OTT Stream Detection via Time-Shifted Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively detect live, linear, and replicated over-the-top (OTT) streams in communication networks, leading to inefficiencies and poor Quality of Experience (QoE) due to increased bandwidth consumption and network congestion, as existing solutions cannot accurately determine the type of stream being distributed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze requests for OTT streams, request time-shifted streams, and compare bit streams to determine if a stream is live, linear, or replicated, using filters, content identification, and threshold-based analysis to provide a definitive indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If OTT content delivery is performed without network control, then content provider flexibility and service variety are improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and QoS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that sits between OTT content delivery and network resources. This system detects live OTT streams and enables network operators to identify and manage bandwidth-consuming content without direct control over OTT delivery, thus maintaining service flexibility while reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption through informed network management decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detection results about live OTT streams are fed back to network operators. This feedback loop allows operators to adjust network resource allocation and apply appropriate policies (such as caching or traffic shaping) based on detected stream types, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage while preserving OTT delivery independence
2Measurement precision
If signature-based detection is used for cached content, then content identification capability is improved, but ability to detect live stream types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static signature matching (designed for cached content) to dynamic detection methods that analyze stream characteristics in real-time. The system adapts its detection approach based on whether content is cached or live-streaming, using techniques appropriate for each scenario to accurately identify live stream types while maintaining content identification capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection problem into two distinct parts: signature-based detection for cached content and dynamic characteristic-based detection for live streams. By separating these detection approaches, the system can optimize each method for its specific use case, achieving both accurate content identification and effective live stream type detection
3Reliability
If network operators upgrade infrastructure to support OTT demand, then QoS for OTT services is improved, but network cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection and classification of OTT streams before network resources are fully allocated. By identifying live streams in advance, network operators can proactively implement resource management policies, cache anticipated content, or apply traffic shaping, thereby ensuring QoS without requiring permanent infrastructure upgrades for all OTT traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows network operators to dynamically change network parameters (such as bandwidth allocation, caching strategies, or priority queuing) based on detected stream types. This enables flexible QoS management where resources are optimized for live OTT streams only when and where needed, avoiding the need for complex permanent infrastructure changes
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting a live over-the-top (OTT) stream are provided. The method includes analyzing a received request for an OTT stream; requesting a plurality of time-shifted OTT streams respective of the requested OTT stream when the analysis of the received request indicates that the requested OTT stream is suspected as a live OTT stream; analyzing the plurality of time-shifted OTT streams, wherein each analysis of a suspected live OTT stream results in a definitive indication of whether the requested OTT stream is a live OTT stream.