Streaming Server Dynamic Bit Rate Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current streaming servers lack the ability to inform clients about time-varying data flow rates and the causes of these variations, leading to potential data loss and quality issues due to unknown discrepancies between specified and actual data transmission rates.

Innovation Solution

A data-streaming server that determines and communicates permissible bit rates to clients based on transmission medium and equipment conditions, using feedback information to adjust encoding rates and notify clients of changes, ensuring data integrity and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the streaming server transmits data at a high specified flow rate, then the data transmission speed is improved, but data loss occurs due to transmission medium limitations and equipment conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic flow rate adjustment by continuously monitoring transmission medium conditions and equipment status, then adapting the encoding rate in real-time to match current capabilities, preventing data loss while maximizing transmission speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the server receives status information from clients and transmission medium, uses this feedback to determine actual permissible flow rate, and adjusts encoding accordingly to maintain data integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the streaming server uses data compression techniques to increase flow rate, then the data transmission efficiency is improved, but the actual received flow rate becomes fluctuating and differs from specified flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidflow rate information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback loops where the server monitors actual encoding rates produced by compression techniques, compares them against specified rates, and adjusts compression parameters to maintain accuracy while preserving transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces fixed mechanical flow rate specifications with adaptive electronic control that dynamically adjusts encoding rates based on real-time conditions, substituting rigid predetermined values with flexible condition-based determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the streaming server adapts signals to match transmission limitations, then data integrity is preserved, but the client has no means of determining the actual flow rate or cause of discrepancies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidflow rate transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces notification messages as intermediary information carriers that convey flow rate determination reasons from server to client, bridging the information gap while maintaining signal integrity adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the streaming server monitors and adjusts encoding rates in real-time, then data quality is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to feedback processing and notification mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoidstreaming server complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functional components where the flow controller simultaneously performs monitoring, determination, adjustment, and notification functions, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9231992B2Informative data streaming server
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 MASIMO CORP
  • US9231992B2 patent drawing
  • US9231992B2 patent drawing
  • US9231992B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of data streaming from an encoder to a decoder is provided. The method includes establishing a connection from said encoder to said decoder; acquiring measurements characterizing said connection; estimating transmittance variation of said connection according to said measurements; determining a permissible encoding rate of said encoder compatible with the transmittance variation; determining a set of metrics characterizing said connection; receiving, at said encoder, a signal from a source; instructing said encoder to encode said signal according to said permissible encoding rate; selecting a set of notification-display intervals each corresponding to a respective metric among said set of metrics; and superimposing on said signal, during said notification-display intervals, corresponding indications of said metrics. A corresponding system is also provided.