Data Rate Control via Third-Node Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data rate control mechanisms in communication systems require recipient nodes to provide feedback in a pre-specified format, which can be problematic if the nodes have incompatible or no rate control mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a third node to provide feedback for rate control, allowing the transmitting node to adjust its data transmission rate based on channel conditions without relying solely on the recipient node's feedback, by transmitting additional data to the third node and using its feedback to determine an appropriate transmission rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional data rate control mechanisms require recipient nodes to provide feedback in a pre-specified format, then the transmission rate can be controlled based on recipient feedback, but the system becomes incompatible when nodes have different or no compatible rate control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverate control reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third node as an intermediary that provides feedback to the transmitting node about channel conditions. This intermediary node enables rate control when the recipient node lacks compatible mechanisms, acting as a mediator that bridges the compatibility gap between transmitting nodes with different rate control capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The third node serves multiple functions: it acts as a feedback provider for rate control, monitors channel conditions, and enables communication between nodes with incompatible mechanisms. This multi-functional approach allows a single node to support various rate control scenarios without requiring each node to implement all possible mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transmitting node uses feedback from a third node instead of the recipient node, then compatibility issues are resolved, but additional data transmission to the third node is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism compatibilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitting node sends only the necessary portion of data to the third node for rate control purposes, rather than duplicating the entire media stream. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for the third node to monitor channel conditions and provide feedback without excessive data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the system relies on recipient node cooperation for feedback, then the rate control mechanism is simpler, but it fails when the recipient node has no compatible rate control mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol mechanism complexityVSAvoidrate control functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The third node acts as a mediator that provides feedback when the recipient node cannot cooperate. This intermediary approach maintains rate control functionality without requiring complex compatibility checks or multiple feedback paths, as the third node simply provides the necessary channel condition information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2374249B1Data rate control mechanism
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 SKYPE
  • EP2374249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2374249B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2374249B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and product for controlling a rate of transmission from a first, transmitting node (A) to a second, recipient node (B). The method comprises: transmitting a stream from the first node (A) to the second node (B) over a first network route; transmitting further data from the first node (A) to a third node (C) over a second network route substantially overlapping with the first network route; receiving feedback at the first node (A) from the third node (C) regarding transmission of the further data to the third node (C) over the second network route; and based on the feedback from the third node (C), controlling a rate of transmission of the stream to the second node (B) over the first network route. The third node (C) may not be a recipient of said stream. The rate of transmission may be controlled without feedback from the second node (B). The further data may be formed of dummy data.