Dynamic Bit Rate Correction for Streaming Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing content delivery system experiences excessive fluctuations in bit rate, leading to a deterioration in user quality of experience (QoE) when maintaining the remaining reproduction time within an appropriate range.

Innovation Solution

A delivery system with a server and client device configuration that includes remaining reproduction time acquisition and bit rate changing means, which calculates a correction amount based on a predetermined procedure to adjust the bit rate and maintain the remaining reproduction time near a target value, reducing bit rate fluctuations by limiting corrections when the bit rate is within a predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bit rate is frequently adjusted to maintain remaining reproduction time within an appropriate range, then the remaining reproduction time can be maintained in an appropriate range, but the user's quality of experience deteriorates excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremaining reproduction time maintenanceVSAvoiduser quality of experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of correction amount magnitude based on the bit rate state. When the bit rate is within a predetermined range, the magnitude of the correction amount is set to be smaller than when the bit rate is outside this range. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by reducing frequent bit rate adjustments (improving user experience) while still maintaining the remaining reproduction time within an appropriate range through controlled corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the correction amount magnitude is reduced when bit rate is within a predetermined range, then the user's quality of experience is improved, but the remaining reproduction time may deviate more from the target value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser quality of experienceVSAvoidremaining reproduction time accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention dynamically changes the correction amount parameter based on the bit rate state. When the bit rate is within the predetermined range, a smaller correction amount magnitude is applied, reducing user-perceptible fluctuations. When the bit rate is outside this range, a larger correction amount is applied to ensure the remaining reproduction time returns to the target value, thus balancing user experience with control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the correction amount dynamic rather than fixed. The magnitude of the correction amount is adjusted based on the current bit rate state (within or outside the predetermined range). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to prioritize user experience during normal operation while ensuring control accuracy when deviations occur, resolving the contradiction between smooth user experience and precise remaining reproduction time maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2393294B1Delivery system, delivery method, server device, program and client device
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 NEC CORP
  • EP2393294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2393294B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2393294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A server device is configured to be able to transmit content data having one of a plurality of bit rates. While receiving the content data, a client device stores a received portion thereof and reproduces content based on the stored data. A delivery system acquires a period of time during which content can be reproduced (remaining reproduction time) based on a portion of the stored data that has not been reproduced. The delivery system calculates, according to a predetermined procedure, a correction amount for correcting the bit rate based on the remaining reproduction time, and changes the bit rate based on the calculated correction amount. When the bit rate is within a predetermined range, the delivery system calculates a correction amount having a smaller magnitude than a magnitude of the correction amount calculated according to the procedure.