MPD Remote Element Validity Interval for DASH Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH), the ambiguity in the actuate attribute of XLink elements for remote elements leads to inconsistent media playback, as the validity of remote element resolutions is unclear, especially in onRequest mode, causing issues with target-based media content tailoring and advertising updates.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a validity interval for remote element resolution, defined by a start time and duration, ensures that remote elements are resolved only when necessary and remain valid, preventing premature or unnecessary resolution, and allowing consistent playback even if the client returns to the same point during the validity period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the actuate attribute is set to onRequest mode for remote elements, then the resolution can be delayed until just before playback, but the validity period of the resolution becomes ambiguous causing inconsistent playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining the validity period parameters (validityStart and validityDuration) in advance within the MPD structure. This allows the system to pre-establish the time window during which a remote element resolution is valid, eliminating ambiguity about when the resolution can be applied. The validity period is calculated and stored before playback, ensuring consistent interpretation across different players.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the remote element resolution validity time-bound and dynamic. Instead of a static resolution that is always valid or never valid, the resolution has a dynamic validity period that starts at validityStart and lasts for validityDuration. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different playback scenarios while maintaining consistency within the defined validity window.
2Productivity
If the remote element resolution is cached for reuse, then playback efficiency improves, but the resolution may become outdated or invalid for updated content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a validity period check mechanism. Each time a remote element is accessed, the system checks whether the current playback time falls within the pre-defined validity period (validityStart to validityStart + validityDuration). This periodic validation ensures that cached resolutions are reused efficiently within their valid window while automatically expiring when outdated, maintaining both efficiency and accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the remote element is resolved early to prepare for playback, then playback readiness improves, but the resolution may not be valid when actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary calculation of the validity period parameters (validityStart and validityDuration) during MPD parsing, but delaying the actual remote element resolution until the playback time falls within the calculated validity window. This preliminary preparation of validity metadata enables fast validation without premature resolution, ensuring both readiness and validity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable mediums for receiving media content. An apparatus includes processing circuitry that receives a media presentation description (MPD) file. The MPD file indicates a validity period in which a resolution of a remote element of the MPD file is valid. The processing circuitry determines whether the remote element has been resolved during the validity period indicated by the MPD file based on a media presentation being determined to be within the validity period. The processing circuitry resolves the remote element of the MPD file based on the remote element being determined not to be resolved in the validity period. The processing circuitry outputs media content corresponding to the same resolved remote element in the validity period for each reference to the remote element in the MPD during the validity period.