Media Stream Switching Using Average Bandwidth and Buffer Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media streaming technologies rely on peak bandwidth values for switching between variants, which may not accurately reflect the average user experience, leading to suboptimal quality adjustments based on network conditions and buffer status.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses both peak and average bandwidth values in a master playlist to determine when a client device should switch between media variants, allowing for more informed decisions based on observed bit rates and buffer data, enabling seamless quality adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peak bandwidth values are used for switching between media variants, then switching decisions can be made based on maximum network capacity, but the average user experience is not accurately reflected leading to suboptimal quality adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for switching decisions from peak bandwidth to average bandwidth. The server determines both peak and average bandwidth for each media variant, and the client uses average bandwidth comparisons with observed bit rates to make switching decisions, thereby accurately reflecting the actual user experience rather than theoretical maximum capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the client device measure observed bit rates during media playback and compare them against the average bandwidth values provided in the master playlist. This feedback loop enables dynamic switching decisions based on actual network performance rather than static peak values
2Reliability
If a client device frequently switches between media variants to optimize quality, then streaming quality can be improved, but buffer interruptions and playback stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to switching decisions by considering both buffer status and average bandwidth together. The client evaluates whether the buffer contains enough data to support switching to a higher bitrate variant, combining temporal (buffer) and network (bandwidth) dimensions to make stable switching decisions that maintain playback continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary buffering before switching to higher quality variants. The client checks whether the current buffer contains sufficient data to cover the transition period, ensuring that quality improvements do not come at the cost of playback interruptions or buffer underruns
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for switching between media streams can use a comparison of an average bandwidth for a new stream to an observed bit rate for an existing stream in order to determine whether to switch to the new stream. A check on the amount of data buffered for the existing stream can also be performed in order to determine whether a system should switch to the new stream.