Video Stream Interruption for Emergency Content Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video streaming technologies limit the ability to interrupt and replace content in real-time, especially during emergency events, as they typically require adding new information only at the end of a predefined block or segment, leading to delays in delivering critical updates to users.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the interruption of a video stream to provide alternate content, such as emergency messages or news updates, by suspending the current stream and switching to a secondary stream or overlaying the new content, using signaling mechanisms and multiple Uniform Resource Indicators (URIs), enabling immediate delivery of time-sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video content is prepared and published in predefined blocks or segments, then the streaming system maintains stable and organized content delivery, but the system cannot interrupt the stream to provide emergency or time-sensitive information until the current block completes
Solution Approach 1:
The video stream is divided into discrete blocks or segments that can be independently controlled. Each block represents a manageable unit of content that can be suspended, replaced, or continued separately, allowing the system to maintain organizational stability while enabling selective interruption for time-sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The streaming system transitions from a static, fixed-block delivery model to a dynamic model where blocks can be suspended, replaced, or modified in real-time based on priority signals. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt content delivery stability to changing circumstances, such as emergency events requiring immediate notification.
2Device complexity
If the system adds new content only at the end of the current playlist or block, then the content structure remains simple and manageable, but critical information cannot be delivered immediately to users currently viewing the stream
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the ability to insert content at arbitrary positions within a block, not just at the end. This allows critical information to be pulled out from the standard append-only workflow and inserted immediately where needed in the stream, separating the content insertion function from the block structure constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism (such as a priority signal or interrupt handler) is introduced between the content source and the streaming pipeline. This intermediary can intercept and prioritize time-sensitive information, injecting it into the stream at the appropriate moment without disrupting the overall block-based content management structure.
3Ease of operation
If the video stream continues without interruption, then user viewing experience remains seamless, but users miss out on important time-sensitive information that needs immediate attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic checking or monitoring for priority interrupts during stream playback. At designated intervals or trigger points, the system checks for high-priority information that should interrupt the current block, allowing seamless continuation under normal conditions while ensuring critical information is not missed.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism monitors the streaming process and detects when time-sensitive information becomes available. This feedback triggers an interrupt signal that pauses the current block and redirects the stream to deliver the critical information, then provides feedback to resume the original content, maintaining viewing continuity while ensuring information delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are configured to provide alternate content during video streaming. Content made up of a plurality of blocks is streamed over a first video stream to a user computing device via a first URI. While streaming, a determination is made that alternate content is available. In response, a signaling mechanism is provided indicating such and a request for the alternate content is received. As a result, a particular block that is currently being provided over the first video stream is suspended and the alternate content is streamed to the user computing entity over a second video stream. Depending on the embodiment, the second video stream may be accessed by re-activating the first URI or by activating a second URI. Upon completion of the alternate content, the particular block that was suspended can be resumed to facilitate continued streaming of the content over the first or second video stream.