Rate Adaptation Control Parameter Exposure for Video QoS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic rate adaptation algorithms in digital video coding struggle to efficiently manage coding rates in varying network conditions, leading to inconsistent Quality of Service (QoS) and reduced system throughput due to proprietary implementations and lack of control over proprietary rate adaptation modules in user equipment.
Innovation Solution
Exposing a set of control parameters that network operators can modify to adjust the operation of dynamic rate adaptation algorithms, allowing for real-time adaptation to network conditions and improving QoS and throughput by altering encoding rates and decongesting shared downlinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If proprietary rate adaptation modules are used in user equipment, then device-specific optimization is achieved, but network operators lose control over coding rate management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exposes internal control parameters of proprietary rate adaptation modules to the network operator domain. By allowing modification of parameters such as target bit rate, quantization parameter thresholds, and buffer size settings, network operators can control coding rate behavior without changing the underlying proprietary algorithm implementation, thus maintaining both device optimization and operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that sits between the network operator and the proprietary rate adaptation module. This intermediary layer provides a standardized interface for controlling internal parameters of the proprietary module, enabling network operators to manage coding rates without direct access to or modification of the proprietary algorithm itself.
2Speed
If dynamic rate adaptation algorithms adjust coding rates frequently, then response to network conditions improves, but QoS consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of rate adaptation by exposing parameters that allow the system to adjust its responsiveness to network conditions. Control parameters include thresholds for triggering rate changes, timing values for rate adjustments, and buffer size settings that balance rapid adaptation with QoS stability, enabling the system to be dynamically responsive while maintaining service quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the rate adaptation algorithm continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts coding rates based on exposed control parameters. The system uses feedback from network status, buffer levels, and quality metrics to modulate rate changes, ensuring that frequent adjustments respond to actual conditions while maintaining QoS through controlled parameter modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If coding rate is increased to improve video quality, then quality level improves, but system throughput decreases due to network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exposes control parameters that allow dynamic adjustment of the relationship between coding rate and video quality. By modifying parameters such as quantization thresholds, bit rate allocation, and quality targets, the system can optimize the trade-off between video quality and network throughput, adjusting coding parameters to maintain acceptable quality while preventing network congestion that would reduce overall system productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described for controlling the operation of a dynamic rate adaptation algorithm by modifying control parameters exposed by the dynamic rate adaptation algorithm. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a rate adaptation module comprising a plurality of control parameters. The rate adaptation module monitors conditions of a network and adjusts a coding rate of a media encoder based on the network conditions and the plurality of control parameters. Each of the plurality of control parameters specifies a threshold value or a timing value that controls a response of the rate adaptation algorithm to the network conditions. The apparatus also comprises a client that receives a value for a first one of the plurality of control parameters and sets the first control parameter to the received value.