Multimedia Transmission Parameter Optimization via Distortion Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia data transmission methods over wireless channels, particularly for H.264/AVC standard, fail to effectively account for residual bit error probabilities and varying bit stream sensitivities in narrowband transmissions, leading to suboptimal compression and protection settings that impact video quality.

Innovation Solution

A method using a semi-analytical model to predict distortion in multimedia data, calculating distortion for image groups and frames based on error sensitivity and prediction influence, allowing for adaptive compression and protection rate allocation to minimize distortion, and a device to determine optimal operating parameters by comparing distortion values and selecting the best compression and protection rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate source coding and channel coding are used to maintain compatibility with existing standards, then ease of operation is improved, but video quality deteriorates due to inability to account for residual bit errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing standardsVSAvoidvideo quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the separate coding systems by introducing sensitivity information about bit errors into the source coding process. This allows the source encoder to adapt its compression strategy based on expected channel error rates, improving video quality while maintaining the separate coding architecture required for standard compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensitivity information about the channel error characteristics is fed back to the source encoder. This feedback loop enables the source coding parameters to be adjusted according to the actual channel conditions, resolving the contradiction between using separate coding systems and achieving optimal video quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If joint source-channel coding is used to optimize video quality by combining compression and protection, then video quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo qualityVSAvoidcoding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the joint coding problem into two separate but coordinated components: source coding with sensitivity awareness and channel coding with error protection. By maintaining the segmentation of coding functions while adding coordination through sensitivity information exchange, the patent achieves joint coding benefits without the full complexity of integrated joint source-channel coding systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If compression rate is increased to improve productivity of data transmission, then productivity is improved, but video quality deteriorates due to higher sensitivity to bit errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidvideo quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation where the source coding compression rate is adjusted based on channel error conditions. When channel conditions are poor (high error probability), the system dynamically reduces compression to lower sensitivity. When conditions are good, it increases compression for higher productivity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between transmission efficiency and video quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2036359B1Method for determining protection and compression parameters for the transmission of multimedia data over a wireless channel
Publication Date: 2012.12.05 THALES SA
  • EP2036359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2036359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2036359B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining operating parameters, such as compression rate and/or protection rate, for a multimedia data transmission channel, characterised in that it includes at least one step consisting in determining several sensitivity values for pairs of source fixed flow values and the desired compression rate, a step consisting in comparing the different values obtained for one operating point of the fixed channel and a step consisting in selecting the optimal sensitivity value, said sensitivity value being defined taking account of the desired source flow and the compression rate.