Proxy Unit Reshaping Data Bursts for Radio Resource Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for streaming data from a streaming server to User Equipment (UE) via a Radio Access Network (RAN) are inefficient in conserving resources and battery life, as they often require maintaining high radio states for extended periods, leading to unnecessary resource utilization and battery consumption, especially when the data is not fully consumed by the user.

Innovation Solution

The method involves reshaping the data stream into bursts and transmitting them at a higher bitrate than the original data, allowing the UE to switch to a lower resource-consuming radio state between data bursts, thereby conserving RAN and UE resources. This is achieved through a de-pacing proxy unit that re-shapes the data stream into bursts optimized for the communication interface, maximizing the utilization of available communication bitrate and enabling downswitching opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is streamed continuously at high bitrate to ensure smooth playback, then end-user experience is improved, but battery power consumption increases and radio resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend-user experienceVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by transmitting data in periodic bursts rather than continuous stream. The proxy unit sends data packets at intervals that allow the UE to switch between active and idle radio states, creating a rhythm of transmission that matches the playback buffer consumption rate while enabling energy-saving idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the radio state transitional rather than static. The system dynamically switches between high-bitrate active state during data bursts and low-bitrate idle state during intervals, adapting the transmission pattern to balance user experience quality with battery conservation needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the UE stays in a high radio state to maintain high throughput, then data streaming quality is improved, but radio resource utilization increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata streaming qualityVSAvoidradio resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic bursts of data transmission instead of continuous high-rate streaming. By concentrating data delivery into periodic intervals with sufficient spacing, the system achieves high effective throughput while allowing radio resources to be released during idle periods between bursts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a proxy unit as an intermediary between the streaming server and the UE. This intermediary reshapes the data stream into bursts, buffers data strategically, and controls transmission timing to optimize radio resource usage while maintaining streaming quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If data is transmitted in large chunks at high speed, then network efficiency is improved, but the UE cannot switch to lower radio states, increasing battery consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms large continuous data chunks into periodic smaller bursts with controlled intervals. The timing and size of these bursts are optimized to allow the UE to complete data reception and switch to idle state before the next burst arrives, enabling network efficiency while preserving battery-saving opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If the streaming server paces data to match playback consumption, then battery efficiency is improved, but radio resources are underutilized and streaming quality may suffer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery efficiencyVSAvoidradio resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the proxy unit as an intermediary that receives paced data from the streaming server and reshapes it into optimized bursts for radio transmission. This intermediary function allows the system to maintain the energy-efficient pacing approach while improving radio resource utilization through intelligent burst formation and timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9641581B2Controlling streaming of data from a streaming server to a user equipment via a radio access network

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method of controlling streaming of data, such as video, from a streaming server to a User Equipment (UE) via a Radio Access Network (RAN) is provided. The method includes receiving streaming data from the streaming server, re-shaping the received streaming data into bursts, and transmitting the bursts to the UE. The bursts are transmitted at a higher bitrate than the bitrate of the received streaming data. By re-shaping the streaming data into bursts, streaming can be effected in a more radio-friendly way, since the UE may switch to a less resource consuming radio state in-between reception of data bursts delivered at high bitrates. Further, a corresponding computer program and computer program product, and a proxy unit for controlling streaming of data from a streaming server to a UE via a RAN, are provided.