Streaming Media Switching Between MBMS and Unicast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Streaming media services using Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) technology face interruptions when a user exits an MBMS service area, as they cannot seamlessly switch from multicast to unicast, leading to discontinuity in media playback.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating indication information in the delivery method element of the user service description (USD) to instruct user equipment (UE) to acquire media content segments from a packet switched streaming service server in a unicast manner when outside the MBMS service area, using specific URIs to facilitate seamless switching and ensure continuous service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If UE uses MBMS (multicast) manner to receive streaming media service, then transmission resources are saved and service quality is improved, but when UE exits MBMS service area, service continuity cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between MBMS (multicast) and unicast delivery modes based on UE's service area status. When UE is within MBMS service area, multicast is used for resource efficiency; when UE exits the service area, the system transitions to unicast mode to ensure service continuity, making the delivery mechanism adaptive to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The USD information includes pre-configured unicast delivery information (alternativeAccessDelivery) that is prepared in advance within the MBMS service description. This allows UE to immediately switch to unicast mode without service interruption when exiting the MBMS service area, as the fallback mechanism is already established
2Reliability
If UE switches from MBMS to unicast when exiting service area, then service continuity is maintained, but additional unicast process initiation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MBMS and unicast delivery mechanisms into a unified service description framework. The USD information structure integrates both multicast (MBMS) and unicast (DASH) delivery options, allowing UE to seamlessly transition between modes without requiring separate service initiation procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications technologies, and provide a streaming media transmission method, apparatus, and system, user equipment, and a server. The method includes: receiving, by UE, USD information and an MPD file of a first media file, where the USD information includes a delivery method element, the delivery method element includes indication information, the indication information is used for indicating a first media stream file that is of the first media file and sent in a unicast manner or a media content segment of the first media stream file; and when the UE is in an MBMS service area, acquiring a media content segment of a second media stream file in a broadcast manner according to the USD information; or when the UE is not in an MBMS service area, acquiring a media content segment of the first media stream file from a specified server in a unicast manner according to the indication information. The present invention can implement seamless switch of streaming media from broadcast to unicast.