Codec Bit-Rate Estimator for Video Frame Drop Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video communication over IP networks faces challenges with data packet loss and image quality deterioration due to frame drop, particularly in mobile devices, where conventional image compression methods are inefficient and lead to disconnection and quality degradation.

Innovation Solution

A codec system that includes a bit-rate estimator to allocate target bits to frames within a GOP, adjusting quantization parameters based on frame types and memory saturation, allowing for efficient encoding and reducing bit allocation to I-frames to prevent buffer overflow and frame drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional image compression methods are used for video transmission over IP networks, then image transmission is achieved, but data packet loss occurs and image quality deteriorates due to frame drop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo transmission stabilityVSAvoidcompression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rate control by continuously monitoring buffer saturation levels and adjusting quantization parameters in real-time during encoding. The system transitions between different encoding modes (intra-frame vs. inter-frame) based on current buffer conditions, making the compression process adaptive rather than static to prevent frame drop while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the encoder monitors buffer saturation degree and uses this information to adjust subsequent encoding decisions. The bit-rate estimator provides feedback about allocated bits versus actual usage, and the system responds by modifying quantization parameters for future frames, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If high bit-rate is allocated to I-frames to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but buffer overflow occurs and frame drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidbit allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the quantization parameter based on buffer saturation level and frame type. For I-frames, the system adjusts the QP value according to current buffer conditions rather than using fixed high-quality settings, allowing bit allocation to adapt to real-time transmission conditions and prevent buffer overflow while maintaining acceptable quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively allocating high bit-rates only when necessary (when buffer has available capacity) rather than consistently allocating maximum bits to all I-frames. The system uses conditional logic to determine when high-quality encoding is appropriate versus when rate reduction is needed to prevent overflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If low bit-rate is allocated to reduce data transmission volume, then transmission efficiency is improved, but image quality deteriorates and frame drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic rate control that adjusts compression aggressiveness based on buffer conditions and frame importance. Rather than applying uniform low bit-rates, the system dynamically modulates the compression level to match current transmission capacity and prioritizes important frames (like I-frames) when buffer capacity allows, maintaining quality while improving overall transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional rate control is used that considers previous GOP bit-rate, then encoding continuity is maintained, but adaptability to current transmission conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding continuityVSAvoidbit-rate allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating target bit allocation for the current GOP based on estimated buffer conditions and transmission parameters before encoding begins. The bit-rate estimator determines appropriate rate control parameters in advance, allowing the encoder to adapt to current conditions proactively rather than reactively, maintaining both continuity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9967573B2Codec, system on chip (SOC) including the same, and data processing system including the SOC

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A codec according to an exemplary embodiment includes a codec processor which receives a current frame, determines a type of a received current frame, and sets rate control parameters of the current frame, and a bit-rate estimator which allocates total target bits to a first group of picture (GOP) including the current frame, and allocates a target bit to each of frames included in the first GOP based on a determined type of the current frame and set rate control parameters.