Set-Top Box Video Pre-Caching via Bandwidth-Based Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current streaming and pre-cache video content systems for set top boxes face limitations, such as lengthy buffering in streaming systems and limited capacity in pre-cache systems, which restrict the number of video files available for immediate viewing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure available bandwidth to divide video files into portions, allowing the first portion to be stored locally and the second portion to be downloaded while the first is displayed, enabling a larger selection of video files to be available for immediate viewing without increasing storage or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If video files are stored in their entirety on the set top box for pre-caching, then the user can immediately access the video content without waiting, but the storage capacity is limited and only a small number of video files can be pre-cached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides video files into multiple segments or blocks, where only a subset of segments is pre-cached on the set top box while other segments remain on remote servers. This segmentation allows the system to store more video content across distributed locations, enabling immediate access to pre-cached portions while maintaining the ability to retrieve additional segments as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested storage structure where video file segments are distributed across multiple levels - some segments are stored locally on the set top box while other segments are stored on remote servers. This nested arrangement allows the system to provide immediate access to locally stored segments while maintaining access to a larger total number of video files through the remote storage layer.
2Reliability
If the set top box builds up a buffer of streaming video to account for network variations, then video playback can be maintained during network fluctuations, but the buffering phase can take several hours depending on bandwidth and encoding level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-caching specific video segments before the user requests them. Instead of building a buffer during streaming, the system proactively downloads and stores anticipated video segments in advance, eliminating the need for lengthy buffering phases while ensuring playback continuity is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by downloading and caching only the necessary portions of video files that are likely to be watched, rather than buffering entire videos or excessive amounts of data. This selective pre-caching approach provides sufficient content to maintain playback continuity without requiring several hours of buffering time.
3Quantity of substance
If a limited number of video files are pre-cached on the set top box, then storage space is conserved, but if the user is not interested in the pre-cached files, they must wait for the entire video file to be downloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video files into multiple parts and pre-caches only the segments that are most likely to be watched based on user preferences and viewing history. This allows the system to conserve storage space by not caching entire videos, while still providing immediate access to the most relevant content and enabling faster download of additional segments as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by downloading and storing only the essential or most popular segments of video files rather than complete videos. This approach conserves storage capacity on the set top box while reducing the wait time for users, as the pre-cached segments can be played immediately and additional segments can be downloaded during playback.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of pre-caching video content is provided and includes measuring an available bandwidth of a data connection to a set top box. The available bandwidth measurement can be an average available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box or a minimum available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box. Each of a plurality of video files is divided into a first portion and a second portion and the size of each first portion is based on the available bandwidth measurement. The first portion of each of the plurality of video files is downloaded over the data connection and stored in a memory within the set top box. A list is displayed at a display device and includes a list of video titles that correspond to the plurality of video files that have only a first portion downloaded to the memory.