Multi-layer Video Encoding for Conference Server Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video conference systems face increased processing loads due to transcoding and are unable to efficiently manage varying screen sizes, leading to performance issues when participants resize their video streams.

Innovation Solution

A method where the source providing client encodes video streams as multiple layers for various screen sizes and resolutions, allowing the server to transmit only the necessary layers to each participant, reducing server load and eliminating the need for screen resizing by classifying resolution ranges into classes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If transcoding is performed on the server to provide video streams at different resolutions, then video compatibility across different devices is improved, but server processing load increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo compatibilityVSAvoidserver processing load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The client device performs video encoding in advance and divides the video stream into multiple resolution layers (e.g., 1080p, 720p, 480p) before transmission. This preliminary action shifts the encoding workload from the server to the client, eliminating the need for server-side transcoding while ensuring compatibility across different display resolutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The video stream is segmented into multiple resolution layers, where each layer represents a different resolution version of the same video content. The server transmits all layers without processing, and the client selects and combines the appropriate layers based on the display device's resolution capabilities, avoiding server-side transcoding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If a single video stream resolution is transmitted to all participants, then network bandwidth consumption is reduced, but video quality deteriorates for participants with higher resolution displays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork bandwidth consumptionVSAvoidvideo quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts video quality to each participant's display capabilities by transmitting multiple resolution layers. Each client device receives the same multi-layer video stream but selects different layers based on its screen resolution, enabling dynamic optimization of video quality for each user while managing network bandwidth efficiently through selective transmission of necessary layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the server transcodes video streams to match participant screen sizes, then video display accuracy is improved, but processing time and server load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo display accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the server adapting video streams to match participant screens (traditional approach), the inversion principle is applied by having client devices independently select and process the appropriate video layers from the transmitted multi-layer stream. This reverses the adaptation responsibility from server to client, eliminating server-side processing time while maintaining accurate video display on each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple video streams at different resolutions are transmitted to each participant, then video quality adaptability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo quality adaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple video streams at different resolutions are merged into a single multi-layer video stream for transmission. Instead of sending separate independent video files for each resolution, the system combines them into one integrated stream where each layer represents a different resolution version, reducing redundant data transmission while maintaining quality adaptability across different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10911717B2Method and system for providing video stream of video conference

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 LY CORP

AI summary

Provided is a method and system for providing a video stream for a video conference. A video stream providing method may include managing class information in which a resolution range for the video conference is classified into a plurality of classes; determining at least two classes in which a resolution providable from a source providing client that participates in the video conference is included among the plurality of classes, based on the class information; encoding a video stream for the video conference as a plurality of layers using a resolution set for each of the determined at least two classes; and controlling an electronic device of the source providing client to transmit the video stream encoded as the plurality of layers to a server for the video conference over a network.