Video Image Reproduction Device Segment File Pre-reading

Solution Overview

Problem

In video image reproduction systems using HTTP streaming distribution, there is a waiting time issue due to the division of video data into segment files, where reducing segment file duration increases communication frequency and server loads, while increasing segment files prolongs the time before video playback starts.

Innovation Solution

A video image reproduction device that receives search requests, generates window data, and stores divisional files corresponding to reproduction start positions, allowing for immediate playback by pre-reading segment files with shorter time lengths, reducing waiting time and server loads by managing segment file transfer efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If segment file duration is reduced to enable faster playback initiation, then waiting time decreases, but communication frequency increases and server loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaiting timeVSAvoidserver loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching segment files into the buffer storage unit before they are needed for playback. When a search request is received, the system identifies relevant segment files and loads them into local storage in advance, so that when playback is initiated, the segments are already available locally, reducing both waiting time and repeated server requests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements local quality by creating a localized buffer storage unit at the client device that stores segment files locally. This allows the client to access frequently needed segments from local storage rather than repeatedly requesting them from the server, reducing server load while maintaining fast access to video segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If segment file duration is increased to reduce communication frequency, then server loads decrease, but waiting time before playback starts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver loadsVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching segment files into the buffer storage unit before they are needed for playback. When a search request is received, the system identifies relevant segment files and loads them into local storage in advance, so that when playback is initiated, the segments are already available locally, reducing both waiting time and repeated server requests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the segment file duration flexible rather than fixed. The segmentation unit can dynamically adjust the duration of segment files based on network conditions, content characteristics, and playback requirements, allowing optimization between file count, communication frequency, and playback initiation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If number of segment files is increased to reduce waiting time, then playback initiation speed increases, but communication frequency and server loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback initiation speedVSAvoidserver loads

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching segment files into the buffer storage unit before they are needed for playback. When a search request is received, the system identifies relevant segment files and loads them into local storage in advance, so that when playback is initiated, the segments are already available locally, reducing both waiting time and repeated server requests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses copying by creating local copies of segment files in the buffer storage unit at the client device. Instead of repeatedly requesting the same segment files from the server, the client maintains local copies that can be accessed instantly, reducing server load while maintaining fast playback initiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10631060B2Video image reproduction device, video image distribution server, method of reproducing video image and method of distributing video image

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 RUN EDGE LTD

AI summary

A video image reproduction device transmits a search request in accordance with a search condition of video image data to an external device, generates window data in accordance with the search result when a response including the search result identifying a plurality of pieces of video image data in accordance with the search request is received from the external device, and obtains divisional files corresponding to reproduction starting portions in the plurality of respective pieces of video image data identified by the search result. Further, the video image reproduction device starts, when receiving a reproduction instruction for one of the plurality of pieces of video image data after displaying a window based on the window data, reproduction of a divisional file of the video image data for which the reproduction instruction has been received from among the plurality of obtained divisional files.