Multi-tiered Media Streaming with Session and Client Thinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video transmission systems using encoders are not dynamically adaptable to changes in network conditions or user preferences, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and quality degradation, and require significant memory storage for multiple non-scalable formats.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with session and client management nodes that perform steady state and dynamic thinning of scalable media streams, allowing for real-time adjustments to bandwidth and quality based on network conditions and user device capabilities, using Scalable Video Coding (SVC) standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If encoder-based systems are used to accommodate varying connection qualities and receiving devices, then different quality video streams can be provided to different clients, but the systems cannot dynamically adapt to system changes and require significant memory storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the video stream quality to change over time based on current network conditions. The system transitions from static pre-encoded formats to dynamic adaptive streaming where the media server can switch between different quality levels (base layer, enhancement layers) in real-time based on bandwidth availability, client capabilities, and network changes during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying video stream parameters (resolution, bitrate, quality) on-the-fly using SVC technology. Instead of creating separate fixed-quality versions, the system changes parameters dynamically by adding or removing enhancement layers, adjusting temporal resolution, or modifying spatial resolution based on current system conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple non-scalable video formats are stored on media servers to accommodate different devices, then client device requirements can be met, but memory requirements for media servers increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the video stream into hierarchical layers (base layer and enhancement layers) with different quality characteristics. Instead of storing complete separate video files for each quality level, the system segments the video into modular layers that can be selectively combined and transmitted based on client needs and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a single scalable video stream that can serve multiple client types and network conditions. The base layer provides minimum quality for all devices, while enhancement layers can be added to accommodate higher-quality requirements, making one video source universally adaptable to various device capabilities.
3Reliability
If high quality video streams are transmitted to all clients, then video quality is maintained, but bandwidth usage increases and causes packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting video stream parameters (spatial resolution, temporal resolution, quality level) based on available bandwidth. The media server monitors network conditions and modifies stream parameters in real-time, switching between base layer only, base layer with selective enhancement layers, or full quality streams when bandwidth permits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If transcoders are introduced to convert video streams dynamically, then adaptability to network conditions improves, but conversion causes time delay and degradation of video quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating bit-exact copies of the encoded video layers without requiring decoding and re-encoding. The media server can duplicate and selectively transmit different layer combinations based on network conditions, avoiding the time-consuming transcoding process while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements extraction by selectively removing or adding specific enhancement layers from the scalable video stream based on current network conditions. Instead of converting the entire stream through transcoding, the system extracts only the necessary layers for current conditions, minimizing processing time and preserving quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to systems and methods for delivering a scalable media stream from a media server to a media client, wherein thinning is performed at more than one location in the network between the media server and the media client. The system includes at least a session management node located close to the media server, and a client management node located close to the media client. The session management node receives the scalable media stream from the media sever and performs steady state thinning on the scalable media stream to produce a session media stream. The client management node receives a client input media stream, which is at least a portion of the scalable media stream, and performs dynamic thinning on the client input media stream to produce a client output media stream that is streamed to the media client.