Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Synchronization via Server-Side Segment Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive bitrate streaming, unsynchronized viewing experiences among clients occur due to independent segment selection, leading to significant differences in viewing time, which is problematic for live and linear media programs meant to be played in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A server-side synchronization method where a server maintains a current segment pointer across different bitrate streams, ensuring that all clients receive the same media segment at the correct time, reducing latency to within the segment length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each client independently selects media segments based on available bandwidth, then adaptive bitrate streaming is achieved, but playback synchronization among multiple clients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manifest file as an intermediary that coordinates segment selection across multiple clients. The manifest file contains bitrate representation links that guide clients to select synchronized segments while adapting to individual bandwidth conditions. This mediator enables both adaptive bitrate selection and playback synchronization by providing a centralized reference that all clients follow.
2Ease of operation
If clients start pulling media segments on their own timeline, then independent adaptive streaming is enabled, but viewing time difference between clients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing media segments into structured bitrate representations in the manifest file before clients request them. This pre-organization allows clients to independently select segments based on their bandwidth while automatically maintaining synchronization, as all clients draw from the same pre-coordinated segment structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clients request the same media segments at different times, then adaptive bitrate selection is maintained, but playback synchronization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through bitrate representation links in the manifest file that provide continuous guidance to clients. As clients request segments, the manifest file's structured format ensures that segment timing and synchronization information is fed back to each client, allowing them to adjust their requests to maintain synchronization while preserving adaptive bitrate selection.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method provides a manifest for a media program to a client. The manifest includes a set of bitrate representation links that correspond to a set of bitrates. A pointer is maintained to at least a portion of a current segment that is currently being presented in the media program. A request is received using a bitrate representation link in the set of bitrate representation links. The method then selects at least the portion of the current segment using the pointer for the bitrate that corresponds to the bitrate representation and sends the at least the portion of the current segment to the client.