Multimedia Data Stream Processing with Backward Buffer Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia data stream processing systems face challenges in efficiently handling changes in playback content, such as audio format changes, which result in prolonged transition times and a suboptimal user experience due to the lack of efficient buffer management and demultiplexing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A data stream processing apparatus comprising a buffer device, a demultiplexer, and a controller that generates index data and control signals to dynamically determine and re-access a backward buffer section, allowing for quick and seamless switching between different audio and video streams by re-filtering data units stored in the buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional buffer management is used without index data and pointer mechanisms, then the system structure is simpler, but the transition time when changing playback content is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating and storing index data for all data units in the buffer before playback content changes occur. This index data pre-establishes the mapping between data units and their positions, so when a content change is requested, the system can immediately locate and switch to the new content without time-consuming searches, thus reducing transition time while maintaining manageable complexity through organized data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of index data and pointer systems that mediate between the buffer storage and the playback control. The index data acts as an intermediary layer that translates playback content requirements into specific buffer positions, enabling rapid content switching without directly complex buffer management operations, thus resolving the contradiction between fast transitions and simple structure.
2Ease of operation
If the system re-accesses data units from the beginning of the buffer when changing playback content, then the buffer management is simpler, but the transition time is prolonged and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating index data that maps each data unit to its buffer position and characteristics. When content switching is needed, the controller uses this pre-established index to immediately identify and re-access the required data units from any position in the buffer, rather than sequentially searching from the beginning. This preliminary organization enables rapid content switching and improves ease of operation without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic buffer access mechanisms where the demultiplexer can re-access data units from any position in the buffer based on real-time playback content demands. The system dynamically adjusts the access starting position using pointer mechanisms rather than always starting from the buffer beginning, enabling flexible and efficient content transitions that adapt to user needs and improve operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the buffer stores only the currently playing data, then the memory usage is minimized, but the system cannot support rapid content changes requiring backward buffer sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing index data for all data units that may be needed for content switching, including those in backward buffer sections. This preliminary organization allows the system to rapidly switch to alternative content by simply following the pre-computed pointers to the required data units, rather than needing to physically pre-load all possible content variations. This approach enhances adaptability for content switching while minimizing actual memory usage by only storing index structures rather than duplicate content data.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a data stream processing apparatus. The data stream processing apparatus includes a demultiplexer, a data processor and a backward buffer. The demultiplexer accesses and demultiplexes a multimedia data stream and output a first data stream. The multimedia data stream includes a plurality of data units. The data processor receives and processes the first data stream. The backward buffer stores a first portion of multimedia data stream, wherein the data units of the first portion of the multimedia data stream has been accessed by the demultiplexer, but has not been processed by the data processor. If a user demands changing a playback content of the multimedia data stream, the data units stored in the backward buffer are re-transmitted to the demultiplexer for filtering out a second data stream corresponding to the demand.