Preview Image Decoding Switching for Video Scrubbing Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
When playing a video on a device, users often experience delays in displaying preview images due to network latency and bandwidth competition, as multiple requests for images are made to a server, leading to inefficiencies in image fetching and decoding.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device receives and decodes a bundle of preview images as they arrive, allowing for immediate display of preview images even before the full bundle is received, and dynamically adjusts the frequency and quality of image requests based on network conditions and processing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the device waits for the full bundle of preview images to be received before decoding and displaying them, then the complete set of preview images is available, but the display latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary decoding of preview images from the bundle as they are received, rather than waiting for the complete bundle. This allows preview images to be prepared in advance and displayed immediately when needed, reducing display latency while ensuring that at least some preview images are available even if the full bundle is not completely received
2Productivity
If the device sends multiple requests for preview images to the server, then the required preview images can be fetched, but network bandwidth is consumed and latency increases due to competing requests
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple preview image requests into a single bundle request. Instead of sending individual requests for each preview image, the device requests a bundle containing multiple preview images in one network transaction, reducing the number of competing requests and optimizing network bandwidth utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary decoding of preview images from the bundle as they are received, rather than waiting for the complete bundle. This allows preview images to be prepared in advance and displayed immediately when needed, reducing display latency while ensuring that at least some preview images are available even if the full bundle is not completely received
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method receives a portion of a bundle of preview images for a video being played and starts to decode the portion of the bundle of preview images. An input is received for a location in the video. The method determines if a preview image corresponding to the location has been decoded from the bundle of preview images. When the preview image corresponding to the location has been decoded, the preview image corresponding to the location is displayed. When the preview image corresponding to the location has not been decoded, the method switches from decoding the portion of the bundle of preview images at a first position to decoding the portion of the bundle of preview images at a second position corresponding to the location.