Media Server Stream Preview GUI for Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring and testing media servers for multimedia streaming is cumbersome due to the variety of client devices and stream configurations, requiring time-consuming testing on different devices.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to enable administrators to configure and test media servers, allowing dynamic instantiation of test media players to play different stream versions, eliminating the need to connect to multiple devices for testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple client devices are used to test stream configurations, then the ability to test various stream versions is improved, but the complexity and time required for configuration and testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test various stream versionsVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration and testing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of client devices through a simulation environment. Instead of physically connecting to multiple real devices, the system instantiates simulated client devices that replicate the behavior and requirements of actual devices. This allows comprehensive testing of multiple stream configurations without the complexity of managing physical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a simulation environment as an intermediary layer between the media server and actual client devices. This intermediary virtualizes the client devices, allowing the server to be tested against multiple device types and configurations without directly interacting with physical devices, thereby reducing testing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple client devices are connected for testing, then comprehensive stream configuration testing is enabled, but the time required for testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive testing of stream configurationsVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures and pre-installs simulated client devices in the simulation environment before testing begins. The virtualization setup is prepared in advance, allowing testers to immediately begin comprehensive stream configuration testing without time-consuming physical device connections and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By creating virtual copies of client devices that can be rapidly instantiated and configured, the system enables comprehensive testing of multiple stream versions without the time consumption associated with physically connecting and configuring multiple actual devices. The virtual devices can be quickly deployed and removed as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If physical device connections are used for testing, then real-world device compatibility is verified, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibility verificationVSAvoidease of configuring and testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of client devices that replicate real-world device behavior and compatibility requirements. These simulated devices maintain the essential characteristics needed for compatibility verification while eliminating the operational complexity of physically connecting and configuring actual devices. administrators can interact with the simulation environment through simplified interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system with a virtualized software-based simulation system. Instead of physically connecting devices to the media server, the system uses virtualized client devices that communicate through software protocols, dramatically simplifying the operation and configuration process while maintaining compatibility verification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9565225B2Server configuration including stream preview

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 WOWZA MEDIA SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method includes receiving first input from a computing device, the first input corresponding to selection of a first media player associated with a first output stream format. In response to the first input, a first stream preview is sent to the computing device in accordance with the first output stream format. The method includes receiving second input from the computing device, where the second input corresponds to selection of a second media player associated with a second output stream format. In response to the second input, a second stream preview is sent to the computing device in accordance with the second output stream format.