Adaptive Streaming Manifest Customization With Runtime Metadata Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive bitrate streaming systems lack flexibility in modifying manifest files to dynamically insert metadata payloads, such as advertisements and blackout content, requiring customized formats for each customer, which is inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A manifest manipulator system that inserts metadata payloads dynamically during runtime, using placeholders and configuration syntax to support multiple customers without requiring separate customized formats, allowing real-time customization of metadata insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manifest files use fixed formats for each customer, then customer-specific customization is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal manifest format that can accommodate multiple customers and use cases through a standardized structure. Instead of creating separate customized formats for each customer, the system uses a single manifest template with configurable fields that can be dynamically populated based on customer preferences, advertisement parameters, and content requirements. This universal approach reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifest structure allows dynamic parameter changes based on customer-specific requirements. Key parameters such as advertisement insertion points, metadata payloads, and content replacement rules can be modified through configuration files or runtime parameters without changing the underlying manifest format. This enables customization through parameter adjustment rather than format redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manifest files are modified dynamically during runtime, then flexibility in inserting advertisements and blackout content is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining advertisement insertion points, metadata payloads, and content replacement rules in configuration files before runtime. During manifest generation, the system simply retrieves and inserts these pre-prepared elements at designated locations, avoiding complex real-time decision-making and reducing processing complexity while maintaining dynamic flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration layer between the fixed manifest structure and dynamic content requirements. Configuration files serve as intermediaries that translate customer-specific requirements into standardized manifest parameters, simplifying the processing logic by decoupling the rigid manifest format from the flexible content insertion needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate customized formats are created for each customer, then customer-specific requirements are met, but development time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal manifest template that serves all customers through a single format design. This template includes configurable fields for advertisements, metadata payloads, and content replacement that can be adjusted via configuration files rather than requiring separate format developments. This approach dramatically improves development efficiency while continuing to fulfill diverse customer requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If manifest modification capabilities are limited, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to insert advertisements and metadata is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simplicity by modifying existing manifest parameters rather than introducing complex new structures. Advertisement insertion and metadata payload integration are achieved by utilizing and extending standard manifest fields with configurable parameters, keeping the system architecture simple while enhancing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method receives a manifest for video requested by a client device. The manifest including links for different versions of the video for the client device to use to request segments of the different versions of the video based on conditions detected by the client device. A placeholder in the manifest is selected based on a configuration specifying the placeholder as a trigger to insert alternate content into the manifest. The method then selects a metadata payload based on the configuration specifying the placeholder and a source of the metadata payload and dynamically inserts the metadata payload into the manifest at a position based on the placeholder. The metadata payload is added with an identifier from the configuration that identifies the metadata payload to the client device. The manifest is outputted with the metadata payload for use by the client device while playing the video.