Time-Staggered Multicast Streams for On-Demand Content Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery of on-demand content in multicast networks faces challenges such as unnecessary content replication and bandwidth consumption, as well as the inability to pause or rewind streams for users joining at different times, leading to inefficient use of network resources and Quality of Service (QoS) issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves creating multiple time-staggered multicast streams for the same content, allowing users to subscribe to the most suitable streams based on their capabilities and network conditions, and using data analytics to prune off redundant streams, ensuring efficient delivery and seamless playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unicast methods are used to send data directly to users who have requested the data, then content delivery flexibility and user control (pause/rewind) are improved, but network bandwidth consumption and content replication increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content delivery into two distinct modes: multicast mode for initial content distribution to multiple users simultaneously, and unicast mode for individual user control operations. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the bandwidth efficiency of multicast while retaining the flexibility of unicast when needed, resolving the contradiction between delivery efficiency and user control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multicast and unicast delivery mechanisms into a hybrid system. Content is initially distributed via multicast to establish efficient group delivery, then individual user pause/rewind requests are handled through targeted unicast supplements. This combination allows the system to achieve both low bandwidth consumption and high delivery flexibility simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If multicast techniques are used to distribute content efficiently, then network bandwidth usage is optimized, but the ability to pause or rewind streams for users joining at different times is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic stream creation where multiple multicast streams with different time offsets are created on-demand based on user join timing. When users join at different times, the system dynamically generates appropriate time-shifted streams rather than using a fixed single stream, allowing both bandwidth efficiency and individualized stream control to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter of multicast streams by creating multiple versions with different temporal offsets. Each multicast stream is shifted in time relative to others, allowing users who join at different times to find a stream that aligns with their desired playback position, thereby maintaining stream control capability while preserving multicast efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time-staggered multicast streams are created, then user playback flexibility is improved, but the complexity of stream management and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user join timing and playback state, then automatically adjusts stream allocation and time offsets accordingly. This feedback loop automates the complex decisions about which streams to create and how to offset them, reducing manual management complexity while maintaining high playback flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to self-select appropriate streams based on their join time and playback requirements. The system provides multiple time-offset streams with clear identification, allowing users to autonomously choose the most suitable stream without complex system intervention, thereby reducing management overhead while preserving flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If unicast streams are used for all content delivery, then user control over playback is maintained, but network congestion and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery load by using multicast for the bulk content transmission to multiple users simultaneously, reserving unicast only for essential control operations and individualized requests. This segmentation reduces overall network congestion and improves QoS for critical operations while maintaining playback control flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are described methods and systems for distributing content in a network, in particular a multicast network. One method includes delivering content from a source to a destination in a content delivery network. A request for an item of content is received and a first multicast stream is identified or established, the first multicast stream comprising a first copy of the content. At least one second multicast stream is also identified or established, the second stream comprising a second copy of the content. The second copy of the content is time-shifted by a time, M, from corresponding portions of the first copy of the content. The content is then delivered to the destination using both the first and the second multicast streams.