Media Streaming Server RTSP to HLS Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices often lack the capability to natively output HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) streams, as they are typically configured to use Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), making it impractical to retrofit them for HLS support due to technical and financial constraints, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities in stream delivery and end-point performance.
Innovation Solution
A media streaming server is used to convert RTSP coordinated streams into HLS streams, minimizing network communication and bandwidth usage by directly participating in both protocols, allowing simultaneous stream conversion and termination without intermediaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are retrofitted to support HLS protocol, then end-point compatibility is improved, but device complexity and modification cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media streaming server as an intermediary component that converts RTSP streams to HLS format. This server acts as a mediator between RTSP-based devices and HLS-compatible end-points, allowing devices to maintain their original RTSP protocol while enabling HLS delivery through the intermediary conversion service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: RTSP devices, media streaming server with conversion capabilities, and HLS end-points. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal protocol environment while the server handles the protocol translation, avoiding the need to modify existing devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RTSP streams are converted through multiple intermediaries, then protocol compatibility is improved, but network bandwidth is consumed by redundant transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The media streaming server combines multiple functions into a single component: RTSP stream reception, protocol conversion, and HLS stream delivery. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate intermediary devices, reducing the number of network transfers and associated bandwidth consumption while maintaining protocol compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stream conversion is performed through multiple intermediaries, then protocol compatibility is improved, but streaming latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media streaming server establishes and maintains a persistent RTSP stream connection in advance, allowing it to receive and buffer content as it arrives. This preliminary action enables the server to have content ready for immediate HLS delivery when requested, reducing the latency that would occur if conversion had to wait for complete file downloads or multiple intermediary transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for converting an RTSP coordinated stream into an HLS stream. A server participates essentially simultaneously in an RTSP coordinated stream with a content creating electronic device (e.g., a camera) and in an HLS stream with the end-point (e.g., a Web browser). The media server receives a portion of RTSP stream data directly from the content creating electronic device. The media streaming server converts the portion of RTSP stream data into HLS stream data. The media streaming server sends the HLS stream data via the HLS stream to the end-point. The end-point or an end-point user may subsequently request termination of content streaming. In response to an HLS terminate instruction, the streaming media server can coordinate (e.g., concurrent) termination of both the RTSP coordinated stream and the HLS stream.