Media Streaming Fast-Forward Smooth Playback Bit Rate Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media streaming solutions face challenges in efficiently fast-forwarding and rewinding video content without increasing network bandwidth or memory consumption, and are server-dependent, especially when byte-range seek requests are not supported.

Innovation Solution

The system segments media streams into chunks with multiple bit rates, allowing playback devices to dynamically adjust bit rates for smooth fast-forward and rewind operations, independent of server support, by monitoring playback performance and selecting appropriate bit rates for rendering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If video content is downloaded at a faster rate than playback speed for fast-forwarding, then fast-forward playback is enabled, but network bandwidth consumption increases proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefast-forward playback speedVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The media stream is divided into multiple segments with different bit rates. Instead of downloading all frames at high speed, the system segments the content and selects appropriate bit rate segments based on playback speed requirements, reducing overall bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the bit rate parameter of the media stream based on playback speed. When fast-forwarding, lower bit rate segments are selected to reduce bandwidth consumption while maintaining acceptable visual quality during rapid playback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If byte-range seek requests are used for fast rewinding, then rewind functionality is enabled, but server support is required which is not universally available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverewind functionalityVSAvoidserver compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The client device performs rewind operations independently without requiring special server support. By using segmented media streams with multiple bit rates, the client can selectively download and play earlier segments locally, enabling rewind functionality that works with any standard HTTP server.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If full content is downloaded before fast-forwarding or rewinding, then smooth playback is enabled, but memory consumption and start-up delay increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback smoothnessVSAvoidmemory consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares multiple bit rate segments in advance during encoding, but only downloads the necessary portions when needed. This preliminary segmentation allows on-demand downloading of specific segments at appropriate bit rates, providing smooth playback without requiring full content to be loaded into memory beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8781305B2Media streaming with smooth fast-forward and rewind

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Media streaming with smooth fast-forward and rewind is disclosed. One embodiment receives a media stream encoded at a first bit rate over a network connection, and in response to an input to fast-forward or rewind the media stream, the media stream may be retrieved at a second bit rate, and rendered at the second bit rate for fast-forward or rewind playback. By receiving the media stream at multiple bit rates, a media stream may be rendered at increased forward or reverse speeds without dropping frames in the media stream.