminal's request history, reducing latency for repeat requests while maintaining universal access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for live streaming. The system may receive a play request associated with a live stream from a terminal device. The system may determine whether there are one or more cached fragments associated with the live stream, wherein the one or more cached fragments are cached from a stream source via a first protocol. In response to determining that there are one or more cached fragments associated with the live stream, the system may determine whether the play request is a request that the terminal device requests the live stream for the first time. In response to determining that the play request is the request that the terminal device requests the live stream for the first time, after a caching of a current fragment is completed, the system may transmit an index file corresponding to the current fragment and at least one of the one or more cached fragments to the terminal device via a second protocol.