Local Animation for Video Re-buffering Minimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internet-based media streaming experiences degradation due to network connectivity issues and bandwidth drops, leading to video re-buffering events that disrupt the viewer experience.
Innovation Solution
Client video players generate and display local animations during buffering events, skipping segments of the stream and acquiring new content at a lower bitrate to refill the buffer, thereby reducing the likelihood of re-buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the client device continues to request video segments at the original bitrate during network degradation, then the video quality is maintained, but the buffer is exhausted and re-buffering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the video bitrate based on real-time network conditions and buffer status. When network bandwidth decreases or buffer level drops below a threshold, the client automatically requests segments at a lower bitrate to maintain continuous playback, otherwise it requests at the original bitrate to maintain video quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the client continuously monitors network bandwidth and buffer level, then adjusts segment request bitrate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that video quality is maintained when conditions permit, while preventing buffer exhaustion when conditions deteriorate.
2Reliability
If the client device skips stream segments to refill the buffer during buffering events, then re-buffering is reduced, but video content is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful buffering interruption into a beneficial opportunity by displaying locally-generated animations during buffer refill operations. These animations maintain viewer engagement and mask the temporary content loss, transforming a negative experience into an acceptable or even positive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces locally-generated animations as an intermediary content source that bridges the gap during buffer refill operations. Instead of directly showing the interruption or lost content, the animations serve as a mediator that maintains viewer attention while the buffer is being refilled with skipped segments.
3Ease of operation
If the client device displays a static slate or spinning wheel during buffering events, then the buffering status is indicated, but viewer engagement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates simple, lightweight animations locally on the client device that can be quickly created and displayed during buffering events. These animations are computationally inexpensive to generate but highly effective at maintaining viewer engagement, unlike traditional static slates or spinning wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the visual parameter of the buffering indication from static (slate or spinning wheel) to dynamic (animation). This parameter change from stillness to motion significantly improves viewer engagement while maintaining the informational function of indicating buffering status.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for minimization of video re-buffering using local animation are disclosed. A client device stores a portion of a video stream into a video buffer and displays the portion on a display. The stream is received from a media streaming system via one or more networks. The client device discontinues displaying the video stream. The client device generates a visualization of metadata that is displayed on the display while the video stream is not displayed. While the visualization of metadata is displayed on the display, the client device stores a newer portion of the video stream in the video buffer. The client device discontinues displaying the visualization of metadata and resumes displaying the video stream on the display.