Schedule-Based Streaming Buffer for Client Storage Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional media file scheduling systems require clients to maintain local copies of media files, schedules, and configuration files, which can be cumbersome for devices with limited memory and storage, and do not support dynamic bitrate adjustment based on network bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A schedule-based streaming buffer is generated by a streaming server that stores media file playlists prior to the desired output time, allowing clients to output media files without local storage and dynamically adjusting bitrates based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clients maintain local copies of media files, schedules, and configuration files, then media files can be output according to schedule, but storage capacity is consumed and becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage burden from the client by moving media files from local client storage to remote server storage. The server maintains the media files and schedule information, while clients only store minimal configuration data. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable media output through server-based storage while eliminating the storage capacity constraint at the client端.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a streaming server as an intermediary between the media source and the client. The server acts as a mediator that stores media files, manages schedules, and delivers content to clients on demand. This intermediary approach allows clients to output media according to schedule without maintaining large local storage capacity.
2Reliability
If media files are downloaded locally to client storage, then media files are available for scheduled output, but download time is required and storage is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and storing media file playlists on the server before they are needed for scheduled output. The server prepares the media content in advance and makes it available for immediate streaming when the scheduled time arrives, eliminating the need for last-minute downloads and ensuring media file availability without consuming download time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical download-and-store process with a streaming-based system. Instead of downloading entire media files to local storage before playback, the system streams media content directly from the server to the client as needed. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming download phase while maintaining reliable media availability through on-demand streaming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If media files are re-downloaded to reflect schedule changes, then updated schedules are applied, but additional storage and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the server to autonomously manage and update schedule information without requiring client-side re-downloads. When schedule changes occur, the server automatically updates its internal schedule database and pushes notifications to clients. Clients receive only the schedule change information, not entire media files, allowing schedule adaptability while minimizing additional storage requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If synchronous streaming is supported across multiple clients with different formats, then broader compatibility is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different clients to receive media content in their specific required formats while the server maintains a standardized source format. The server performs format-specific encoding and delivery tailored to each client's capabilities. This approach achieves broad format compatibility across multiple clients while keeping the core streaming system relatively simple by handling format conversion at the delivery stage rather than requiring complex multi-format processing throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for schedule-based uninterrupted buffering and streaming. In an embodiment, at least one first media file can be received by a streaming server. The streaming server can create a first media file playlist including the at least one first media file. A schedule defining a first desired output time at which a client is to output the first media file playlist can be received by the streaming server. A schedule-based streaming buffer can be generated by the streaming server. The schedule-based streaming buffer can store the first media file playlist prior to the first desired output time. The schedule-based streaming buffer can be provided to the client by the streaming server such that the client can output the first media file playlist at the first desired output time.