Multiple Tuner Video Stream Transition System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering targeted advertisements over cable networks are inefficient in terms of bandwidth usage and often result in noticeable interruptions due to the need for re-tuning and high latency, especially when switching between different advertisement versions or channels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a multiple tuner device to facilitate seamless transitions between video streams by identifying synchronization points and processing primary and secondary video streams in parallel, allowing for efficient switching without interruption, thereby reducing bandwidth allocation and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated advertisement channels are used with re-tuning, then targeted advertisements can be delivered, but noticeable interruptions occur due to tuning latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads advertisement content into buffer memory before the actual advertisement break occurs. The system receives and buffers advertisement content in advance, so when the ad break is triggered, the content is already available in memory and can be displayed immediately without requiring real-time tuning or waiting for I-frames, thus eliminating tuning latency interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary component between the tuner and the video processing pipeline. This buffer acts as a mediator that decouples the tuning operation from the advertisement delivery, allowing the tuner to switch channels while the buffered content is already prepared and ready for immediate playback, thereby hiding the tuning latency from the user
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical channels are allocated for different advertisements, then targeted content can be delivered, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream into distinct portions: main content segments and advertisement segments. By separating the advertisement content from the main program content, the system can efficiently manage bandwidth allocation - the main content is transmitted continuously while advertisement content is pre-loaded and buffered, allowing multiple targeted advertisements to be delivered without requiring multiple full-bandwidth physical channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery parameters of advertisement content by pre-loading and buffering it in memory before playback. This transforms the advertisement delivery from a real-time high-bandwidth stream into a pre-prepared lower-bandwidth operation, reducing the instantaneous network bandwidth requirements while still enabling targeted advertisement delivery to different subscribers
3Reliability
If I-Frame waiting is required for seamless transition, then video continuity is maintained, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads advertisement content including necessary I-frames and key data into buffer memory before the advertisement break is triggered. This preliminary action ensures that when the transition occurs, all necessary video data is already available in memory, eliminating the need to wait for I-frames during the actual transition and maintaining both video continuity and fast switching
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for facilitating transitions between video streams is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) receiving a primary video stream that includes a first primary video stream portion and a second primary video stream portion, wherein the second stream portion follows the first primary video stream portion; (ii) receiving a secondary video stream; processing at least one of the primary video stream and the secondary video stream to facilitate a seamless transition, at a multiple tuner device, between the first primary video stream portion and the secondary video stream; (iii) transmitting the primary video stream to a first tuner of the multiple tuner device; (iv) transmitting the secondary video stream to a second tuner of the multiple tuner device; and (v) instructing the multiple tuner device to perform a seamless transition between the first primary video stream portion to the secondary video stream.