Adaptive Rate Multimedia Encoding for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia data encoding methods fail to adapt effectively to varying network capacities, leading to inconsistent user experiences due to packet losses and latencies, as they do not dynamically adjust encoding parameters based on real-time network conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust encoding parameters by measuring network data ratios, jitter, and throughput to optimize transmission rates, ensuring sustainable network utilization and improved user experience across varying network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high fidelity encoding is used to improve user experience, then data quality is improved, but network capacity is exceeded during peak periods causing packet losses and high latencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata fidelityVSAvoidpacket delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts encoding parameters based on real-time network conditions. The encoder monitors network metrics such as bandwidth availability, packet loss rate, and latency, and adapts the encoding bitrate and quality settings accordingly. This allows the system to maintain high fidelity when network capacity is sufficient while reducing quality to prevent packet losses during congestion, thus resolving the contradiction between data fidelity and reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes encoding parameters (bitrate, resolution, compression level) in response to varying network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize the balance between maintaining high data fidelity and ensuring reliable packet delivery under different network capacities, directly addressing the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If transmission rate is increased to utilize off-peak network capacity, then data fidelity is improved, but network congestion occurs during peak periods causing poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacity utilizationVSAvoiduser experience consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the encoder continuously monitors network performance metrics including throughput, latency, and packet loss. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the transmission rate dynamically - increasing it during off-peak periods when capacity is available and reducing it during peak periods to prevent congestion. This feedback-driven adaptation ensures consistent user experience while optimizing network capacity utilization across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If encoding parameters are adjusted dynamically to match network capacity, then packet losses and latencies are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket delivery reliabilityVSAvoidencoding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encoding system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own performance and network conditions, then autonomously modifying encoding parameters without external intervention. The system includes built-in mechanisms for measuring network capacity, evaluating current encoding performance, and adjusting parameters accordingly. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining reliable packet delivery through adaptive encoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2888844B1Device and method for adaptive rate multimedia communications on a wireless network
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2888844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2888844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2888844B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media may adjust an encoding rate based on network conditions between a transmitter and a receiver. Either the transmitter, receiver, or both the transmitter and receiver may determine the encoding rate. In one aspect, a ratio of received network data to transmitted network data is determined. An encoding parameter is then determined based on the determined ratio. In one aspect, the encoding parameter may be used to adjust an encoder. In another aspect, the determined encoding parameter may be transmitted to an encoding or transmitting node. In another aspect, an amount of data buffered in a network is determined. A sustainable throughput of the network is also determined. A transmission rate is then determined based on the sustainable throughput and the amount of data buffered. An encoding parameter is then adjusted based on the transmission rate.