ALM Tree Bandwidth Allocation for Video Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ALM tree construction algorithms restrict bandwidth usage, limiting the distribution of high-quality video by setting branch widths to the minimum uplink bandwidth of non-leaf nodes, resulting in unused bandwidth and suboptimal video distribution.
Innovation Solution
An ALM tree constructing apparatus that measures upload link bandwidth for each terminal, allocates part of the bandwidth as a logical first communication path, and utilizes remaining bandwidth as a logical second communication path for distributing reference data, allowing effective use of unused upload link bandwidth across hierarchical levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the ALM tree construction algorithm restricts branch widths to the minimum uplink bandwidth of non-leaf nodes, then the delay is controlled within acceptable limits, but the bandwidth utilization is reduced and video distribution quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth allocation into two distinct parts: a guaranteed minimum bandwidth for each non-leaf node to ensure delay constraints are met, and a remaining bandwidth that can be shared among multiple nodes. This segmentation allows the system to satisfy delay requirements while utilizing previously unused bandwidth capacity for improved video distribution quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth allocation parameter from a fixed minimum value to a dynamic value that incorporates both the guaranteed minimum bandwidth and the shared remaining bandwidth. By adjusting this parameter, the system can adapt to varying network conditions and maximize bandwidth utilization while maintaining acceptable delay levels.
2Productivity
If the upload link bandwidth is fully allocated to data stream distribution, then the video quality is improved, but the delay constraint may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upload link bandwidth into a guaranteed portion allocated to each non-leaf node for meeting delay constraints, and a remaining portion that can be used to enhance video quality. This ensures that delay requirements are always satisfied while allowing additional bandwidth to be utilized for improving video distribution quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the bandwidth allocation: the guaranteed minimum bandwidth is allocated with strict delay constraints, while the remaining shared bandwidth can be used to enhance video quality where and when needed, allowing local optimization of video quality without compromising overall delay performance.
3Productivity
If more bandwidth is allocated to each node in the ALM tree, then the video distribution quality is improved, but the complexity of bandwidth management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies bandwidth management by segmenting it into two clear components: guaranteed minimum bandwidth allocation and remaining bandwidth sharing. This segmentation provides a structured framework that reduces management complexity compared to fully dynamic bandwidth allocation, while still enabling improved video distribution quality through effective utilization of available bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
The ALM tree constructing apparatus includes a metric measuring unit for measuring an upload link bandwidth for each of terminals; and a node allocating unit allocating, to each of the terminals, at least one of (i) an upper terminal and (ii) one or more lower terminals. A first branch allocating unit allocates at least a part of the upload link bandwidth which is assigned to each of the terminals that has the lower terminal allocated, so that the part of upload link bandwidth acts as a logical first branch for distributing the data stream; and a second branch allocating unit allocates a remaining bandwidth, unused as the logical first branch, to a terminal provided in a hierarchy level below the terminal having the remaining bandwidth, so that the remaining bandwidth acts as a logical second branch for distributing reference data regarding the data stream.