MPD Validity Expiration Processing Model for DASH Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The MPEG DASH standard lacks provisions for instantaneous bandwidth fluctuation signaling and processing models for MPD validity expiration events, leading to inefficiencies in network and server overheads, particularly in handling segment overflow and client buffer management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a processor to create a timed metadata track indicating segment bandwidth, switch representations based on buffer overflow, and deliver representations to clients, with specific handling of event stream modes and message processing to manage presentation time and message data effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MPEG DASH standard provides average bandwidth of each representation, then clients can select segments based on network conditions, but instantaneous bandwidth fluctuation cannot be signaled causing buffer overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bandwidth information into two distinct components: average bandwidth (existing in prior art) and instantaneous bandwidth (newly introduced). This segmentation allows the system to provide both the long-term average for representation selection and the short-term fluctuations for buffer management, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by signaling instantaneous bandwidth information in advance within the MPD structure before actual segment delivery. This allows clients to proactively adjust their buffer management and segment selection strategies before buffer overflow occurs, rather than reacting after the problem arises.
2Loss of information
If DASH standard signals MPD and inband events, then event information can be delivered to clients, but processing model for MPD Validity Expiration events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal event processing model that handles multiple event types (MPD validity expiration, segment availability, bandwidth changes) through a single standardized mechanism. This multi-functional approach simplifies client implementation by providing consistent processing rules for diverse event scenarios, improving ease of operation while maintaining complete event information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where clients report their buffer status and segment reception status back to the server. This feedback loop enables the server to adjust MPD validity periods and event signaling strategies dynamically, creating a closed-loop system that improves processing efficiency while maintaining accurate event information delivery.
3Productivity
If segment size is larger than expected bandwidth, then fewer segments need to be downloaded, but client input buffer overflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic segment sizing where segment durations and sizes are adjusted based on real-time bandwidth conditions and client buffer status. Rather than using fixed segment sizes, the system dynamically adapts segment parameters to match current network conditions, thereby maintaining download efficiency while preventing buffer overflow through flexible size adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (segment duration, segment size, download rate) based on instantaneous bandwidth information and buffer status. By dynamically modifying these parameters rather than keeping them fixed, the system optimizes download efficiency while ensuring buffer boundaries are never exceeded, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
There is included a method and apparatus comprising computer code configured to cause a processor or processors to perform obtaining video data, creating, based on the video data, a timed metadata track indicating a segment bandwidth and comprising information of a plurality of aligned segments of a media adaptation set such that duration information and size information of each of the aligned segments are included in at least one metadata sample, switching to one of a plurality of representations of the video data based on whether the timed metadata track indicates at least an overflow to an input buffer per each of the plurality of representations, and delivering the one of the plurality of representations to a client as a part of an event stream and based on at least one mode indicated in the event stream.