QoE Optimization System for Dynamic Bitrate Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional content distribution methods face challenges in optimizing Quality of Experience (QoE) due to issues such as rebuffering, difficulty in setting appropriate distribution rates, and inefficiencies in estimating available bandwidth, leading to suboptimal video streaming quality.

Innovation Solution

A quality-of-experience optimization system that estimates and recommends optimal distribution parameters based on network quality and user experience information, using techniques like throughput estimation, playback stop state analysis, and real-time coding parameter adjustment to maximize QoE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user selects a distribution rate manually, then the user can control quality preferences, but rebuffering occurs when the selected rate exceeds available bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over distribution rateVSAvoidcontinuous playback without rebuffering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects and adjusts distribution rates without requiring user intervention. The rate control mechanism autonomously monitors network conditions and adapts the bit rate to match available bandwidth, eliminating the need for manual user selection while preventing rebuffering events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback-based rate control by continuously monitoring network conditions and playback buffer status. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the distribution rate to maintain optimal playback quality without rebuffering, resolving the contradiction between user control and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the content distributor selects distribution rate based on time zone, then service availability is maintained during congested periods, but quality does not adapt to individual user communication environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availability during peak timesVSAvoidadaptation to individual user network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality control by tailoring the distribution rate to each individual user's network conditions rather than applying a uniform rate based on time zone. Each user receives customized rate control adapted to their specific bandwidth, network latency, and buffer status, improving both availability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static time-zone-based rate selection to dynamic rate control that continuously adapts to real-time network conditions. The distribution rate is dynamically adjusted based on individual user measurements, enabling the system to respond to changing network conditions and maximize service availability for each user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If passive type estimation is used to estimate available band, then past communication history is utilized, but sufficient past data is difficult to prepare

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of available band estimationVSAvoidtime required to accumulate sufficient data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of network conditions during initial connection establishment and uses these pre-collected data to establish baseline rate control parameters. This preliminary action reduces the time needed to accumulate sufficient past data for accurate estimation, as the system already has network condition information ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors and collects network condition data throughout the entire playback period, ensuring that measurement activity never stops. This continuous collection of useful data eliminates gaps in the measurement record, allowing the system to maintain accurate estimation without requiring lengthy accumulation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If active type estimation is used to estimate available band, then current network conditions are measured, but content distribution takes much time due to preliminary measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of available band estimationVSAvoidwaiting time before content distribution starts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs network condition measurements during the connection establishment phase before content distribution begins. By completing these preliminary measurements in advance, the system eliminates the need for lengthy measurement periods during content delivery, reducing waiting time while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic measurement scheduling that adapts the timing of network condition assessments based on system state. Measurements are performed dynamically during appropriate phases (connection setup rather than content delivery), allowing accurate measurement without introducing significant delays to content distribution start time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Reliability

If feedback scheme is used to change distribution rate in real time, then rebuffering is reduced, but distribution rate fluctuates during viewing causing low QoE

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of rebuffering eventsVSAvoidsmoothness of playback experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic rate control that smoothly adjusts distribution rates based on real-time buffer status and network conditions. Rather than abrupt rate changes, the system uses controlled rate transitions that maintain playback smoothness while preventing rebuffering, balancing reliability with viewing comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system carefully manages parameter changes by adjusting distribution rates in controlled increments rather than making abrupt modifications. This gradual parameter adjustment maintains playback stability and user experience while still responding to network conditions to prevent rebuffering events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3255894B1Quality-of-experience optimization system, quality-of-experience optimization device, recommendation request device, quality-of-experience optimization method, recommendation request method and program
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • EP3255894B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255894B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3255894B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A quality-of-experience optimization system configured to optimize quality (QoE: Quality of Experience) that a user experiences in a content distribution service, including: a recommend request apparatus configured to output a distribution parameter candidate of content distribution for optimizing QoE of content distribution, and to receive a distribution parameter for optimizing the QoE as a recommend value; and a quality-of-experience optimization apparatus configured to estimate QoE from the distribution parameter candidate received from the recommend request apparatus, and to calculate a distribution parameter for optimizing the QoE as a recommend value to output the recommend value.