HTTP Proxy Transpackaging for Streaming Protocol Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content providers are constrained to use specific streaming techniques like HLS due to hardware or software limitations, even when MPD or other techniques might be more desirable, limiting flexibility in content delivery based on network types.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where an HTTP proxy on the user device intercepts content requests, transpackages content from MPD to HLS (or vice versa) to satisfy playback software requirements while allowing content providers to deliver content using the preferred technique based on the user's network connection, such as using MPD on WiFi and HLS on cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content providers use HLS due to hardware or software constraints, then content playback compatibility is ensured, but content delivery flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transpackaging component as an intermediary between the content provider and the content playback software. This component receives content in one format (e.g., MPD) from the content provider and transpackages it into another format (e.g., HLS) that the playback software requires, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of delivery flexibility and playback compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the format parameter of the content delivery system by introducing transpackaging capability. The system can dynamically change the content format parameter based on network conditions and playback requirements, allowing the same content to be delivered in different formats (MPD, HLS, etc.) without changing the underlying content
2Reliability
If a single streaming technique is used due to software constraints, then software compatibility is maintained, but network optimization capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the content delivery system dynamic by enabling selective transpackaging based on network conditions. The system can dynamically adjust which streaming technique to use (MPD, HLS, or other) depending on whether the user is on WiFi, cellular, or other networks, thereby optimizing network performance while maintaining software compatibility through the transpackaging intermediary
3Productivity
If content is delivered using MPD on WiFi networks, then delivery efficiency is improved, but playback software compatibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different content delivery formats for different network conditions. On WiFi networks where high efficiency is needed, MPD is used; on cellular networks where compatibility is more critical, HLS is used. The transpackaging component enables this localized optimization by converting content format based on the specific network context
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein may allow for the flexible selection, and use of, various streaming techniques when a particular streaming technique is specified or required by a content player application. For example, some content player applications require the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Live Streaming (“HLS”). In some situations, other techniques, such as Moving Pictures Experts Group Dynamic Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“MPEG-DASH”), may be preferable. The selection may be based on current operating conditions, such as whether a device, running the content player application, is using a WiFi or a cellular network. A local web proxy may be used to allow a content player application to request files using HLS, and may obtain the requested files using another streaming technique (e.g., MPEG-DASH). The obtained files may be transpackaged and provided to the content player application for presentation to a user.