Media Distribution Server Bandwidth Allocation via Priority Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media distribution systems face challenges in maintaining transmission and reception quality of media information when the reserved bandwidth across multiple sites exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically manages bandwidth by selecting and assigning a media distribution server that supports the designated room reserved bandwidth, and implements control methods such as setting maximum bit rates and priorities for each site, as well as adjusting bandwidth allocation based on priority levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the reserved bandwidth used across multiple sites is increased to ensure sufficient bandwidth for media distribution, then the media distribution capacity is improved, but the transmission and reception quality of shared media information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia distribution capacityVSAvoidtransmission and reception quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on priority levels assigned to different sites. The bandwidth management apparatus continuously monitors reserved bandwidth usage and dynamically reallocates bandwidth portions among sites according to their priority levels, allowing the system to adapt to changing bandwidth conditions while maintaining quality of service for critical sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation by introducing priority levels (first priority, second priority, third priority) for different sites. Based on these priority levels, the apparatus adjusts the bandwidth portions allocated to each site, transforming the static bandwidth reservation into a dynamic parameter adjustment mechanism that resolves the contradiction between total bandwidth capacity and individual quality assurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the reserved bandwidth is strictly limited to maintain transmission quality, then the transmission and reception quality is preserved, but the ability to support multiple sites with high bandwidth requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission and reception qualityVSAvoidsupport for multiple sites
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic bandwidth adjustment based on priority levels. When multiple sites are added or existing sites require more bandwidth, the apparatus can dynamically reallocate bandwidth portions among sites according to their priority levels, allowing the system to adapt to varying numbers and requirements of sites while maintaining quality of service for high-priority sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the total reserved bandwidth into multiple bandwidth portions assigned to different sites based on their priority levels. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support multiple sites with different bandwidth requirements while maintaining overall transmission quality, as lower-priority sites receive reduced bandwidth portions when total bandwidth becomes constrained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If fixed bandwidth allocation is used for each site, then the system operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying bandwidth demands and site priorities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth adaptation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed bandwidth allocation to dynamic bandwidth adjustment based on priority levels. The bandwidth management apparatus automatically monitors and adjusts bandwidth portions according to the priority levels of different sites, providing adaptability to varying bandwidth demands while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated management rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service bandwidth management where the bandwidth management apparatus automatically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on priority levels without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors reserved bandwidth usage and autonomously reallocates bandwidth portions among sites according to their priority levels, combining ease of operation with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4156650B1Media distribution system, communication system, distribution control apparatus, distribution control method, and carrier means
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4156650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A media distribution system (5) includes: one or more media distribution servers (9) configured to distribute media information to one or more communication apparatuses at one or more sites; and a distribution control apparatus (7) configured to control distribution of the media information between the one or more media distribution servers (9) and the one or more communication apparatuses. The distribution control apparatus (7) includes: assignment means (74) configured to assign one of the one or more media distribution servers (9) that is selected based on a reserved bandwidth of the media distribution server (9) for distributing the media information and a maximum reserved bandwidth available to the media distribution server, as a media distribution server that distributes the media information to one or more communication apparatuses at a collective site, the collective site including one or more sites that share the same media information; and transmitting means (71) configured to transmit, in response to a connection request to connect to the assigned distributable media distribution server (9), transmitted from a particular communication apparatus of the one or more communication apparatuses at a particular site of the collective site, a connection response to the particular communication apparatus at the particular site. The distributable media distribution server (9) includes transmitting means (91) configured to transmit, in response to the connection request from the distribution control apparatus (7), the media information transmitted from the particular communication apparatus at the particular site of the collective site, to another communication apparatus at another site different from the particular site of the collective site.