Adjustable Decoder Buffer for Low Latency A/V Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed communication networks face challenges in delivering high-quality audio/video (A/V) data due to issues like A/V quality degradation, distortion, and jitter, primarily caused by network jitter and packet loss during multimedia transmission.
Innovation Solution
A network system employing smart quality of service (SQoS) that uses adaptive latency estimation and adjustable decoder buffers to optimize A/V data transmission, dynamically adjusting buffer sizes based on network conditions and decoded A/V data quality to minimize artifacts and ensure optimal playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed-size buffers are used in A/V transmission, then system complexity is reduced, but A/V quality degrades due to network jitter and packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer size adjustment where the buffer capacity is not fixed but adapts in real-time based on network conditions. The buffer manager continuously monitors packet arrival patterns, network jitter, and playback quality metrics to dynamically resize the buffer, thereby maintaining optimal A/V quality while responding to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where playback quality metrics (such as artifact levels, synchronization accuracy, and buffer underrun/overflow events) are continuously monitored and fed back to the buffer manager. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust buffer sizes based on actual performance, improving A/V quality through data-driven decisions.
2Reliability
If larger buffers are used to handle network jitter, then A/V quality improves, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer size is dynamically adjusted based on current network conditions rather than using a static large buffer. When network conditions are stable, the buffer size is reduced to minimize latency. When jitter increases, the buffer expands to maintain quality, thus optimizing the trade-off between quality and latency in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer size parameter adaptively based on monitored network metrics such as jitter variance, packet loss rate, and arrival pattern regularity. This parameter adjustment allows the system to use minimal buffering when conditions permit, reducing latency, while expanding buffering only when necessary to maintain quality.
3Reliability
If adaptive latency estimation is implemented, then A/V quality improves through optimized buffering, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of buffer parameters through automated latency estimation algorithms. Rather than requiring manual configuration or complex external control systems, the buffer manager autonomously monitors performance metrics, estimates optimal latency values, and adjusts buffer sizes accordingly, reducing the need for complex external intervention while maintaining high A/V quality.
4Productivity
If buffer sizes are dynamically adjusted, then network bandwidth utilization improves, but packet loss increases due to buffer overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors buffer occupancy levels and packet loss events in real-time, using this feedback to adjust buffer management strategies. When packet loss due to overflow is detected, the system responds by increasing buffer capacity or adjusting the admission control policy, thereby preventing further loss while maintaining efficient bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a safety margin or cushion in buffer capacity to prevent overflow before it occurs. By proactively allocating additional buffer space when approaching capacity limits and adjusting admission rates, the system cushions against potential overflow events, reducing packet loss while still utilizing bandwidth efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention discloses a network system capable of transmitting and processing audio video (“A/V”) data with enhanced quality of service (“QoS”). The network system includes a transmitter, a transmission channel, an adjustable decoder buffer, and a decoder. The transmitter contains an encoder able to encode A/V data in accordance with encoding bit rate recommendation from SQoS and packets loss notifications. The transmission channel, in one example, transmits A/V data from the transmitter or the receiver. The adjustable decoder buffer, in one aspect, is able to change its storage capacity or buffering size in response to the adaptive latency estimate. Upon fetching at least a portion of the A/V data from the adjustable decoder buffer, SQoS updates the adaptive latency estimate based on the quality of the decoded A/V data.