Multipath Data Streaming System for Broadcast Video

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in transmitting large volumes of real-time audio/video data over wireless networks, particularly in maintaining consistent data reception quality due to anomalies such as dynamic fading, dead zones, and interference, which can lead to significant delays and errors in broadcast-quality video streaming.

Innovation Solution

A system that divides encoded data streams into packets and uses multiple transport buffers to aggregate throughput across multiple wireless networks, dynamically selecting the best network path based on real-time connectivity conditions, including latency, error rates, and bandwidth, to ensure continuous and reliable transmission with minimal latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If satellite or microwave fixed link is used for transmitting video stream, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wireless network connections (cellular, WiFi, satellite) into a unified multipath transmission system. The transmitter uses multiple interface modules to simultaneously or alternately transmit data packets over different networks, merging the strengths of each network type to achieve reliable broadcast-quality video streaming without requiring a dedicated satellite system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter is designed with multi-functionality to operate across multiple network types and protocols. The system can dynamically select and switch between different network interfaces based on available bandwidth, latency requirements, and network conditions, making a single device capable of functioning across diverse transmission environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cellular data is used for transmitting video stream, then mobility and availability are improved, but transmission quality and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidtransmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its transmission strategy based on real-time network conditions. The transmitter continuously monitors bandwidth, latency, and error rates of available cellular networks and adjusts packet routing, transmission rates, and buffer management accordingly. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain broadcast-quality transmission despite the inherent variability of cellular networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes transmission parameters such as packet size, transmission rate, and buffer depth based on the detected network conditions. When cellular signal quality degrades, the system adjusts these parameters to maintain acceptable transmission quality, thereby preserving reliability while retaining mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If data packets are transmitted over multiple wireless networks, then throughput is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video data stream is segmented into multiple data packets that can be independently routed over different wireless networks. Each packet is assigned a sequence number and routing information, allowing the transmitter to distribute packets across multiple networks based on current conditions while maintaining the ability to reassemble them in correct order at the receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including transport buffers, packet routers, and protocol handlers that manage the complexity of multipath transmission. These intermediaries abstract the complexity of multiple network interfaces, providing a simplified interface for data flow management and enabling throughput aggregation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If buffer is refilled during live stream, then data loss is prevented, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata continuityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary buffering actions before critical data loss points. Transport buffers are pre-filled with sufficient data packets to cover expected network variations, allowing the transmitter to maintain continuous playback without pausing to refill buffers during live streaming, thereby preventing data loss while minimizing latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11563788B2Multipath data streaming over multiple networks

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 DEJERO LABS

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to real-time streaming of large quantities of time critical data over multiple distinct networks from a communications device. More specifically, embodiments described herein may address challenges and problems of maintaining consistent data reception quality when faced with the anomalies of a moving sender that is sending data using a relatively unstable method. This may be achieved by converting single source data into multiple data streams, placing them in transport buffers and storing them for forwarding.