Software Rate Generator for Video Bitstreams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems require complex and costly custom hardware or parallel processing techniques to constrain bitstream delivery rates, which is inefficient for serving multiple users with unique bit rates in information distribution applications like video on demand.
Innovation Solution
A software-based method using a rate generator with parallel oscillator modules, each comprising a phase accumulator, phase increment register, and adder, generating multiple clock signals with arbitrary frequencies to manage multiple constant bit rate data streams efficiently, allowing for varied video content delivery without the need for multiple clock circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom hardware and parallel processing techniques are used to constrain bitstream delivery rates, then bit rate control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces custom hardware rate generator circuits with a software-based rate generator implementation. The software process uses a priority queue data structure and deadline-based scheduling algorithms to control bitstream delivery rates, substituting mechanical/electrical hardware systems with software-based control mechanisms. This maintains bit rate control precision while significantly reducing hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from hardware circuit timing to software-managed deadlines and priorities. By representing rate control information as deadline values in a priority queue rather than hardware timing signals, the system achieves the same bit rate control function through software parameter manipulation, eliminating the need for complex custom hardware circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel processing techniques are used to serve multiple users with unique bit rates, then service capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal software-based rate generator that can serve multiple users with different bit rate requirements using a single unified process. The priority queue structure allows the same software mechanism to handle arbitrary numbers of concurrent bitstreams with unique deadlines and priorities, providing multi-user service capability without requiring separate hardware rate generators for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple rate control functions into a single software process that manages all bitstreams through one priority queue data structure. Instead of using separate parallel processing hardware for each user, the system combines all rate control operations into unified software logic that processes deadlines and priorities sequentially, reducing processing complexity while maintaining multi-user service capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for constraining the delivery rate of a plurality of bitstreams, such as MPEG bitstreams using a single software process.