Trick Mode Media Stream Generation via Timing Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video delivery systems face challenges in efficiently retrieving and storing media streams according to predefined timing schemes, leading to difficulties in implementing trick modes like fast forward and rewind without generating and storing multiple streams, which is costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate and transmit trick play media streams on the fly by analyzing normal play media streams, modifying timing information, and selectively fetching frames, eliminating the need for additional encoded streams, using a server and video pump with routing and processing capabilities to provide efficient retrieval and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple encoded streams are generated and stored for trick modes, then trick mode functionality is achieved, but memory consumption and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the video stream specifically for trick mode operations. Instead of storing multiple full encoded streams, the system generates a single auxiliary stream containing only the necessary frame data (I-frames and selected P-frames) with modified timing information. This copy enables fast forward and rewind operations while consuming minimal additional storage space compared to storing complete duplicate streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for trick mode operation from the original video stream. Specifically, it extracts I-frames and selected P-frames while discarding redundant B-frames and other non-essential data. This extraction process creates a streamlined auxiliary stream that provides trick mode functionality without requiring storage of the entire original stream multiple times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple encoded streams are generated and stored for trick modes, then trick mode functionality is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a single lightweight auxiliary stream instead of multiple full streams, reducing the computational resources required for encoding, storing, and transmitting trick mode content. This single copy approach minimizes operational costs associated with stream processing while maintaining full trick mode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies timing parameters in the auxiliary stream to enable trick mode operation. By changing the timing information in the stream header and selecting specific frames based on timing criteria, the system achieves fast forward and rewind functionality without requiring separate encoded streams for each playback speed, thereby reducing operational complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If servers retrieve data according to MPEG timing schemes, then trick modes are enabled, but server configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing to create an auxiliary stream with pre-modified timing information before transmission to the server. The timing parameters are adjusted in advance during stream generation, allowing the server to simply retrieve and transmit frames according to the pre-configured timing scheme without requiring complex real-time processing or configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary stream acts as an intermediary between the original video content and the server's retrieval mechanism. It translates the complex requirements of MPEG timing schemes into a simplified format that the server can handle with standard retrieval operations, thereby reducing server configuration complexity while enabling full trick mode functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for facilitating trick plays includes receiving a request to change a display mode of a certain media stream; fetching a media stream associated data structure associated with the certain media stream; and processing the media stream associated data structure and in response providing a media stream that complies with the requested display mode. The media stream associated data structure may include pointers to independently decodable frames of the certain media stream, and the provision of the changed mode media stream includes transmitting at least some of said independently decodable frames, optionally with duplicating frames, having their timing information adjusted.