Media Server Stable Bitrate Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia session technologies lack efficient bitrate optimization, leading to inconsistent video quality due to varying device and internet connection capabilities, resulting in suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method where a media server determines a stable bitrate for a client device during a media session, stores this value in a database, and retrieves it for subsequent sessions, allowing for immediate adjustment of bitrate estimation, thereby reducing 'ramp-up' time and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all devices are treated the same and start at a default bitrate, then the system is simple to operate, but the video quality is inconsistent across different device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by determining device-specific bitrate capabilities individually for each client device rather than applying a uniform default bitrate to all devices. The media server assesses each device's network bandwidth and processing capabilities separately, then assigns optimized bitrate values tailored to each device's specific characteristics, resulting in consistent video quality across diverse device types.
2Manufacturing precision
If bitrate is increased to improve video quality, then video quality improves, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the bitrate parameter based on real-time network conditions and device capabilities. The media server continuously monitors available network bandwidth and modifies the bitrate parameter accordingly, increasing it when bandwidth is abundant to improve video quality, and decreasing it when bandwidth is constrained to reduce network load, thereby optimizing the trade-off between video quality and bandwidth consumption.
3Productivity
If bitrate estimation starts from a low default value, then network bandwidth is conserved initially, but the ramp-up time to optimal bitrate is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing bitrate capability assessment and stable bitrate determination during an initial media session before subsequent sessions. The system proactively evaluates each device's optimal bitrate characteristics in advance, stores this information, and retrieves it for future sessions, eliminating the need for slow ramp-up procedures and enabling immediate transmission at optimal bitrate levels.
4Productivity
If stable bitrate determination is performed continuously, then bitrate optimization is maximized, but system processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by determining the stable bitrate at regular intervals or at specific events during media sessions rather than continuously. The system assesses bitrate stability periodically, stores determined stable bitrates in a database for reuse, and only re-evaluates when necessary (e.g., when network conditions change significantly or after a predetermined time period), thereby reducing system processing load while maintaining effective bitrate optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An example data processing technique includes determining, by a first media server during a first media session between a client device and the first media server, a stable bitrate value based on a rate at which the first media server receives data from the client device in the first media session. Further, the example technique includes, based on determining the stable bitrate value, storing in a database the stable bitrate value for the client device, and receiving, from the client device, a request to establish a second media session. The example technique also includes, in response to receiving the request, searching the database for a particular stable bitrate value for the client device, and sending the particular stable bitrate value to the client device, wherein the client device is configured to estimate, based on the particular stable bitrate value, an initial bitrate value for transmitting data from the client device to a second media server in the second media session.