MPEG-2 TS Stream Fragmentation for Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing multiplexed multimedia streams over networks, such as MPEG2-TS, transmit all components in a single transport stream, leading to bandwidth waste as not all streams are necessary for all terminals, especially under bandwidth constraints.
Innovation Solution
Fragmenting the multiplexed multimedia stream into transport packets, with each packet carrying only a part of the components and metadata, and using sequence numbers to ensure ordered reconstruction at the terminal, allowing terminals to receive only necessary components based on bandwidth and decoding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If all components of the multiplexed multimedia stream are transmitted in a single transport stream, then synchronization and metadata management are simplified, but network bandwidth is wasted as not all streams are necessary for all terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiplexed multimedia stream into separate transport streams, with each transport stream carrying only specific components (e.g., video, audio, subtitles) that are relevant to particular terminal types. This segmentation allows terminals to receive only the components they need, reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining synchronization through preserved metadata and sequence numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different versions of the transport stream tailored to specific terminal capabilities and requirements. Each transport stream is optimized with the appropriate subset of components for its target audience, allowing high-definition terminals to receive full-quality streams while mobile terminals receive compressed, component-specific streams.
2Loss of energy
If the multiplexed multimedia stream is fragmented into multiple transport streams with sequence numbers, then bandwidth efficiency is improved by transmitting only necessary components, but the complexity of packet reconstruction and synchronization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing the fragmented transport packets with embedded sequence numbers and metadata that indicate their original positions and relationships in the multiplexed stream. This preliminary structuring enables terminals to automatically reconstruct the stream in the correct order without requiring complex external synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sequence numbers and metadata as intermediary elements that facilitate the reconstruction process. These intermediaries carry synchronization information within the packet structure itself, allowing terminals to reassemble fragmented components without requiring complex external coordination or synchronization protocols.
3Loss of energy
If terminals receive only selected components based on their capabilities, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but the ability to reconstruct the complete multiplexed stream is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transport stream composition adaptable to terminal capabilities. Terminals can dynamically select which transport streams to receive based on their decoding capabilities, network conditions, and user preferences, while still being able to reconstruct complete or partial streams as needed. The embedded metadata enables flexible reassembly of different component combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution method for a multimedia stream multiplexed via a network, the multiplexed multimedia stream comprising multimedia and signalling components, the components being divided into elementary packets of the multiplexed multimedia stream transmitted on at least one transport channel of the network. This method comprises a step of selection of elementary packets of the multiplexed multimedia stream incorporated in transport packets, wherein each of the elementary packets of the signalling components are incorporated in transport packets transmitted on a first of the at least one transport channel, and wherein others transport packets comprising at least one elementary packet and a part only of the multimedia components, are transmitted on a transport channel. This method further comprises a step of transmission of transport packets on each of the transport channels, comprising a step of definition of a first sequence number for each of the transport packets of each of the transport channels and a second sequence number for each of the elementary packets, the first sequence number being incremented for each of the transport packets, independently on each of the transport channels, the second sequence number being incremented for each of the elementary packets.