Bit Rate Adjustment via RTCP Feedback for Receiver Processing Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting bit rates in content streaming fail to effectively tailor to the processing capabilities of receivers, especially in wide area networks like the Internet, requiring specific implementations and protocols, and are not transparent to senders.
Innovation Solution
A device and process that adjust the bit rate of content streams based on the processing capabilities of receivers by modifying parameters in the communication protocol, allowing receivers to influence network conditions without requiring changes to senders or additional protocols, using modules for inputting and estimating processing capabilities and writing adjustment cues for return transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific transmission protocol is agreed between sender and receiver to achieve bit rate tailoring, then the bit rate can be adjusted to receiver capabilities, but the device complexity increases and requires coherent implementation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RTCP (Real-Time Control Protocol) as an intermediary mechanism that already exists in the system. Instead of creating a new custom protocol, the invention leverages the RTCP framework that senders and receivers already use for communication, thereby achieving bit rate adaptation without introducing additional protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the RTCP protocol multi-functional by having it serve both its original purpose of communication coordination and the additional function of conveying receiver capability information and bit rate adjustment cues. This allows a single protocol to handle multiple tasks without requiring separate specialized protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior notification of receiver capabilities is implemented, then bit rate can be tailored to terminal performance, but the ease of operation decreases due to required negotiation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the receiver prepare and include capability information and adjustment cues in the RTCP reports before the actual bit rate adjustment is needed. The receiver proactively provides the necessary information about its processing capabilities and buffer status, allowing the sender to automatically adapt without requiring complex real-time negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver performs self-service by autonomously determining its own processing capabilities, buffer status, and appropriate bit rate adjustment cues. Instead of requiring the sender to query or negotiate with the receiver, the receiver independently assesses its capabilities and communicates them through RTCP reports, simplifying the overall operation.
3Reliability
If RTT and buffer memory capacity are used for bit rate adjustment, then real-time reproduction quality improves, but the device complexity increases due to specific implementations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RTCP as an intermediary framework that standardizes the collection and transmission of RTT and buffer memory capacity information. By leveraging the existing RTCP infrastructure, the system can gather real-time performance data without requiring custom implementation mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters being monitored and transmitted by incorporating RTT (round-trip time) and buffer memory capacity information into the RTCP reports. These parameter changes enable the sender to make more informed bit rate adjustments based on actual network conditions and receiver buffer status, improving real-time reproduction quality through standardized parameter exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a process for adjusting the bit rate of a stream of contents as a function of processing capabilities of at least one receiver. These contents are transmitted by a sender to the receiver according to a communication protocol providing for a return transmission of reception data of the contents by the receiver to the sender, including at least one parameter relating to conditions of communication of these contents in the network. The device comprises a module for estimating a required level for the bit rate as a function of information relating to these capabilities and a writing module modifying this parameter, to transmit, in return, to the sender stream adjustment cues capable of bringing about a modification of the bit rate in relation to the required level. Application to streaming.