Proxy-Controlled Streaming for Link-Adaptive End-Device Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing streaming technologies fail to adapt to variations in link quality between a content server and an end device when a client device acts as a proxy, resulting in poor presentation quality at the end device due to packet drops and skipped content.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling communications from a content server to an end device via a proxy device, where the proxy device obtains information about the end device's context and Quality of Experience, allowing it to make decisions on controlling transmissions based on this information, including pausing or adapting data rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a client device acts as a proxy between the content server and end device, then the stream can be forwarded to another device using short-range wireless technology, but the original streaming from the server does not adapt to variations in the link between the end device and the proxy device, resulting in poor presentation quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream adaptation to link variationsVSAvoidpresentation quality at end device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the proxy device monitors link quality metrics (throughput, delay, jitter, dropped frames) between itself and the end device, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust streaming parameters. The system sends control messages back to the content server to modify transmission characteristics based on real-time link conditions, ensuring the stream adapts to varying link quality and maintains presentation quality at the end device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy device serves as an intermediary between the content server and end device, actively managing the stream transmission. It receives the stream from the server, monitors link conditions to the end device, and controls the forwarding process by adjusting parameters such as bitrate, resolution, or format based on link quality, thereby mediating between the server's transmission and the end device's reception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the stream continues between the server and proxy device without adaptation, then the transmission can maintain its original quality, but packet drops and skipped content occur at the end device due to link degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream continuityVSAvoidpresentation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the streaming parameters adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The proxy device continuously monitors link quality and dynamically modifies transmission characteristics such as bitrate, resolution, or format in real-time based on current link conditions, allowing the system to respond to changing network environments and prevent packet drops while maintaining acceptable presentation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes transmission parameters (bitrate, resolution, format) based on monitored link quality metrics. When link degradation is detected, the proxy device adjusts these parameters to match the current link capacity, preventing packet drops and ensuring continuous playback with acceptable quality at the end device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If Quality of Service parameters are transmitted using Bluetooth protocol, then service quality can be managed between connected devices, but the streaming control protocol between server and proxy device cannot adapt to link variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice quality managementVSAvoidstreaming protocol adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback loops where the proxy device monitors link quality metrics (throughput, delay, jitter, dropped frames) between itself and the end device, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust streaming parameters. The system sends control messages back to the content server to modify transmission characteristics based on real-time link conditions, ensuring the stream adapts to varying link quality and maintains presentation quality at the end device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4158866B1Controlling communications from content server to end device

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

Communications from a content server to an end device via a proxy device are controlled. The content server and the proxy device are connected by a first link using a streaming control protocol. The proxy device also has a connection to the end device over a second link. The method comprises obtaining information about a context of the end device. The method further comprises determining where a decision should be made about controlling transmissions from the content server over the first link, based on the information about the context of the end device. The method further comprises controlling transmissions from the content server over the first link, based on information relating to a Quality of Experience at the end device.