URL Query String Parameter Insertion for Adaptive Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive streaming technologies face limitations in managing media content delivery, particularly in specifying and constructing URLs for streaming media segments, which can lead to inconsistent user experiences due to the lack of flexibility in handling dynamic parameters and network conditions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves constructing media segment URLs by inserting parameters into the query string portion rather than the path portion, allowing for both static and dynamic parameter insertion, and enabling the server to manage adaptive streaming by determining the appropriate representation and segments based on client-provided dynamic parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If URL parameters are inserted in the path portion, then the URL structure is simple and straightforward, but the flexibility in handling dynamic parameters and adapting to network conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling dynamic parametersVSAvoidURL construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The URL is segmented into path portion and query string portion, with different parameter types assigned to different portions. Static parameters are placed in the path while dynamic parameters are placed in the query string, allowing flexible handling of dynamic parameters without complicating the overall URL structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The query string acts as an intermediary between the static URL path and dynamic parameters. This intermediary structure allows dynamic parameters to be inserted and manipulated without affecting the stability of the base URL path, thereby increasing flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the client device constructs URLs with all dynamic parameters, then the client has full control over parameter specification, but the server cannot dynamically adjust content delivery based on real-time conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserver's ability to dynamically adjust content deliveryVSAvoidclient's control over parameter specification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the client specifying all parameters, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the server to receive partial URL information from the client and then complete or modify the URL parameters on the server side. This enables the server to dynamically adjust content delivery while the client maintains ease of operation by providing basic URL information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The server receives initial URL parameters from the client, processes this information, and uses it to determine optimal content delivery parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the server to dynamically adjust content delivery based on real-time conditions while maintaining client control over the initiation of the request.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing URL parameter insertion mechanisms are used, then the implementation is straightforward with simple types, but the capability to handle more types of parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter type capabilityVSAvoidparameter insertion mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query string mechanism is used as a universal container that can handle multiple types of parameters (simple types, complex types, dynamic types, static types) through a single standardized approach. This multi-functional use of the query string eliminates the need for different insertion mechanisms for different parameter types, increasing capability while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3073712B1URL parameter insertion and addition in adaptive streaming
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3073712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073712B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3073712B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

A method implemented by a client device for media content streaming, the method comprising inserting one or more query parameters in a query string portion of a uniform resource locator (LTRL), wherein the query string portion follows a path portion of the URL, sending a media request comprising the URL to a streaming server, and receiving one or more segments of a media content from the streaming server in response to the media request.