Streaming Manifest Segmentation for Timecode-Safe Ad Break Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media streaming technologies face challenges with timecode conflicts and determining the optimal timing for requesting media sets, particularly when multiple media items are involved, leading to potential playback issues.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to transmit a modified manifest containing a content break element, followed by requesting and receiving segment locators for media content segments, and creating an output file to segment the media content for seamless playback, while also managing server identifiers and unique strings to ensure accurate media delivery during breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media segments from multiple media items are inserted into a manifest, then the media set can be selected after manifest provision to the player, but timecode conflicts arise between segments of different media items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manifest into multiple period elements, each containing segment locator information for a specific media item. This segmentation allows each period element to maintain its own timecode sequence independently, preventing timecode conflicts while enabling flexible media set selection after manifest provision to the player.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of segment locator information into separate period elements with distinct timecode sequences before the player requests media segments. This preliminary structuring ensures timecode consistency is established in advance, allowing flexible media selection without causing timecode conflicts during playback.
2Productivity
If a manifest contains segment locator information for multiple media items, then media content can be delivered during breaks, but determining the optimal timing for requesting media sets becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces period elements as intermediary structures between the manifest and individual media segments. These period elements organize segment locator information and timing information in a standardized format, simplifying the request timing management while enabling efficient media delivery during breaks without complex coordination.
3Quantity of substance
If segment locator information from multiple period elements is combined, then complete media content can be assembled, but timecode overlap between media items occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments media content into distinct period elements, each with its own timecode sequence. This segmentation allows complete media content to be assembled from multiple media items while maintaining timecode accuracy within each period element, preventing timecode overlap by keeping timecode sequences separate and organized.
Data Source
AI summary
A media streaming method. The method includes providing a manifest to a player, wherein the manifest comprises a presentation segment identifier for identifying a segment of first media content or template information for generating the presentation segment identifier; receiving, from the player, a presentation segment request comprising the presentation segment identifier; and, in response to receiving the presentation segment request, i) providing to the player a response message responsive to the presentation segment request and ii) performing a process for enabling the player to obtain second media content to be played by the player during a break in the first media content.