Server Device Dynamic Parameter Insertion in Adaptive Bit Rate Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive bit rate streaming technologies cannot support the insertion of dynamic parameters dependent on a client's state without altering the playlist file on the network service provider's side.
Innovation Solution
A server device and client device configuration that includes a storage unit for storing definitions to add parameters to access information, and a communication unit to transmit these parameters based on predefined definitions, allowing dynamic parameter insertion without modifying the playlist file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a server designates parameters in the playlist file to support dynamic parameter insertion, then adaptability to client state is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase due to playlist file alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parameter insertion functionality from the server side and implements it on the client side. The client device now autonomously inserts dynamic parameters (such as position information, device ID, buffer state) into the URL based on predefined templates in the playlist file, without requiring the server to designate specific parameter insertion points. This reduces server complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device performs self-service by automatically inserting dynamic parameters into the URL based on its own state information and predefined templates. The client independently determines what parameters to insert (position, device ID, buffer level) and how to format them, without requiring server intervention or complex server-side configuration for each parameter type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the playlist file is altered to include parameter insertion instructions, then dynamic parameter support is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate due to file modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining parameter insertion templates in the playlist file during content preparation. These templates include placeholders and formatting rules that the client device will automatically fill with dynamic values. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for ongoing file modifications when new parameter types need to be supported.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the playlist file to contain flexible templates that can accommodate various parameter types (position, device ID, buffer state, etc.). The client device dynamically changes the URL parameters based on its current state, while the playlist file structure remains unchanged, providing both adaptability and ease of maintenance.
3Productivity
If static parameter insertion is used in the playlist file, then content distribution is improved, but adaptability to changing client states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the URL parameters dynamic rather than static. The client device continuously monitors its state (position in content, buffer level, device characteristics) and automatically updates the URL parameters accordingly. This allows the content distribution to adapt in real-time to changing client states while maintaining efficient HTTP-based delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the client device monitors its own state (buffer level, playback position, network conditions) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the URL parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that the content distribution adapts to actual client conditions, improving both productivity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a server device which can support insertion of a dynamic parameter that is dependent on a state of a client when content is distributed to the client using the ABS technology, without altering a play list file on a network service provider side. [Solution] Provided is a server device including: a storage unit configured to store a predetermined definition for adding a parameter to an address defined in access information for accessing each of a plurality of subsegments constituting each piece of encoded data obtained by encoding same content at a different bit rate, or for accessing every element to be acquired through a request to a server described in an MPD; and a communication unit configured to transmit an instruction to add a parameter to the address defined in the access information, on the basis of the predetermined definition stored in the storage unit.