Unified P2P Media System for Live and On-Demand Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current P2P-based video service systems separately implement live broadcasting and video-on-demand services, leading to issues such as drag delay and inefficient use of buffered data, with live broadcasting being smooth but non-draggable and video-on-demand having long buffer times and low smoothness.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrate live broadcasting and video-on-demand services, allowing for a free switch between modes, utilizing a P2P network with a core server, edge servers, and a user request routing system to manage and distribute media content, optimizing data buffering and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If live broadcasting service is implemented separately, then program smoothness is improved, but drag functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges live broadcasting service and video-on-demand service into a unified P2P system where nodes can simultaneously participate in both services. The system combines the real-time data streaming capability of live broadcasting with the on-demand content delivery of VOD, enabling both smooth playback and drag functionality through a single integrated architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified service system performs multiple functions: it can operate in live broadcasting mode for real-time smooth playback, switch to video-on-demand mode for drag functionality, and allow nodes to provide both live and recorded content. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational modes as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video-on-demand service is implemented separately, then drag functionality is improved, but program smoothness deteriorates due to long buffer times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines VOD service with live broadcasting service in a unified system. Nodes can obtain content through both VOD mechanisms (for drag functionality) and live broadcasting mechanisms (for smoothness). The integration allows the system to leverage the real-time data flow of live broadcasting to reduce buffer times while maintaining VOD's drag capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified service enables nodes to access content through multiple pathways: real-time live broadcasting streams for immediate playback with good smoothness, and on-demand content delivery for drag functionality. This multi-functional approach allows the system to overcome the smoothness problem of separate VOD implementation.
3Reliability
If each terminal node buffers data locally, then data availability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to redundant storage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of every node storing complete redundant copies of all content, the patent implements a distributed caching mechanism where nodes store only frequently accessed or recently viewed content segments. The system uses intelligent copying strategies to replicate only necessary data blocks to nodes that need them, reducing overall network redundancy while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the buffering parameter from 'each node buffers all data' to 'nodes buffer selectively based on usage patterns'. The system dynamically adjusts what content is cached locally at each node based on access frequency, user behavior, and network conditions, optimizing the balance between data availability and network resource utilization.
4Ease of manufacture
If buffered data is not fully utilized, then storage simplicity is maintained, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where buffered data at each node is automatically made available to other nodes in the network. Nodes that have cached content can serve as content sources for other nodes, transforming idle buffered data into useful network resources without complex centralized management. This peer-to-peer data sharing maximizes resource efficiency while maintaining storage simplicity at individual nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the concept of local buffering with content sharing by allowing buffered data to serve dual purposes: local playback and network distribution. This integration transforms individually stored data into collectively useful resources, improving overall resource efficiency without complicating individual node storage operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A P2P based method for playing media is provided. The method includes logging in a network; selecting a live broadcasting service or a video-on-demand service, and receiving a judgment result on whether to buffer a data flow corresponding to the live broadcasting service or the video-on-demand service; obtaining the corresponding data flow according to a selection result, and buffering the data flow when the judgment result is yes; and providing the buffered corresponding data flow for a video-on-demand node or a live broadcasting node as a data source of the live broadcasting service or the video-on-demand service.