Active Client Buffer Management for Streaming Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for streaming multimedia content over networks with limited buffer sizes face disruptions due to variable bit rate streaming and bandwidth variations, requiring large buffers to prevent depletion, which increases device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
Active client buffer management is implemented by determining the consumption rate at the client and adjusting the server's transmission rate to maintain an optimal receive buffer fill level, using techniques such as real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) and real-time transport control protocol (RTCP) for feedback and dynamic rate adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large receive buffer is used to guard against buffer depletion, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer management by continuously monitoring the receive buffer fill level and adjusting the transmission rate accordingly. The system transitions from a static large buffer approach to a dynamic control mechanism that adapts transmission parameters in real-time, allowing smaller buffers to achieve the same reliability through active management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the client monitors buffer fill levels and sends control messages back to the server. Based on this feedback, the server adjusts its transmission rate to maintain optimal buffer levels, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents buffer depletion without requiring oversized buffers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large receive buffer is used to accommodate transmission rate variations, then the stability of data presentation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on real-time buffer status and network conditions. By making the transmission system adaptive rather than static, smaller buffers can maintain stable data presentation, reducing manufacturing costs while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes transmission parameters (such as transmission rate and packet size) dynamically based on buffer fill level and network conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain stable data presentation with smaller buffers, avoiding the need for expensive large-capacity buffer hardware.
3Device complexity
If transmission rate is adjusted based on average bit rate, then the simplicity of the transmission system is maintained, but the adaptability to network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback-based transmission rate control where the client monitors buffer status and communicates with the server to adjust transmission parameters. This feedback mechanism enhances adaptability to varying network conditions while maintaining reasonable system complexity through standardized communication protocols.
4Measurement precision
If buffer fill level feedback is implemented, then the precision of buffer management is improved, but the communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements buffer fill level feedback using standardized RTCP (Real-Time Control Protocol) mechanisms. The feedback provides precise buffer status information while minimizing overhead by utilizing existing protocol frameworks and only transmitting necessary control information when buffer thresholds are reached.
Data Source
AI summary
Active client buffer management methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting electronic data from a server to a client having a limited receive buffer are disclosed. The receive buffer is managed by determining a consumption rate at the client and adjusting the transmission rate of the server responsive to the determined consumption rate to manage the fill level of the receive buffer.