Multicast Time Hop Navigation via Staggered Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicast broadcast mode for live content items does not allow navigation, such as fast-forwarding or rewinding, due to its inability to perform time hops during playback, unlike unicast mode.
Innovation Solution
Creating multiple broadcast channels for the same content item with staggered broadcast times allows for seamless navigation by switching between channels, enabling fast-forwarding and rewinding while rendering images from different channels to visualize the state of progress, thus simulating unicast mode navigation in multicast mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multicast broadcast mode is used for live content items, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but navigation capability (fast-forwarding, rewinding) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The content item is divided into multiple segments, each broadcast on a separate channel with a different time offset. The playback device segments the navigation process by switching between these channels to achieve fast-forwarding or rewinding, thereby enabling navigation capability while maintaining multicast bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple broadcast channels act as intermediaries between the multicast stream and the user's navigation requests. By switching between these intermediate channels with different time offsets, the system enables navigation capability without requiring changes to the underlying multicast transmission mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple broadcast channels are created for the same content item with staggered broadcast times, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The playback device automatically manages channel switching based on user navigation requests without requiring complex external control systems. The device itself performs the channel selection and switching operations, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling navigation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between broadcast channels based on real-time navigation requirements. This dynamic channel switching allows the system to adapt to user actions (fast-forward, rewind) without requiring pre-configured complex navigation structures.
3Speed
If channel switching is performed during time hops, then navigation speed is improved, but user perception of smooth playback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system renders images periodically from different broadcast channels during time hops, creating a visual sequence that masks the underlying channel switching. This periodic rendering maintains user perception of smooth playback while enabling fast navigation speed through channel changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The playback device maintains continuous image rendering during channel switching by selecting images from the newly selected channel. This continuity of useful action (image display) masks the discontinuity of channel switching, preserving user perception of smooth playback while achieving rapid navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing time hops when playing back a multimedia content item received by a playback device via a communication network. The method includes obtaining a plurality of broadcast channels for the same content item, the respective broadcast times being spaced in time, wherein, during rendering of the content item via a channel, called first channel, receipt of a time hop command for a time hop in the content item brings about: a step of selecting a second broadcast channel, different from the first broadcast channel; and during a hop, a step of rendering images broadcast on broadcast channels belonging to the plurality of broadcast channels.