Synchronized Segment Requests for Low-Latency Media Streaming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current segmented media streaming technologies like HLS and DASH suffer from variable delay due to unsynchronized manifest updates and the need for frequent connection re-establishment, leading to potential playback interruptions and inefficiencies in delivering low-latency content to large audiences.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves synchronizing the viewer's requests with the server's segmentation process by using a 'synchronized' segment request mechanism, which allows for predictive timing of segment availability and reduces the need for frequent connection re-establishments by enabling requests for segments that will exist in the near future, thereby minimizing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If segmented media streaming is used to improve scalability and fault tolerance, then the system can serve large audiences efficiently, but variable delay is introduced due to unsynchronized manifest updates and segment buffering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server tracks viewer playback position and synchronizes manifest updates with the current segment being played. This feedback loop eliminates variable delay by ensuring manifest updates occur at predictable intervals aligned with segment boundaries, rather than arbitrarily when segments become available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and buffering segments before they are needed for playback. The server prepares segments in advance and makes them available for immediate download when the viewer reaches the corresponding playback position, eliminating waiting time and synchronization delays.
2Productivity
If connection re-establishment is performed frequently to balance load across servers, then resource utilization is optimized, but playback interruptions increase due to authentication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing authentication and connection establishment before the viewer actually needs to download segments. The initial connection is authenticated in advance, and the viewer receives a token or session identifier that allows continuous access without repeated authentication, eliminating playback interruptions during load balancing transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a session token or redirect URL that mediates between the viewer and multiple servers. Instead of requiring direct authenticated connections to each server, the intermediary token allows seamless redirection across servers without breaking the playback stream, maintaining reliability while enabling load balancing.
3Measurement precision
If segment duration is reduced to improve synchronization precision, then delay prediction accuracy improves, but the acquisition window becomes too small to accommodate connection establishment time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing authentication and connection setup before the acquisition window begins. The viewer's connection is established and authenticated in advance, so when the acquisition window opens for segment download, no additional connection establishment time is needed, making even short segment durations feasible without playback interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reducing the delay and optimizing the process of delivering real-time media segments on communication networks. This is accomplished by allowing media segment requests to be queued ahead of the time that the segment exists. The system includes the ability to request segments by selected criteria or by explicit reference naming techniques. This reduces delay and optimizes bandwidth usage when applied within otherwise high latency communication networks, including Content Delivery Networks.