Streaming Media Service Handoff via Dynamic Provider Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for delivering streaming media services face delays and inefficiencies due to server overload and large file processing times, leading to frustration for users, especially when multiple requests are handled simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a service location manager and multiple service providers that dynamically select and hand off streaming media services based on resource availability, allowing for seamless and efficient delivery by allocating resources effectively across the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single server handles multiple streaming media requests simultaneously, then the system can serve multiple clients, but the processing time and latency increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of concurrent requests handledVSAvoidprocessing time per request

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the single server into multiple service providers, each capable of handling streaming media requests independently. This segmentation allows concurrent processing of multiple requests without the latency penalty of a single server, as each service provider can process requests in parallel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a new dimension of service delivery by implementing multiple service providers across the network. Instead of increasing capacity in the traditional vertical sense (single server with more resources), the system expands horizontally by adding multiple independent service units, enabling parallel request handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If processing is performed on large media files before streaming, then the requested processing (e.g., noise reduction) is completed, but the time to complete processing prior to streaming initiation becomes very long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of processed mediaVSAvoidtime before streaming initiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Service providers perform processing preparations in advance by pre-loading media files and pre-configuring processing pipelines. When a request arrives, the service provider can immediately begin processing without waiting for file retrieval or setup, significantly reducing the time before streaming initiation while maintaining processing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous processing by maintaining ready-state processing pipelines at service providers. Instead of starting processing from scratch for each request, the system keeps processing operations continuously ready to execute, eliminating idle time and reducing latency between request receipt and streaming initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple service providers are deployed across the network, then resource availability and service distribution improve, but the complexity of selecting and managing service providers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice distribution capabilityVSAvoidservice provider selection and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a service location manager as an intermediary between clients and service providers. This mediator handles the complexity of service provider selection, monitoring, and management, translating client requests into appropriate service provider selections while maintaining simplicity at the client端. The service location manager abstracts the complexity of multi-provider management from end users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If a service provider is assigned to handle a streaming media service, then the service can be delivered efficiently, but the system must manage handoffs between service providers when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice delivery efficiencyVSAvoidhandoff management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service location manager implements continuous feedback monitoring of service provider status, performance, and availability. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of when handoffs are needed and orchestrates the transition process, managing the complexity of handoff coordination through real-time monitoring and automated decision-making rather than complex manual management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7613768B2Method and system for managing a streaming media service

Publication Date: 2009.11.03 VL COLLECTIVE IP LLC

AI summary

One embodiment of the invention includes a method for managing a streaming media service. The method includes receiving a request for a streaming media service from a client and the streaming media service includes a media service component. A service location manager is selected to which to provide the request from a plurality of service location managers. Additionally, a service provider is selected to which to assign the media service component from a plurality of service providers of a network. Furthermore, the service provider is informed of the assignment to perform the media service component. The service provider is caused to prepare to perform the streaming media service on streaming media. Moreover, information is used to determine whether to initiate a handoff of the streaming media service from the service provider to another service provider. If it is determined to initiate the handoff, the handoff is initiated.