Media Stream Switching Across Multiple Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in reliably and efficiently delivering real-time media data streams due to highly variable latency, bandwidth, and packet loss across different communication networks, which can disrupt continuous media playback on mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that simultaneously transmits media data streams over multiple communication networks, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and DECT, and evaluates the reliability and efficiency of each path by comparing packet timestamps, transmission times, and signal strengths to determine the best communication path for continuous and uninterrupted media playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media data streams are transmitted over multiple communication networks simultaneously, then reliability and efficiency of delivery are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple communication paths before media transmission begins, and by pre-evaluating network conditions through test transmissions. This allows the system to have backup paths ready and knowledge of network characteristics before actual media delivery, improving reliability without adding complexity during active transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that manages multiple network paths. This intermediary component handles the complexity of path selection, packet routing, and network evaluation, isolating the complexity from both the media source and the playback device. The intermediary acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling multi-network transmission.
2Loss of time
If the system dynamically switches between different communication networks, then packet loss and latency are minimized, but the complexity of path evaluation and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by sending test transmissions only on alternate paths when switching is needed, rather than continuously monitoring all paths. This reduces the evaluation overhead while still providing sufficient information to make switching decisions. The system performs excessive action by maintaining backup paths ready to switch to, ensuring low latency by having pre-evaluated alternatives available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transmission performance metrics (latency, packet loss, bandwidth) from each network path and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust path selection. The feedback loop enables intelligent switching decisions based on real-time network conditions, minimizing latency while managing complexity through adaptive rather than exhaustive path evaluation.
3Reliability
If duplicate packets are transmitted over parallel networks, then source assurance and reliability are improved, but bandwidth consumption and energy use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by transmitting duplicate packets only on alternate paths when needed for reliability, rather than continuously sending duplicates on all paths. The system sends test transmissions or duplicate packets selectively based on network conditions and reliability requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining source assurance when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by sending duplicate packets over parallel networks and then discarding redundant copies at the receiving end. The system compares timestamps and sequence numbers of received packets, keeps the first valid copy, and discards duplicates. This approach ensures reliability through duplication while managing energy consumption by eliminating wasted transmission of redundant data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system of reception or transmission of media data, such as for audio or video streams, so that data communications alternate transmission or reception routes between available communications networks, choosing among parallel or single communications paths a most efficient and/or most reliable path for transmission of media packets.