Bit-Rate Allocation for Multiplexed Video Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video transport systems face underutilization of bandwidth when bit-rates for multiplexed video services are set manually, leading to reduced video quality and increased NULL bytes due to inefficient use of available bit-rate.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically allocating bit-rates to video services based on user-defined weighting parameters and fixed bit-rates, optimizing the use of the transport channel by allocating all available bit-rate, minimizing NULL bytes, and adapting to changes in the number of services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual bit-rate setting is used for each video service, then operator control flexibility is maintained, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bit-rate allocation process into two independent parts: (1) user-defined weighting parameters that express relative importance of different video services, and (2) automatic calculation of actual bit-rates based on available bandwidth and weights. This segmentation allows operators to simply set weights without complex calculations, while the system handles the optimization, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and bandwidth utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating optimal bit-rate allocations based on user-defined weights and available bandwidth. The automatic allocation mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually compute bit-rates, yet maintains operational control through weight parameters, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while preserving ease of operation
2Ease of manufacture
If manual bit-rate setting is used for video services, then setup simplicity is maintained, but video service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having users define weighting parameters in advance, which then guide the automatic bit-rate allocation process. This preliminary setup simplifies the configuration process while ensuring optimal video quality, as the system pre-calculates allocations based on declared priorities and available resources, eliminating the need for complex manual tuning
3Reliability
If fixed bit-rates are allocated to video services, then service quality is maintained, but adaptability to channel changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making bit-rate allocations adaptive rather than fixed. When the number of video services or available bandwidth changes, the system dynamically recalculates optimal bit-rates based on the same user-defined weighting parameters. This ensures service quality is maintained through systematic allocation while providing full adaptability to channel changes
4Quantity of substance
If available bit-rate is not fully utilized, then NULL bytes increase, but bandwidth waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting bit-rate allocations to match the exact available bandwidth capacity. The automatic allocation mechanism calculates precise bit-rate values that sum to the total available bandwidth, eliminating NULL bytes and preventing bandwidth waste while maintaining service quality through the weighting parameter framework
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to video transport systems and in particular, though not exclusively, where several compressed or encoded video services are multiplexed into a fixed bit rate transmission stream. There is provided a method of allocating bit-rates for video services in a transport channel. The method comprises receiving user defined weighting parameters for a number of video services (410); then determining an available bit-rate for a transport channel for the video services (420). The method then automatically allocates a proportion of the available bit-rate to each video service according to their respective weighting parameters (430); and multiplexes the video services into the transport channel according to the allocated proportions of the available bit-rate (440).