Video-on-Demand Quick Switching Among Multiple Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-screen interaction protocols are not compatible, leading to playback switching 'seams' and increased waiting times when switching between video content on different screens, as they require complete GOPs and cannot initiate playback at arbitrary positions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for video-on-demand quick switching among multiple screens, comprising a client, status maintenance unit, playback switching control unit, and media content service unit, which allows seamless playback switching by caching, controlling content playback, and starting playback from any frame of a GOP, enabling switching at any position without waiting for complete GOPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If playback switching is performed between multiple screens using existing protocols, then switching between video content can be achieved, but playback waiting time increases and seams occur due to requiring complete GOPs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-caching video content data in the buffer before actual playback switching occurs. When a switching request is made, the target client already has the necessary video data cached, allowing immediate playback without waiting for complete GOP transmission. This preliminary caching action eliminates both waiting time and visual seams during switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer serves as an intermediary component between the content source and the playback client. It temporarily stores video data and provides it to the target client during switching operations, enabling seamless transitions without requiring complete GOP structures. The buffer mediates the data flow to ensure continuous playback during screen switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing multi-screen protocols are used, then basic playback switching is possible, but compatibility problems arise between different protocols and operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal playback switching mechanism that works across different protocols and operating systems. The buffer-based approach and the standardized switching request/acknowledgment protocol create a multi-functional framework that can handle various protocol combinations (WIDI, DLNA, IGRS, etc.) without requiring proprietary compatibility layers, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If playback switching waits for complete GOPs, then video quality is maintained, but switching speed decreases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by caching only the necessary portion of video data in the buffer rather than waiting for complete GOPs. The buffer stores sufficient data to maintain video quality during switching without requiring full GOP structures, enabling faster switching while preserving acceptable video quality. This partial caching approach balances quality and speed requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for implementing video-on-demand quick switching among multiple screens. The apparatus comprises a client, a state maintenance unit, a playing switching control unit, a medium content service unit. The client is used for initiating a playing switching request to the playing switching control unit, receives a control instruction sent by the play switching control unit, and implementing functions comprising content caching, content playing and caching stopping. The state maintenance unit is used for maintaining online sate information of clients and maintaining a binding relationship among the clients. The playing switching control unit is used for responding to the playing switching request of the client, determining a possible reception client of the playing switching, and controlling the client to implement functions comprising content caching, content playing and caching stopping. The medium content service unit is used for responding to a video service request of the client, searching, according to content location information carried in the request, for a GOP in the location, and providing a video service starting from a first frame of this GOP.