Adaptive Bitrate Algorithm Dynamic Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adaptive bitrate algorithms in video streaming often fail to optimally select video profiles due to fixed parameter configurations, which do not account for varying playback conditions across different client devices, leading to suboptimal performance and potential playback issues like rebuffering.

Innovation Solution

A video delivery system that dynamically adjusts parameters of the adaptive bitrate algorithm by analyzing historical and real-time playback conditions to determine different scenarios and adjust parameter settings in real-time, allowing for optimal profile selection based on current playback conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed parameter configurations are used in adaptive bitrate algorithms, then the algorithm operates consistently across all clients, but it fails to optimize performance for varying playback conditions across different client devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to playback conditionsVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous parameter space into discrete scenarios (e.g., high bandwidth, medium bandwidth, low bandwidth conditions). Each scenario has pre-defined optimal parameter settings, allowing the algorithm to adapt to different playback conditions without requiring complex continuous optimization. This segmentation enables the system to handle varying client device conditions while maintaining manageable algorithm complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes algorithm parameters based on detected playback conditions. Instead of using fixed parameters, the system monitors bandwidth, buffer status, and other playback metrics, then adjusts parameters such as target bitrate, segment duration, and buffer threshold according to the current scenario. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility across different conditions while keeping the adjustment logic structured and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If parameters are tuned for general operation for all clients, then the algorithm is easy to deploy, but it does not operate optimally when different playback conditions are experienced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestreaming performanceVSAvoiddeployment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining parameter sets for different playback scenarios before deployment. During deployment, the system only needs to implement the scenario detection logic and parameter selection mechanism, rather than implementing complex real-time optimization algorithms. This preliminary preparation maintains deployment simplicity while enabling optimal performance across different playback conditions through scenario-based parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the adaptive bitrate algorithm uses fixed parameters, then the system is stable and easy to manage, but it cannot switch profiles quickly or reduce rebuffer occurrences under varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback stabilityVSAvoidprofile switching speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic parameter adjustment within a structured framework. The system monitors playback conditions in real-time and dynamically switches between pre-defined parameter sets based on detected scenarios. This dynamic adaptation allows quick profile switching and rebuffer prevention when conditions change, while the pre-defined scenario structure maintains system stability and manageability. The contradiction is resolved by combining dynamic response with structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4171037A1Dynamic parameter adjustment for adaptive bitrate algorithm
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 HULU LLC
  • EP4171037A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4171037A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4171037A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

In some embodiments, during playback of a video, using a parameter value of an adaptive bitrate algorithm to analyze playback of the video. The adaptive bitrate algorithm uses the parameter value to select a profile from a plurality of profiles to use to request segments of the video. A method selects a scenario in a plurality of scenarios when a playback condition meets a characteristic value of the scenario. The plurality of scenarios are associated with a different characteristic value. The method adjusts the parameter value of the adaptive bitrate algorithm based on the scenario to generate an adjusted parameter value. The plurality of scenarios have at least one different parameter value. The adjusted parameter value of the adaptive bitrate algorithm is used to analyze the playback of the video.