Multi-stream Media Scheduling via Single TCP Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneously displaying multiple media streams in a specified or controlled manner is challenging due to bandwidth equality issues among multiple TCP connections in constrained network environments, which conflicts with the desire for non-equal display size, resolution, or quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that classifies media streams based on control inputs and available bandwidth, sending requests over a single connection using server-side protocols like multiplexing, HTTP pipelining, or HTTP range requests to prioritize and order media stream data delivery, allowing for controlled display without relying on bandwidth equality among connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple TCP connections are used to deliver multiple media streams, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but bandwidth equality among connections causes loss of control over display size, resolution, or quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple media stream requests into a single TCP connection, eliminating the bandwidth equality problem that occurs with multiple connections. By consolidating all media stream data transmission through one connection, the system maintains full control over display characteristics (size, resolution, quality) while still utilizing available bandwidth effectively for multiple streams
2Power
If multiple TCP connections are used to deliver multiple media streams, then data transmission capacity is improved, but competition for network resources causes loss of control over bandwidth allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple media stream deliveries into a single TCP connection, allowing centralized bandwidth allocation control. The client can now manage and allocate bandwidth to different media streams according to display requirements without the autonomous competition that occurs when multiple connections are used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation within the single connection by adjusting the weight parameters associated with different media streams. This allows the system to flexibly allocate bandwidth based on current display needs, priorities, and network conditions, maintaining both high transmission capacity and precise control
3Productivity
If multiple TCP connections are used, then simultaneous media stream delivery is improved, but bandwidth equality prevents specified or controlled display manners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple media stream requests into a single TCP connection to eliminate bandwidth equality constraints, enabling flexible display configurations with different sizes, resolutions, and qualities while maintaining efficient simultaneous delivery of all streams
4Ease of operation
If a single connection is used to deliver multiple media streams, then bandwidth allocation control is improved, but connection reliability may worsen due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media stream data within the single TCP connection, organizing different streams into distinct data flows that can be independently managed and prioritized. This segmentation allows for controlled bandwidth allocation while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the single connection through structured data handling
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method of requesting a plurality of media streams can include, as performed by a computing device, receiving a control input to control a playback function of at least one of the plurality of media streams, determining a download bandwidth between the computing device and a media source on a network, classifying the at least one of the plurality of media streams based on the control input and total download bandwidth, and sending a plurality of requests for the plurality media streams over a single connection to the media source, wherein at least one of an order or a content of the requests is based on the classification. The sending of the media stream requests can utilize at least one of a server-side protocol for multiplexing media streams over a single connection or one or more of HTTP pipelining or HTTP range requests over a single connection.