Smart Camera Video Quality Adjustment via Network Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional smart cameras cannot adjust video bit rates according to network conditions, leading to poor video quality due to packet loss and bandwidth inefficiency in varying network environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that adjust video quality parameters based on network conditions by receiving target frame serial numbers, determining lost frames, and adjusting quality parameters to optimize video transmission rates, including splitting key frames and managing retransmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the smart camera transmits video data with higher bit rate, then video quality is improved, but network bandwidth resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo qualityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic quality parameter adjustment by continuously monitoring network conditions (packet loss rate, bandwidth availability) and adapting the video encoding bit rate accordingly. The camera transitions from static predefined bit rate to dynamic adaptive bit rate, allowing video quality to fluctuate in real-time based on actual network capacity, thus avoiding both over-transmission and under-transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the camera receives network status information (packet loss rates, bandwidth measurements) from the terminal or network, processes this feedback, and adjusts the quality parameters of subsequent video frames. This closed-loop control enables the camera to respond to changing network conditions and optimize bandwidth utilization while maintaining acceptable video quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the smart camera uses predefined bit rate, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to network environment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rate control mechanismVSAvoidnetwork environment adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system performs self-adjustment of quality parameters by autonomously monitoring network conditions and modifying its own encoding settings without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The terminal device also participates in the feedback process, reporting reception status to enable the camera to self-optimize transmission parameters based on actual network performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of video encoding (bit rate, resolution, frame rate, compression level) based on detected network conditions. When network quality deteriorates, the system automatically adjusts parameters to reduce bandwidth consumption; when network quality improves, parameters are increased to enhance video quality, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the smart camera transmits video data in congested network, then video transmission continues, but packet loss increases causing blurred screen or freezing image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo transmission continuityVSAvoidvideo playback quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

During network congestion, the system applies partial action by selectively reducing quality parameters rather than completely stopping transmission. It maintains video transmission continuity but at reduced bit rates or with lower priority frames, ensuring basic playback functionality while adapting to constrained network resources, thus balancing productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2986020B1Method and apparatus for adjusting video quality based on network environment
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 XIAOMI INC
  • EP2986020B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2986020B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2986020B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting video quality based on a network environment. The method includes: receiving (S11) a target frame serial number of a lost video frame from a terminal, and using time when the target frame serial number is received as a timestamp of the target frame serial number; determining (S12) the number of target frame serial numbers corresponding to the timestamps within a predefined time period; lowering a designated quality parameter according to a predefined configuration criterion when the number of target frame serial numbers is greater than a first threshold; or increasing the designated quality parameter according to the predefined configuration criterion when the number of target frame serial numbers is less than a second threshold, the first threshold being greater than the second threshold.