Receiver Bitrate Adaptation via Network Bandwidth Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current IPTV transmission methods do not allow for dynamic adaptation of bitrate to match available network bandwidth, leading to interruptions in audiovisual program streaming when network conditions change.

Innovation Solution

A method where the receiver periodically measures network conditions and adjusts the bitrate by selecting a version of the audiovisual program with a different bitrate from multiple versions available on the server, using a real-time server control protocol to request the appropriate portion of the program, allowing for dynamic bitrate adjustment without modifying the server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bitrate is kept fixed during transmission, then the server control logic is simplified, but the reception cannot adapt to network bandwidth variations causing interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebitrate adaptation to network conditionsVSAvoidserver control logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the server adapt the bitrate based on client feedback (traditional approach), the invention inverts the control by having the client autonomously select and request different bitrate versions based on local network condition measurements. This eliminates the need for complex server-side control logic while achieving adaptive bitrate transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The client device performs self-service by independently measuring network bandwidth and autonomously selecting appropriate bitrate versions without requiring server intervention or complex server control logic. The client sends requests with parameters indicating the desired bitrate based on its own measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of the programme are transmitted at different bitrates, then the reception can be adapted to network conditions, but the transmission bandwidth and data volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereception adaptation to bandwidthVSAvoidtotal data volume transmitted

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The audiovisual programme is segmented into multiple versions encoded at different bitrates, allowing the client to select and receive only the appropriate version based on current network conditions. This segmentation enables efficient bandwidth utilization by transmitting only the necessary data volume for the selected quality level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the bitrate parameter of the transmitted programme based on measured network conditions. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes the balance between transmission quality and network bandwidth utilization, avoiding unnecessary data volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the receiver waits for server control signals to adjust bitrate, then the server maintains central control, but the adaptation speed is reduced causing service interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebitrate adaptation speedVSAvoidcontinuous service delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The client performs preliminary actions by proactively measuring network bandwidth and pre-selecting the appropriate bitrate version before requesting transmission. This preliminary preparation enables immediate bitrate adjustment when network conditions change, eliminating delays associated with waiting for server control signals and ensuring continuous service delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10015225B2Method for dynamic adaptation of the reception bitrate and associated receiver

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 THOMSON LICENSING SA

AI summary

The invention discloses a method for reception of an audio-visual program transmitted via portions over a network, the method using a real-time transport protocol and a real-time control protocol between a server and a receiver, the audio-visual program being available on the server in a plurality of versions corresponding to the program coded in different resolutions and enabling its transmission at different bitrates according to requests of the receiver. The method comprising a regular measurement of the bandwidth of the network by the receiver in order to adjust the transmission bitrate according to the state of the network.