Multi-Tiered Data Encoding with Adaptive Virtual Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting live video or data to multiple endpoints face challenges in providing adequate quality and consistency due to inadequate or inconsistent transmission networks, requiring excessive computation or costly dedicated data links, and failing to allow for customizable and efficient interaction with various receiver endpoints.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing virtual transmitters, proxies, and encoders that group endpoints based on characteristics for efficient encoding, reducing computational processing by binning transmitters into tiers, and dynamically adjusting membership based on network conditions, resource availability, and demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individualized web streams are generated for each endpoint to provide customized video quality, then video quality and consistency are improved, but computational processing requirements increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments endpoints into different tiers based on their network capabilities and quality requirements. Instead of creating individualized streams for each endpoint, the encoder divides the endpoint population into groups (tiers) and generates a limited number of encoded versions corresponding to each tier. This segmentation approach maintains video quality customization while dramatically reducing computational load by serving multiple endpoints from the same encoded version.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes encoding parameters (such as bitrate, resolution, and quality settings) based on endpoint tier classifications. The encoder adjusts these parameters to create optimized video versions for different network conditions and device capabilities, allowing high-quality delivery to capable endpoints while reducing computational overhead by not creating fully individualized streams for each endpoint.
2Reliability
If dedicated data links are used between stations to ensure reliable transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal encoder that serves multiple endpoints through a single transmission infrastructure. Instead of requiring dedicated data links between each station pair, the encoder generates tiered video versions that can be distributed over shared network infrastructure to multiple endpoints simultaneously. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable delivery to various endpoint types while eliminating the need for expensive dedicated links.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the encoded video content at different quality tiers and distributes these copies to various endpoints. Rather than establishing dedicated point-to-point links, the encoder produces replicated versions of the content optimized for different network conditions, allowing reliable transmission over shared infrastructure without requiring expensive dedicated connections for each endpoint pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system serves multiple endpoints with varying network conditions, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining consistent video quality becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality optimization by creating different encoded versions of the video content tailored to specific endpoint tiers. Each tier receives video encoded with parameters optimized for its network conditions and device capabilities. This local quality approach ensures that each endpoint receives the best possible quality for its specific context while maintaining overall system consistency through a structured tiered framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder dynamically changes encoding parameters such as bitrate, resolution, and compression settings based on the endpoint's tier classification. By adjusting these parameters according to network conditions and device capabilities, the system maintains video quality consistency within each tier while adapting to the diverse requirements of different endpoints across the network.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system creates multiple encoded versions for different endpoints, then service customization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the endpoint population into a limited number of tiers based on common characteristics such as network bandwidth and device capabilities. This segmentation approach allows the encoder to create a manageable number of encoded versions (one per tier) rather than individual versions for each endpoint. The tiered structure simplifies system complexity while maintaining service customization by grouping endpoints with similar requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder systematically changes key encoding parameters (bitrate, resolution, quality level) to create distinct encoded versions for each tier. By focusing on a limited set of parameter variations corresponding to the tier structure, the system achieves service customization without creating excessive complexity. The parameter-based approach allows for organized, manageable variation in encoded content while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, methods, and computer readable media are provided for distributing data with multi-tiered encoding. For example, a system for transmission of data streams to endpoints is provided that includes: encoders, each encoder configured to encode a data stream according to at least one encoding parameter; virtual transmitters organized into groups based on at least one transmission characteristic; each group of virtual transmitters configured to receive encoded data from an associated one of the encoders; each virtual transmitter of the plurality of virtual transmitters configured to transmit the encoded data to an associated one of the plurality of endpoints; and at least one controller configured to monitor transmission characteristics of the plurality of virtual transmitters and to adjust membership of the virtual transmitters in the plurality of groups based on the monitored transmission characteristics. The system may be further configured for synchronization, uni/bi-directional communication, etc.