VBR to CBR Stream Conversion Using Null Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Broadband operators face challenges in managing multiple versions of a program stream, particularly with variable bit rate (VBR) streams, as most servers and edge devices are designed for constant bit rate (CBR) streams, making it difficult to synchronize and switch between different versions seamlessly.
Innovation Solution
Converting multiple VBR versions of a program into CBR versions by adding null packets, allowing edge devices to generate a valid single program transport stream, which can be transmitted to servers and edge devices, enabling seamless switching between versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VBR versions of a program are transmitted to enable flexible bandwidth adaptation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases because most servers and edge devices are designed for CBR streams and cannot easily handle VBR streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms VBR streams into CBR streams using null packets as a mediator. The converter adds null packets to VBR streams to create CBR streams with matching bit rates, allowing seamless switching between versions while maintaining compatibility with existing CBR-designed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bit rate parameter of VBR streams by converting them to CBR streams with equivalent bit rates. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain multiple versions with different quality levels while using standardized CBR handling mechanisms in servers and edge devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of a program are stored and transmitted, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to synchronization difficulties when switching between versions
Solution Approach 1:
Null packets serve as timing mediators that synchronize multiple CBR streams. By inserting null packets at specific positions, the system ensures that different versions of the same program are time-aligned, enabling seamless switching without synchronization delays or time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion process performs preliminary synchronization by pre-calculating and pre-inserting null packets into each CBR stream before transmission. This preliminary action ensures that all versions are already time-aligned when received, eliminating the need for real-time synchronization adjustments during playback.
3Productivity
If VBR streams are used to reduce bit rate, then productivity is improved through efficient bandwidth utilization, but ease of operation deteriorates because switching between versions cannot be performed seamlessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms VBR streams into CBR streams with equivalent bit rates, changing the bit rate parameter from variable to constant. This transformation maintains the bandwidth efficiency benefits of VBR while enabling seamless switching between versions, as CBR streams with matched bit rates can be switched without disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
Null packets act as intermediaries that enable smooth transitions between different CBR versions. By using null packets to pad and align streams, the system allows edge devices to switch between versions seamlessly while maintaining the bandwidth efficiency achieved through VBR conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product. The method includes: receiving multiple variable bit rate version of a program; wherein different variable bit rate versions of the program differ from each other by their bit rate; converting each variable bit version of the program to a constant bit version of the program by adding null packets so that once an edge device removes the null packets a valid single program transport stream is generated; and transmitting multiple constant bit versions of the program to a server.