Media Stream Server Bandwidth Allocation for HTTP Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing network bandwidth for HTTP media content streams often result in uncoordinated allocation, leading to random bit rate fluctuations and poor quality of experience for client devices due to the lack of consideration for shared network bandwidth requirements.
Innovation Solution
A media stream server manages shared network bandwidth by granting fixed amounts of bandwidth to each stream, setting target bit rates slightly above the average, and adjusting these rates during periods of inactivity to maintain stability, while preventing player-initiated bit rate changes and forcing appropriate bit rate changes to maintain optimal encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the media stream server allocates network bandwidth to each media content stream independently, then the bit rate stability for individual streams is improved, but the overall quality of experience at client devices deteriorates due to uncoordinated allocation and random bit rate fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple media content streams into a single aggregated stream for bandwidth allocation purposes. The server treats the collection of streams as a unified entity, allocating bandwidth to the aggregate rather than to individual streams independently. This merging approach coordinates bit rate distribution across all streams, preventing random fluctuations and improving overall quality of experience while maintaining bit rate stability for each individual stream.
2Reliability
If the media stream server manages shared network bandwidth by taking other media content streams into account, then the overall quality of experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth management process into two distinct levels: (1) aggregate-level bandwidth allocation that considers the collective requirements of all media content streams, and (2) individual stream bit rate distribution that occurs automatically within the aggregated framework. This segmentation reduces complexity by handling coordination at the aggregate level while allowing individual streams to follow standardized allocation rules, thereby improving quality of experience without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If client devices buffer the media content stream to absorb network bandwidth fluctuations, then the need for encoding adaption at client devices is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to buffering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-buffering media content segments at the server side before network transmission uncertainties affect the client devices. The server prepares and queues content segments in advance, smoothing out bandwidth fluctuations before they reach the client. This preliminary buffering action reduces the need for client-side encoding adaption while minimizing the time delay, as content is ready for immediate playback when network conditions permit.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can operate to manage the shared network bandwidth usage for media content streams. Through the bandwidth management of an individual media content stream while taking other media content streams into account a media stream server can achieve a stable bit rate across all streams to improve the quality of experience (QoE) of media content streams displayed at client devices.