Proxy-Aware Bandwidth Adaptation for DASH Media Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) methods do not effectively manage bandwidth fluctuations and uncontrolled media distribution through proxy caches, leading to suboptimal network performance and quality of experience, especially in mobile networks with increasing video traffic.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proxy-aware bandwidth adaptation method that uses exponential backoff and probe functions to adjust quality levels based on network conditions, ensuring smooth media playback and balancing bandwidth sharing among devices, while considering the network architecture and available data rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional DASH methods are used for media delivery, then HTTP infrastructure can be exploited for content distribution, but bandwidth fluctuations cannot be effectively managed leading to suboptimal network performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth adaptationVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the client device monitors network conditions and buffer status, then adjusts the quality level of media content segments requested. The system uses probe functions to measure available bandwidth and applies exponential backoff when bandwidth is insufficient, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing network conditions and maintains reliable playback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the media delivery system dynamic by allowing the client device to continuously adjust the quality level of requested segments based on real-time network conditions. The system transitions between different quality levels dynamically, using exponential backoff to prevent oscillations and ensure smooth adaptation to bandwidth fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If client devices independently adapt quality levels in conventional DASH, then device-specific bandwidth requirements are met, but uncontrolled media distribution through proxy caches causes network performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality level selectionVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy-aware mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the client device and the media server. The client device considers the presence and behavior of proxy caches when selecting quality levels, using probe functions to detect proxy cache behavior and adjusting requests accordingly to prevent uncontrolled media distribution and reduce network load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the adaptation parameters by incorporating proxy cache awareness into the quality level selection process. The system modifies its requested quality levels based on detected proxy cache behavior, using exponential backoff to adjust the frequency and quality of requests, thereby optimizing network performance while maintaining adaptability to device-specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If frequent quality level adjustments are made to match bandwidth fluctuations, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but representation switching causes playback disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidplayback smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by maintaining a buffer of pre-downloaded media segments and using exponential backoff to prevent aggressive quality switching. The system cushions against bandwidth fluctuations by having advance segments available in the buffer and by applying backoff delays when adjusting quality levels, thereby preventing playback disruptions while still adapting to bandwidth changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by using exponential backoff to regulate the frequency of quality level adjustments. Instead of continuously switching quality levels, the system periodically adjusts quality with increasing intervals between adjustments, using the backoff mechanism to space out representation switches and maintain playback smoothness while still responding to bandwidth fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11792253B2Bandwidth adaptation for dynamic adaptive transferring of multimedia

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

Bandwidth adaptation is achieved with selection of quality levels of media content to be transferred based on network conditions.