Adaptive Video Streaming Controller for Bandwidth Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adaptive video streaming systems face challenges in maintaining optimal video quality and avoiding playback interruptions due to re-buffering events, particularly with the ON-OFF traffic pattern leading to underutilization of bandwidth and unfair sharing of bottlenecks in concurrent video flows.
Innovation Solution
A controller dynamically adjusts the video encoding bitrate based on estimated end-to-end bandwidth and playout buffer length, coupled with a segment scheduler that avoids ON-OFF traffic patterns by strategically scheduling video segment downloads, ensuring fair bandwidth usage and maximum video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the player uses ON-OFF traffic pattern to download video segments, then the player can simplify the scheduling mechanism, but the bandwidth is underutilized and concurrent video flows cannot share bottlenecks fairly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static ON-OFF scheduling pattern to a dynamic continuous downloading approach. The player continuously downloads video segments without interruption, adjusting the encoding bitrate dynamically based on buffer status and network conditions. This dynamic approach eliminates the idle periods inherent in ON-OFF patterns, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the encoding bitrate is increased to improve video quality, then the video quality improves, but the available bandwidth is consumed faster leading to more frequent re-buffering events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the playout buffer status and adjusting the encoding bitrate accordingly. The controller receives feedback about buffer levels and network conditions, then modulates the encoding bitrate to maintain optimal video quality while preventing buffer depletion that would cause re-buffering events. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between quality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying the encoding bitrate parameter based on real-time buffer status and network conditions. Instead of using a fixed high bitrate, the system adjusts the bitrate parameter continuously, increasing it when buffer levels are high and decreasing it when buffer levels drop, thereby maintaining both video quality and playback continuity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the player waits for the playout buffer to be sufficiently full before resuming playback, then playback quality is maintained, but the playback duration is extended due to re-buffering delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously downloading video segments in advance before the playout buffer becomes empty, rather than waiting for the buffer to deplete and then resuming playback. The controller proactively maintains buffer levels by scheduling segment downloads based on predicted buffer depletion time, thereby avoiding re-buffering delays while maintaining consistent video quality and reducing overall playback duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism is disclosed to adapt in real-time the encoding bitrate of a video source in an adaptive video streaming system with the aim of avoiding playback interruptions and to guarantee the best possible video quality. The mechanism is made of a feedback loop in which a controller computes the encoding bitrate that the sender (the video server) transmits to a receiver (client) employing a packet switching network such as the Internet. The mechanism can be used in video streaming systems employing scalable encoding (f.i. H.264 SVC, VP8, VP9) or multi bit-rate encoding (stream-switching). The automatic control that computes the video encoding bitrate can be executed either at the server or at the client.