Bandwidth Estimation Using Statistical Variation for Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bandwidth estimation methods for live media streaming are inaccurate due to failure to account for bandwidth fluctuations, leading to unnecessary delays or interruptions during playback.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a revised bandwidth estimate based on statistical measures of bandwidth variation, such as standard deviation, to adjust the initial bandwidth estimate, ensuring sufficient buffering for uninterrupted playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed value or fixed percentage is applied to handicap the initial bandwidth estimate, then the bandwidth estimation process is simple, but the accuracy of bandwidth estimation deteriorates due to not accounting for bandwidth fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed percentage handicap to a dynamic statistical measure-based handicap. The system calculates standard deviation from multiple instantaneous bandwidth measurements and uses this dynamic value to adjust the handicap percentage, allowing the bandwidth estimation to adapt to actual network conditions rather than using a predetermined fixed value
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured bandwidth fluctuations (standard deviation) to adjust the handicap applied to bandwidth estimates. The system continuously monitors instantaneous bandwidth measurements, calculates the statistical variation, and feeds this information back into the bandwidth estimation process to refine the handicap percentage, creating a closed-loop system that improves accuracy based on actual network behavior
2Reliability
If the initial bandwidth estimate is handicapped conservatively, then playback interruptions are reduced, but unnecessary delays in starting playback increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the handicap percentage based on the calculated standard deviation of bandwidth measurements. When bandwidth is stable (low standard deviation), a smaller handicap is applied, reducing buffering delays. When bandwidth fluctuates wildly (high standard deviation), a larger handicap is applied, ensuring sufficient buffering to prevent interruptions. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes the trade-off between start delay and playback continuity
3Reliability
If the initial bandwidth estimate is handicapped by a large value, then playback interruptions are prevented, but the buffering delay increases unnecessarily when bandwidth is stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the handicap parameter based on measured bandwidth stability. By calculating the standard deviation of instantaneous bandwidth measurements, the system adjusts the handicap percentage to match actual network conditions. This eliminates the need for overly conservative fixed handicaps, reducing unnecessary buffering delays when bandwidth is stable while maintaining adequate buffering when bandwidth fluctuates
4Measurement precision
If statistical measures are used to quantify bandwidth fluctuation, then bandwidth estimation accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the estimation method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual bandwidth estimation methods with statistical computation. By using standard deviation calculations on instantaneous bandwidth measurements, the system achieves accurate bandwidth estimation through mathematical computation rather than heuristic or manual methods, improving precision while keeping the implementation straightforward through algorithmic processing
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for estimating bandwidth estimate based on a set of statistical measurements that quantifies bandwidth variation. The method receives a piece of media content at a receiving device and computes several instantaneous bandwidth measurements based on sample data blocks or media content received at the receiving device. The method computes the set of statistical measures that quantifies variation between the computed instantaneous bandwidth measurements. Based on the set of statistical measures, the method computes a revised bandwidth estimate for receiving media content at the receiving device. In some embodiments, the method uses the revised bandwidth estimate to determine an amount of media content data to buffer in order to provide an uninterrupted playback.