Video Stream Buffer Switching for Seamless Multicast Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicast streaming environments face significant switching delays when transitioning between compressed video streams, which can result in visible interruptions and diminished user experience, especially in touring arrangements, due to the need for I-frames and limitations in existing solutions that either increase bandwidth or burden computational resources.
Innovation Solution
The technology employs pseudo-simultaneous processing by initiating the decoding and buffering of subsequent video streams before the scheduled switch, using additional decoding logic and storage to ensure seamless transitions without additional bandwidth or computational burden, and modifies z-ordering or layer switching to achieve immediate display of the new stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If instantaneous switching between compressed video streams is required, then switching speed is improved, but visible interruptions and decoding delays occur due to I-frame dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-decoding and pre-buffering the next video stream in advance before the actual switch occurs. The system decodes I-frames of the upcoming stream beforehand and stores them in a buffer, so when switching is needed, the pre-decoded frames are immediately available for display, eliminating visible interruptions and achieving seamless transitions between streams.
2Reliability
If additional bandwidth is allocated for pre-buffering multiple video streams, then switching smoothness is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by pre-buffering only the necessary amount of data (specifically I-frames and essential P-frames) required for smooth switching, rather than continuously buffering entire streams. This selective pre-buffering approach ensures switching smoothness while minimizing unnecessary bandwidth consumption, as the system only retains buffer data long enough to enable seamless transitions.
3Productivity
If computational resources are increased for parallel decoding of multiple streams, then switching performance is improved, but client processing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-decoding of the next video stream during the playback of the current stream. The system uses available computational resources to decode and buffer the upcoming stream in advance, so when switching occurs, the pre-decoded data is ready for immediate display. This approach improves switching performance without requiring continuous high computational load, as the pre-decoding happens during normal playback periods.
4Speed
If frequent I-frame transmission is used to enable rapid switching, then switching capability is improved, but compression efficiency and bandwidth usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-decoding and pre-buffering I-frames of the next stream in advance. This allows the system to switch between streams without needing to transmit frequent I-frames during normal operation. The pre-buffered I-frames are ready for immediate use during switching, eliminating the need for frequent retransmission of I-frames and thereby improving compression efficiency and reducing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed relates to enabling smooth transitioning between compressed video streams. In particular, it relates to scheduling transitions between compressed video streams to be shown in an area of a display such that while decoding, decompressing and buffering a first video stream for display, commencing decoding, decompressing and buffering of a second video stream at a predetermined time before a scheduled showing of the second video stream. It further relates to switching buffers between display of the first and second video streams at the scheduled showing of the second video stream, which results in immediate display of the second video stream without delay. In one implementation, switching between the buffers for the first and second video streams includes modifying z-ordering of display layers corresponding to the first and second video streams.