Multiple bit rate encoding by segments

摘要

A method performed by one or more processors for segmenting and encoding media content over a network. The media content is first partitioned into an ordered sequence of media segments. Each of the media segments is then encoded (i) at a first bit rate to generate a respective one of a first set of data segments, and (ii) at a second bit rate to generate a respective one of a second set of data segments, wherein data segments of the first set may be used interchangeably with data segments of the second set to facilitate continuous playback of the media content. A request for the media content is then received from another device in the network. In response, a respective one of the first set of data segments or the second set of data segments is selectively transmitted, for each of the media segments, based at least in part on a network bandwidth of the first device.

主权项

1. A method performed by one or more processors for providing media content over a network, the method comprising:
partitioning the media content into an ordered sequence of media segments; encoding each of the media segments (i) at a first bit rate to generate a respective one of a first set of data segments and (ii) at a second bit rate to generate a respective one of a second set of data segments, wherein:
the first bit rate is lower than the second bit rate; anddata segments of the first set of data segments may be used interchangeably with data segments of the second set of data segments to facilitate continuous playback of the media content; receiving a request for the media content from a first device coupled to the network; transmitting at least one of the first set of data segments for one or more initial ones of the media segments encoded at the first bit rate, wherein at least some of the data segments of the first set of data segments transmitted are stored in a data buffer on the first device and queued for playback according to their respective order in the ordered sequence; receiving, from the first device, a playback buffer capacity value corresponding to the data buffer on the first device; and selectively transmitting the respective one of the first set of data segments or the second set of data segments based on an available storage space of the data buffer, for each subsequent media segment following the one or more initial ones of the media segments, wherein:
transmitting a data segment from the first set of data segments is selected if the playback buffer capacity value is below a first threshold amount during a first transmission time;transmitting a data segment from the second set of data segments is selected if the playback buffer capacity value is at least equal to the first threshold amount during the first transmission time; andthe playback buffer capacity value indicates an amount of stored media content segments of the media segments available for playback.