Multi-Stream Content Delivery for VOD Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-on-demand (VOD) systems face inefficiencies in content transfer over networks, leading to slow download times and network bottlenecks, which limit the quality and functionality of video content delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple data streams between a client and a server to stabilize and enhance content transfer rates, incorporating features like DVD-player functionality, auxiliary data streams for additional content, and selective pushing of content to improve network efficiency and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional file transfer protocols are used for VOD content delivery, then the system is simple to implement, but the download time is excessive and network bandwidth is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video content into multiple independent data streams that can be downloaded simultaneously through parallel connections. Each stream represents a portion of the overall content, allowing the system to aggregate bandwidth from multiple network paths, thereby significantly reducing total download time while maintaining content integrity through coordinated reassembly at the client端.
2Reliability
If multiple data streams are used for content delivery, then the content transfer rate is stabilized and improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent data streams into a unified content delivery system where streams are coordinated through a centralized manifest file. This approach maintains reliability by utilizing parallel transmission paths while managing complexity through a single point of coordination that handles stream selection, synchronization, and error recovery, rather than requiring complex distributed coordination between multiple nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a manifest file as an intermediary component that mediates between the content source and multiple data streams. The manifest file contains metadata about all available streams, their characteristics, and synchronization information, allowing the client to automatically select and coordinate streams without requiring complex real-time negotiation or centralized control, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-stream benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional VOD systems are used, then the network infrastructure is simple, but the functionality and viewing features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content delivery architecture using standard web technologies (HTTP, XML) that can deliver not only video content but also auxiliary data streams for multiple functionalities including fast-forward, rewind, chapter navigation, and interactive menus. This multi-functional system uses the same basic infrastructure to provide diverse viewing features, avoiding the need for separate specialized systems while greatly enhancing VOD capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If auxiliary data streams are added for additional content, then the user interaction is enhanced, but the network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements on-demand loading of auxiliary data streams where only the streams necessary for current user interaction are downloaded and processed. Instead of pre-loading all possible auxiliary content, the system dynamically requests additional streams based on user actions (e.g., requesting chapter information only when the user navigates to chapter selection), thereby enhancing user interaction while minimizing unnecessary network traffic and bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering content, such as video content, via a network. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includes a server system that is connected to the network and has access to the content. A client system is adapted to forward a request for the content to the server system via the network. One or more content-delivery routines in communication with the server system are adapted to initiate sending of the content to the client system via multiple streams over the network in response to the request.