MCU Bandwidth Allocation for Video Conferencing Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems face high bandwidth costs due to simultaneous video streams over common network paths, especially in multipoint conferencing scenarios, where managing bitrates independently leads to inefficient aggregate bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-point Control Unit (MCU) calculates motion values from compressed video streams to dynamically allocate bandwidth, prioritizing streams with higher motion content and adjusting bitrates within negotiated limits to optimize aggregate bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent bitrate management is used for each video stream, then each stream maintains its quality, but aggregate bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple video streams into a single aggregate stream for bandwidth management purposes. The MCU analyzes the aggregate bandwidth requirements and allocates bandwidth collectively across all streams rather than managing each stream independently, thereby reducing total bandwidth consumption while maintaining individual stream quality through coordinated rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes bitrate parameters for individual streams based on aggregate bandwidth conditions. When total bandwidth is constrained, the MCU adjusts the bitrate of individual streams proportionally or prioritistically, allowing quality to be maintained under normal conditions while enabling bandwidth reduction when necessary through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If maximum bitrate is allocated to all streams, then video quality is maintained, but bandwidth costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the MCU continuously monitors aggregate bandwidth usage and adjusts individual stream bitrates in real-time. Instead of static maximum bitrate allocation, the system dynamically adapts rates based on current network conditions, motion content, and aggregate constraints, maintaining quality when possible while reducing bandwidth consumption during constrained periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies differentiated quality levels to different streams based on their specific characteristics such as motion content and importance. Streams with high motion or higher priority receive higher bitrates locally, while streams with low motion receive lower bitrates, optimizing overall bandwidth usage while maintaining acceptable quality for each individual stream according to its specific needs.
3Loss of energy
If bandwidth is reduced for low-motion streams, then aggregate bandwidth usage decreases, but video quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes bitrate parameters for individual streams based on motion analysis. Streams with low motion content are identified and allocated lower bitrates since they require fewer bits to maintain acceptable quality, while streams with high motion content receive higher bitrates. This parameter adaptation based on motion characteristics reduces aggregate bandwidth usage without significantly deteriorating the perceived quality of low-motion streams.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory that stores executable instructions and a processor that executes the instructions. The processor may determine, for plural received compressed video inputs received from one or more endpoints in a video conference, at least one motion vector included in each of the plural compressed video inputs. The processor may calculate, based on the determined motion vectors, a motion value corresponding to each of the plural compressed video inputs, the motion values representing a level of motion over several frames for each of the plural compressed video inputs. The processor may allocate, based on the calculated motion values, bandwidth to the one or more endpoints in the video conference.