Video Distribution Segment Indexing for Clock Error Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive bitrate streaming for video distribution, communication disconnections occur when there is a timing difference between the video distribution apparatus and the client due to CPU clock errors, leading to issues in file acquisition and continuous distribution processing.
Innovation Solution
A video distribution apparatus and client apparatus configuration that generates and transmits segment data with an index, allowing for segment data reconstruction and transmission even if the index is generated after a predetermined time period, ensuring continuous distribution without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If segment data is transmitted in predetermined order with sequential indexing, then distribution processing follows a structured sequence, but communication disconnection occurs when timing differences arise between distribution apparatus and client due to CPU clock errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the segment indexing system flexible rather than fixed. The distribution apparatus dynamically adjusts the indexing method based on timing conditions: when the timing difference exceeds a threshold, it appends the requested index regardless of generation order. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication continuity (improving reliability) while only applying complexity management when necessary (managing device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the indexing parameter from strict sequential order to conditional ordering. Normally segments are indexed in generation order, but when timing difference parameters exceed a threshold, the system changes the indexing parameter to append the requested index regardless of generation sequence. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to timing variations and maintain communication reliability without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If the distribution server buffers segments for a predetermined time period to ensure client acquisition timing, then smooth reproduction is achieved, but timing synchronization becomes difficult when CPU clock errors cause time differences between server and client
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the client include the requested segment index in the acquisition request, allowing the distribution apparatus to verify timing conditions and adjust indexing accordingly. The system continuously monitors timing differences and provides feedback through the request-response mechanism, enabling the distribution apparatus to detect when timing synchronization has degraded and apply appropriate indexing adjustments to maintain processing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing segment data with flexible indexing capability in advance. The distribution apparatus buffers segments and prepares them for potential reindexing before transmission occurs. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly adapt to timing variations without losing distribution continuity, as the segments are already prepared and can be transmitted with adjusted indexing when timing differences are detected.
3Reliability
If segment data is generated and transmitted strictly in chronological order, then timing synchronization is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate timing differences caused by CPU clock errors between distribution apparatus and client
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the indexing system dynamic by allowing it to switch between strict chronological ordering and requested-index ordering based on timing conditions. When timing differences exceed a threshold, the system dynamically changes its behavior to append the requested index regardless of generation order. This dynamic adaptation improves reliability by maintaining communication connection stability while increasing adaptability to timing differences caused by CPU clock errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the indexing parameter from fixed chronological order to conditional ordering based on timing differences. When the time difference between distribution apparatus and client exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system changes the indexing parameter to allow out-of-order indexing. This parameter change enables the system to tolerate timing differences while maintaining communication stability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A generation unit generates a plurality of pieces of segment data, and appends an index to each of the plurality of pieces of segment data in a predetermined order. Each piece of the segment data corresponds to each predetermined time period of video data. A reception unit receives, from an external apparatus, an acquisition request which is for the external apparatus to acquire segment data and designate an index of the segment data. In a case where an index of segment data which is generated after a lapse of a predetermined time period or longer from a time when the acquisition request is received by the reception unit is designated by the acquisition request, the generation unit appends the index designated by the acquisition request to the segment data regardless of the predetermined order.