Low-Latency Media Fragment Encapsulation Using Metadata Inheritance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media encapsulation technologies, such as ISOBMFF and CMAF, suffer from high encapsulation metadata overhead and latency, particularly in low-latency streaming applications, due to redundant metadata in fragmented media files.
Innovation Solution
Optimize media data encapsulation by creating fragments that inherit metadata from previous fragments, reducing redundant metadata by signaling that only a portion of metadata is required for parsing, and allowing fragments to be parsed using metadata from preceding fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If media data is encapsulated in fragmented files following ISO Base Media File Format, then the media data can be organized into manageable segments with proper metadata description, but the metadata overhead increases significantly due to redundant metadata in each fragment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the media file into multiple fragments, each containing a portion of the media data and its associated metadata. This segmentation allows independent processing and transmission of media fragments while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the complete media presentation through the inheritance mechanism described in the patent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where metadata in child fragments is embedded within or references parent fragment metadata. The inheritance mechanism allows child fragments to contain only the differences or updates to metadata from their parent, creating a nested metadata hierarchy that reduces overall redundancy while maintaining completeness.
2Ease of operation
If complete metadata is included in each media fragment for independent parsing, then each fragment can be processed independently, but the bitrate increases due to redundant metadata transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by including only the necessary portion of metadata in each fragment rather than complete metadata. Child fragments contain only the metadata portions that differ from or update their parent fragment, reducing the amount of data transmitted while maintaining the ability to parse fragments in sequence without requiring complete independence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional encapsulation methods are used, then compatibility with existing media players is maintained, but latency increases in low-latency streaming applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the metadata inheritance relationship between parent and child fragments during the encapsulation phase. This allows receiving devices to efficiently parse fragments in sequence without requiring complete metadata repetition, reducing processing time and latency while maintaining compatibility through adherence to ISO Base Media File Format standards.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment of a method for encapsulating media data as fragments, each fragment comprising metadata and media data, the metadata describing encapsulation of the media data. After having obtained second media data to be encapsulated within a second fragment and second metadata describing encapsulation of the second media data, it is determined whether some of the second metadata are identical to some of first metadata belonging to a first fragment and describing encapsulation of first media data within the first fragment. If it is the case and if the second fragment is not to be parsed independently, the second media data and a portion of the second metadata are encapsulated within the second fragment, the second fragment further comprising an indication to signal that the metadata part of the second fragment comprises only a portion of the metadata required to parse the media data of the second fragment.