Dynamic Download Rate Control for Streaming Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Progressive downloads over limited-capacity, time-variable wireless networks cause network congestion and disrupt other users due to uncontrolled media file downloads, leading to bursts in traffic patterns.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that controls the download rate of streaming media based on the playback rate of the media player, using a network element to dynamically adjust the data transfer and spread the media byte stream over time, reducing peak bandwidth consumption and optimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If uncontrolled downloading is used to maximize media file transfer speed, then download rate is improved, but network congestion increases and other users are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic download rate adjustment by continuously monitoring network conditions and playback requirements. The system adapts the download rate in real-time, increasing it when network capacity is available and decreasing it when congestion is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between maximizing download speed and preventing network congestion
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the media player reports playback status and buffer levels to the server, which then adjusts the download rate accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that downloading occurs at optimal rates that prevent congestion while maintaining smooth playback, directly addressing the technical contradiction
2Ease of operation
If progressive download is used to support on-demand multimedia sessions, then ease of operation is improved, but network resource efficiency deteriorates due to uncontrolled downloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial downloading by transferring only the portions of media files that are actually needed for playback, rather than downloading entire files. The system downloads content progressively at controlled rates, stopping or slowing down when playback requirements are met, thus maintaining ease of on-demand access while reducing network resource waste from unnecessary data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes download parameters such as rate, buffer size, and priority based on network conditions and playback state. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains the simplicity of on-demand access while optimizing network resource utilization to prevent waste
3Reliability
If high download rate is used to meet playback requirements, then playback smoothness is improved, but traffic bursts are introduced that clog the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic download scheduling where data is transferred in controlled intervals rather than continuously at maximum rate. The system uses timing information from the media stream to schedule downloads periodically, ensuring smooth playback while distributing traffic evenly to avoid bursts that would clog the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching media data into the player's buffer before actual playback occurs. This advance preparation allows the player to maintain smooth playback from the buffer while the download operates at controlled rates, preventing traffic bursts while ensuring playback reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method including receiving streaming media, wherein the streaming media is requested by a media player at a mobile device; retrieving timing information from the streaming media, wherein the timing information corresponds to real-time playback rate on the media player; framing the streaming media based on the real-time playback rate on the media player; scheduling transmission of the framed streaming media based on the framing; and transmitting the framed streaming media to the media player according to the schedule.