Media Proxy Resuming Playback After Data Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Progressive downloading services often interrupt media object presentations due to data loss events, such as physical disconnections, causing users to restart media from the beginning rather than resuming playback at the interrupted point.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a media proxy to recognize data loss events and store media packets, allowing for seamless resumption of media playback at the point of interruption by switching between forwarding and storing states based on connection status and user requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If progressive downloading service is used to deliver media objects, then users can start playback before complete download, but playback is interrupted by data loss events requiring restart from beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The media proxy server preliminarily stores media packets in its memory before they are needed for playback. When a connection failure occurs, the proxy already has the packets available and can immediately forward them to the client without requiring retransmission from the media server, thus maintaining playback continuity despite connection instability
Solution Approach 2:
The media proxy server acts as an intermediary between the media server and the client device. It buffers media packets and manages the connection state, allowing it to decouple the client from direct dependency on the media server's connection stability. This intermediary role enables the system to handle connection failures gracefully by serving packets from the proxy's buffer rather than requiring a stable end-to-end connection
2Reliability
If media packets are buffered at media proxy, then playback can resume after connection failure, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media proxy server performs multiple functions: it acts as a connection manager that tracks connection states, a buffer that stores media packets, and a forwarder that delivers packets to clients. By consolidating these functions in a single component, the patent avoids the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliable playback resumption
3Ease of operation
If connection state is tracked and packets are stored at proxy, then seamless resumption is achieved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media proxy buffers media packets partially - only enough to cover the expected playback duration during connection failures, rather than storing the entire media object. This partial buffering approach provides sufficient protection against typical connection issues while avoiding the excessive data storage that would result from pre-buffering complete media files
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for resuming a media object presented following a data loss event are provided. A physical disconnection that occurs at a point during the presentation of the media object is detected. The physical disconnection interrupts the presentation of the media object. Upon detecting the physical disconnection, a reestablishment of the physical connection is detected. Subsequently, an option to resume the presentation of the media object at the interrupted point is presented to a user.