Playback Buffer Service Change Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media players experience delays when switching between services due to the need to re-initialize and refill the playback buffer, disrupting the user experience.
Innovation Solution
The playback buffer is maintained and used to continue playing content by inserting service change content, such as black or advertisement content, between the current service and the estimated insertion point for the new service, allowing continuous playback without re-initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the playback buffer is re-initialized when switching services, then the buffer is ready for the new service, but there is a delay in service switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the playback buffer from the old service and pre-positioning service change content (slate content) in the buffer before the actual service switch occurs. This allows the buffer to be ready for the new service without requiring full re-initialization, thereby reducing switching delay while ensuring buffer readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
Service change content (such as black screens or advertisement content) acts as an intermediary element in the playback buffer. This intermediary content bridges the transition between the old service and the new service, allowing continuous playback while the buffer is being prepared for the new service, thus eliminating the delay associated with complete buffer re-initialization.
2Productivity
If the playback buffer is maintained during service change, then continuous playback is achieved, but old service content may be played instead of new service content
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines an estimated insertion point in the playback buffer where new service content should be inserted based on predictions about when the new service content will be available. By pre-calculating this insertion point and positioning service change content accordingly, the system ensures that new service content replaces old service content at the appropriate moment, maintaining continuous playback while ensuring the correct content is displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
Service change content serves as a temporary intermediary that occupies space in the playback buffer during the transition period. This intermediary content is strategically placed to bridge the gap between old and new service content, ensuring that playback remains continuous while the system transitions from the old service to the new service content at the predicted insertion point.
3Productivity
If service change content is inserted in the playback buffer, then playback continues without interruption, but the buffer capacity is reduced for actual content
Solution Approach 1:
The playback buffer is segmented into different functional regions: a portion dedicated to service change content (slate content) and a portion dedicated to actual service content. By segmenting the buffer this way, the system can maintain playback continuity through service change content while preserving sufficient capacity for actual content, as the segments are clearly defined and managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system inserts service change content only to the extent necessary to maintain playback continuity during the transition, rather than filling the entire buffer. This partial action approach ensures that playback continues without interruption while leaving sufficient buffer capacity available for actual service content, avoiding excessive occupation of buffer space by transition content.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a user device controlling a playback buffer to reduce latency in a service change.