Communication Device Selective Media Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia data distribution methods, such as unicast and multicast, lead to network bandwidth waste and quality issues due to the distribution of unnecessary media types to users requesting different combinations of video and audio, resulting in low-quality video or audio dropout.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and data distribution system that constructs a distribution tree capable of selectively transmitting media types requested by each node, using a media type control section to manage and redistribute multimedia data based on playback media information from child and descendant nodes, ensuring only requested media is transmitted, thereby optimizing network bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all multimedia data (video and audio) is distributed to all users through application level multicast, then the distribution system can serve all users, but network bandwidth is wasted when users request only audio or only video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments multimedia data into separate media types (video, audio, subtitle) and distributes only the requested types to each user. The distribution server divides the complete multimedia content into individual media streams, allowing selective distribution based on user preferences and device capabilities, thereby avoiding bandwidth waste while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the distribution of media types according to each user's specific requirements and device characteristics. Each user receives a tailored combination of media types (e.g., video-only, audio-only, or both) based on their playback capabilities and preferences, optimizing network resource usage while adapting to local user needs.
2Reliability
If multimedia data is distributed using unicast communication to each user, then each user receives dedicated data streams, but network bandwidth is wasted when the number of users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user requests for the same media type into a single distribution stream. When multiple users request the same media type (e.g., video), the system consolidates these requests and distributes a single stream to all requesting users, significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable delivery to each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal distribution streams that can serve multiple users simultaneously. The system designs media streams with universal compatibility, allowing the same video or audio stream to be distributed to multiple users with different device types and requirements, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining service reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unnecessary media types are transmitted to users, then all possible media can be delivered, but video quality decreases or audio drops out due to network bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the necessary media types for each user based on their requirements and device capabilities. The distribution server analyzes user requests and extracts only the needed media types (video, audio, or subtitle) from the complete multimedia content, preventing bandwidth waste and ensuring high quality transmission of the selected media types without unnecessary data overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting a subset of available media types rather than all types. The system determines the optimal subset of media types to transmit based on user requirements, device capabilities, and network conditions, delivering only the necessary portion of the complete multimedia content to maintain high quality while avoiding the degradation that would result from transmitting excessive data.
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce a waste of a network bandwidth and construct an efficient distribution tree.The present invention relates to a communication device that is capable of redistributing multimedia data received from a distribution source device or another communication device to one or more other communication devices, the communication device including: a playback processing section configured to play and output corresponding media in accordance with playback media information indicating a media type designated by the own device; a media information storage section configured to store the playback media information of the own device and media information including respective pieces of playback media information of a child node and a descendant node on a route where the own device exists in the distribution tree; a media type control section configured to control a redistribution media type on a basis of the respective pieces of playback media information of the child node and the descendant node included in the media information; and a redistribution section configured to redistribute, to the child node, media data selected from the multimedia data on a basis of the redistribution media type.