Server-Side Video Bitrate Switching for Seamless Live Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In media live streaming, switching between different video bitrates introduces delays and bandwidth competition, affecting the quality of live streaming, especially in low-bandwidth scenarios, due to the need for clients to establish multiple connections and re-establish playback logic.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for video bitrate switching at the server end that determines a target bitrate and switching data based on playback time, allowing seamless transitions without requiring multiple connections, thereby avoiding bandwidth competition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the client requests two live streams simultaneously to achieve ABR control function, then the client can switch between different bitrates, but it causes competition for network bandwidth which affects the quality of live streaming in low-bandwidth scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the client initiate multiple stream requests to achieve bitrate switching, the patent inverts the control logic by having the server push the appropriate video stream based on client feedback about playback state and network conditions. The server determines which bitrate stream to deliver, reversing the traditional client-initiated selection model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single video stream connection serve multiple bitrate requirements through server-side adaptive switching. The same connection infrastructure handles different bitrate scenarios by dynamically selecting and pushing the appropriate stream, making the connection universally applicable across multiple bitrate conditions without requiring separate connections for each bitrate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the client re-establishes a connection with the server end to achieve ABR code control function, then the client can request a new live stream, but it introduces switching delay between two video streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple video streams at different bitrates in advance on the server side, and maintains readiness to switch between them. The server pre-processes and buffers streams so that when switching is needed, the transition can occur rapidly by simply changing which pre-prepared stream is pushed to the client, rather than establishing new connections or processing new stream requests in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous playback by ensuring smooth transitions between streams. The server monitors playback state continuously and switches streams at optimal points (such as keyframe boundaries) to minimize disruption. The client continues receiving and playing video data without interruption, maintaining the continuous useful action of video playback while adapting bitrate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the client adds new playback logic to handle switching between two video streams, then the client can achieve ABR control, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex ABR control logic from the client side and relocates it to the server side. The server handles the decision-making about which bitrate to deliver, managing stream selection and switching logic centrally. The client's role is simplified to providing feedback about playback state and receiving the pushed stream, significantly reducing the playback logic complexity on the client device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism as an intermediary between client and server. The client sends playback state information (buffer status, network conditions) to the server, and the server uses this feedback to determine appropriate bitrate switching. This feedback loop acts as a mediator that enables adaptive bitrate control without requiring complex client-side decision logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provides a method, apparatus, electronic device and storage medium for video bitrate switching. The method includes: in response to a determination that a condition for video bitrate switching is satisfied, determining a target video bitrate to be switched to; determining, based on a playback time of a delivered audio and video frame, target switching data for switching to a target video stream corresponding to the target video bitrate; and in response to a determination that an audio and video frame to be delivered is consistent with the target switching data, delivering audio and video frames in the target video stream to a client in sequence.