Dynamic Bitrate Allocation in Statistical Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed share multiplexing systems in digital television transmission lead to inefficient use of bandwidth and quality loss due to fixed bitrate allocation, where channels with lower demand cannot utilize spare capacity effectively, resulting in suboptimal picture quality across encoders.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for statistical multiplexing that dynamically adjusts the bitrate and buffer size based on the complexity of video information, allowing for a reduced encoded video bitrate for simple content while maintaining constant coding delay, thereby reallocating bandwidth and improving overall picture quality without violating buffer compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bitrate is allocated to each channel in a fixed share system, then the system is simple to operate and stable, but the picture quality deteriorates when the bitrate demand exceeds the allocated share and bandwidth utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static fixed bitrate allocation to a dynamic statistical multiplexing system where bitrates are continuously adjusted based on instantaneous video complexity measurements. The system dynamically reallocates bandwidth among channels according to actual demand, improving picture quality while maintaining system stability through controlled adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bitrate parameter from a fixed value to a variable that adapts based on video content complexity. By measuring instantaneous bitrate demand and adjusting allocation parameters dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between stability and picture quality.
2Productivity
If the buffer size is reduced for simple video information, then bandwidth is freed up for other channels, but the encoding performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different buffer size strategies for different video content types. Simple video information receives reduced buffer sizes to free bandwidth, while complex video maintains larger buffers to ensure encoding performance. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction between bandwidth utilization and encoding reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If statistical multiplexing is implemented to dynamically allocate bitrates, then picture quality improves and bandwidth utilization increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a look-ahead handler that analyzes upcoming video content and prepares bitrate allocation decisions in advance. This preliminary analysis enables the statistical multiplexing system to make informed dynamic allocation decisions without requiring complex real-time processing, thus improving picture quality while managing device complexity.
4Reliability
If the delay time is fixed to maintain regular frame rates, then the system is stable and compatible with standards, but the buffer size cannot be optimized for different video complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by operating in another dimension - it maintains fixed delay time for frame rate consistency while introducing buffer size as an additional optimization dimension. The system adjusts buffer sizes dynamically based on video complexity without violating the fixed delay constraint, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method of processing video information, the method comprising encoding (430) received video information, the encoded video information having an encoded video bitrate (330), wherein the encoded video bitrate is variable in response to the complexity of the received video information. The method further comprises buffering (440) the encoded video information in a buffer (145), wherein the size of the buffer (145) is controlled in response to the complexity of the received video information.