Push Video on Demand Schedule Simulator for Dynamic Bandwidth Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PushVOD system generates schedules for asset delivery that are inaccurate due to factors like changing bandwidth and asset availability over time, leading to receivers powering up or down at the wrong times, resulting in incomplete asset downloads.
Innovation Solution
A schedule simulator is used to simulate the playout of assets, taking into account varying bandwidth and asset availability, which allows for the re-ordering of assets based on actual playback data, thereby generating a more accurate and dynamic delivery schedule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the receiver uses a fixed delivery schedule to power up and down, then energy usage is saved by powering down when no assets are scheduled, but the schedule accuracy deteriorates due to bandwidth changes and asset availability variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static delivery schedule to a dynamic schedule that adapts to changing conditions. The headend continuously monitors bandwidth availability and asset status, then adjusts the delivery schedule in real-time to maintain accuracy while allowing the receiver to optimize power consumption based on updated timing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the headend receives status information about asset delivery progress and bandwidth conditions, then uses this feedback to refine and update the delivery schedule. This ensures the schedule remains accurate despite changing conditions, allowing the receiver to reliably power down and save energy.
2Measurement precision
If the schedule is adjusted to account for bandwidth changes and asset availability, then schedule accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and dynamic re-ordering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The headend performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring bandwidth conditions and asset availability before delivery issues occur. It pre-adjusts the delivery schedule based on predicted conditions, reducing the need for complex real-time reactions and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high schedule accuracy.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the receiver powers down between asset deliveries to save energy, then energy efficiency improves, but the risk of missing asset downloads increases if the schedule is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating buffer time and margin into the delivery schedule. The headend ensures assets are delivered with sufficient advance notice before the receiver needs to power down, creating a safety cushion that guarantees complete asset reception even with minor timing variations, thus maintaining reliability while enabling energy-saving power-down operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method selects a first asset in a first ordering of assets and simulates a playout of the first asset based on bandwidth values at a set of times. The playout takes a time period to playout based on the set of bandwidth values. A new ordering of the assets is received based on the simulated playout of the first asset and the time period. The method continues to select a new asset in the new ordering of the assets, simulate the playout of the new asset, and receive a new ordering of the assets until a schedule of asset delivery is generated. Then, the schedule of asset delivery is output where the schedule of asset delivery is used by a receiver to determine when to power up to receive a scheduled delivery of an asset and power down when no asset is scheduled for delivery.