Data Preparation Device for Streaming Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for streaming audiovisual data over IP networks face challenges such as bandwidth limitations, variable throughput, and packet losses, which are not efficiently addressed by current protocols like TCP, and traditional techniques like simulcast and hierarchization violate the AIMD principle, leading to throughput disparities and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize error correction codes to gradually increase throughput, allowing seamless switching between data stream entities while maintaining TCP-friendliness, automatically correcting packet losses, and reducing complexity and storage costs, by adding error correction codes progressively and reinitializing them upon switching between stream entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TCP protocol with ARQ and retransmission is used to correct packet losses, then packet loss correction is improved, but transmission delay increases and available bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Forward Error Correction (FEC) codes to add redundant data in advance to the transmitted stream. This preliminary action enables the receiver to correct packet losses without needing to request retransmissions, thereby eliminating the delays associated with ARQ protocols while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces FEC codes as an intermediary mechanism between transmitter and receiver. These codes act as a mediator that carries correction information forward in the stream, allowing error correction without the need for return paths or retransmission requests, thus reducing delay compared to TCP's ARQ mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simulcast or hierarchization techniques are used to adapt video stream to available bandwidth, then bandwidth adaptation is improved, but the AIMD principle is violated and throughput disparities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the amount of FEC code insertion based on real-time network conditions and receiver buffer status. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to vary the effective throughput continuously, complying with the AIMD principle by gradually increasing throughput when conditions permit and reducing it when congestion or buffer overflow is detected, unlike the discrete switching in simulcast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of FEC code rate dynamically to adapt to available bandwidth. By adjusting the proportion of redundant data in the stream, the system can effectively control the useful throughput while maintaining adaptability to network conditions, thereby complying with AIMD without the throughput disparities inherent in discrete simulcast approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data stream entities are stored in database for different throughputs, then adaptability to bandwidth variations is improved, but storage costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream into original data packets and separately generated FEC code packets. Instead of storing multiple complete encoded versions of the stream at different throughputs, the system stores a single base stream and generates appropriate amounts of FEC codes dynamically, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base stream that can serve multiple throughput requirements by dynamically adjusting the amount of FEC code insertion. This single stream entity serves the function of multiple throughput-adapted streams, eliminating the need to store separate entities for different bandwidth conditions and thereby reducing storage costs and database complexity.
4Reliability
If error correction codes are added regularly to form augmented data stream, then packet loss correction is improved, but throughput overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by inserting FEC codes at a controlled, partial rate rather than adding maximum redundancy. The system inserts just enough error correction codes to handle expected loss rates, avoiding excessive overhead. This allows the useful throughput to remain high while still providing adequate packet loss correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the FEC code insertion rate based on actual network loss conditions and receiver buffer status. When loss rates are low or buffer levels are high, fewer FEC codes are inserted, minimizing overhead and maximizing useful throughput. When conditions deteriorate, the FEC rate increases to maintain reliability, optimizing the trade-off between correction capability and throughput efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a method for the preparation of data to be sent as a continuous stream via a communication network. The device comprises means for obtainment of the data originating from a database, which contains at least two data stream entities for data associated respectively with different transmission throughputs, means of transfer of these data to a sending system, means of connection to one of these entities, and means of switching of the means of connection from one of the entities to another. The preparation device also comprises means of regular addition to the data transferred, of error correction codes. The means of switching switch from a first entity to a second entity of greater throughput, when this augmented data stream reaches the sum of the sending throughput associated with the second entity and of an additional throughput associated with an initial input of error correction codes of the second entity, and the means of addition reinitialize the addition of the codes to this initial input upon this switching.