Manifestless Live Streaming for Low-Latency Segment Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HLS-based streaming media approaches suffer from high latency due to the need for multiple round trips to fetch manifest files, lack client control over stream selection, and inefficiencies in live video streaming, particularly on wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for delivering manifestless streaming media content by resolving requests directly to specific segments of a live stream based on URL parameters, allowing client control over segment selection and eliminating the need for periodic manifest file downloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If HLS-based streaming is used with manifest files, then adaptive bitrate streaming is enabled, but latency increases due to multiple round trips for fetching manifest and media segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the manifest file component from the HLS protocol, creating a manifestless streaming approach. By removing the manifest file that requires periodic fetching, the system reduces the number of round trips needed while maintaining adaptive bitrate capabilities through direct URL requests to media segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the streaming protocol into direct URL requests for media segments without requiring a master playlist or media playlist. Each media segment can be requested independently through constructed URLs, eliminating the hierarchical manifest structure and reducing protocol overhead.
2Loss of time
If manifest files are periodically downloaded for live streaming, then new media segments are discovered, but end-to-end latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the periodic manifest download mechanism from live streaming, allowing clients to request media segments directly without waiting for manifest updates. This elimination of the manifest intermediary significantly reduces end-to-end latency while maintaining the ability to discover and play new segments.
3Ease of operation
If clients use media players that do not support stream selection, then playback is simplified, but client control over stream selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables stream selection control at the client level by allowing direct URL requests to specific media segments with different bitrates and resolutions. Clients can construct URLs targeting specific stream qualities without requiring advanced media player support, distributing the selection capability to where it is needed.
4Reliability
If multiple round trips are required to fetch master playlist, media playlist, and initial media segment, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but latency substantially increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the master playlist, media playlist, and direct media segment requests into a single manifestless approach. By combining these separate protocol steps into direct URL requests, the system maintains reliability while reducing the number of round trips from three to one or fewer.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and media for delivering manifestless streaming media content are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving, from a user device, a request for a URL corresponding to a format of a live stream that is provided in a plurality of formats, wherein the live stream comprises a plurality of segments for each of the plurality of formats; resolving the request to a specific segment of the live stream based on the URL, wherein the resolving comprises: identifying the format of the live stream associated with the request from the plurality of formats based on the URL; and identifying a segment of the plurality of segments corresponding to the identified format to the user device in a response to the request.