Video Player Simulation for Pre-Deployment Buffer Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the performance impact of streaming algorithms in content players are resource-intensive and time-consuming, often resulting in undesirable playback experiences due to the need for extensive real-world testing across various devices, which is inefficient and can lead to buffer underruns.
Innovation Solution
A simulation testing environment that utilizes historical network characteristics and playback algorithms to simulate content playback without actual download or playback, allowing for efficient evaluation of streaming algorithms across a range of devices prior to deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive real-world testing across various devices is performed to evaluate streaming algorithms, then the reliability of performance evaluation is improved, but the time consumption and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated playback environment that copies the essential characteristics of real playback scenarios without requiring actual content delivery. The simulation uses historical network characteristics and device parameters to reproduce playback conditions, allowing multiple devices to be tested simultaneously in a virtual environment. This eliminates the need for extensive real-world testing while maintaining evaluation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary testing of streaming algorithms in a simulated environment before actual deployment. By evaluating algorithm changes beforehand using historical data and simulation models, the system identifies potential issues without affecting real users. This preliminary action prevents the need for lengthy post-deployment testing and validation.
2Measurement precision
If actual content playback is used to test streaming algorithms, then the accuracy of performance metrics is improved, but the resource consumption and testing duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simulated content playback that copies the behavioral patterns of actual playback without requiring real content delivery. The simulation tracks buffer levels, network conditions, and playback events based on historical data, providing accurate performance metrics without the resource overhead of actual content streaming. This allows multiple algorithms to be tested simultaneously with minimal resource consumption.
3Reliability
If streaming algorithms are tested after production deployment, then the real-world performance data is improved, but the risk of buffer underruns and poor user experience increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by testing streaming algorithm changes in a simulated environment before deployment to prevent harmful effects in production. The simulation identifies potential buffer underruns and performance issues algorithm changes might cause, allowing developers to fix problems before they affect real users. This proactive approach eliminates the harmful effects while still providing confidence in real-world performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for performance testing to account for device variability, then the comprehensiveness of testing is improved, but the complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal simulation platform that can test multiple device types simultaneously through software configuration rather than physical hardware. The system uses device parameter profiles to represent different consumer media viewing devices, allowing one testing system to evaluate algorithms across diverse device characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive device coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method may include receiving a streaming algorithm for testing and receiving historical network conditions of a player system. Simulating content streaming based on the historical network conditions and the streaming algorithm may include identifying a version of a fragment of content to be used in the simulated content streaming, simulating a download finish event of the fragment, and simulating a buffer level adjustment based on the simulated complete download of the fragment of the content. In response to performing the simulated content streaming, the computer-implemented method may report information associated with the simulated content streaming, thus enables measuring performance impact of player code change before deploying the updated player to production environment with neither conventional video nor audio playback.