Video Client Bandwidth Estimation via Packet Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating bandwidth between a video server and a video client are either intrusive or inaccurate, particularly for ultra-low latency video streams like live video streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates bandwidth by determining the difference in size and time of reception of video packets, allowing for non-intrusive and accurate bandwidth estimation suitable for ultra-low latency video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If artificial bursts are added in the video stream to estimate bandwidth, then bandwidth estimation can be achieved, but the method becomes intrusive and inaccurate for ultra-low latency streams
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the video client's own buffer state information and naturally received packet timing data to estimate bandwidth, without requiring external test signals or modifications to the video stream. The client independently calculates bandwidth based on when packets arrive and the buffer consumption rate, making the estimation self-contained and non-intrusive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts bandwidth estimation capability from the video stream itself by monitoring packet arrival times and buffer state changes. Instead of adding external test signals, the system extracts timing information from the actual video packets being transmitted, separating the measurement function from the media content
2Measurement precision
If buffer monitoring is used to estimate available bandwidth, then bandwidth information can be obtained, but the method is inaccurate for live video streams with ultra-low latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating expected buffer consumption rates based on historical data and packet timing patterns. This allows the client to predict future bandwidth conditions without waiting for buffer to fill or empty, providing advance notice for adaptive bitrate switching before actual bandwidth changes occur
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth estimation is made dynamic by continuously updating the calculation based on real-time packet arrival intervals and current buffer state. The system adapts the estimation window and weighting factors dynamically, giving more weight to recent measurements while maintaining stability, allowing rapid response to changing network conditions in live streaming
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video stream versions with different bit rates are maintained, then adaptive bitrate switching is enabled, but server complexity and bandwidth usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining multiple complete video stream versions, the system changes the approach by using a single video stream with dynamic parameter adjustment. The client requests video packets and receives adaptive bitrate information through the bandwidth estimation mechanism, allowing bitrate changes without duplicating entire video streams on the server
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single video stream universal by enabling it to serve multiple bitrate requirements through client-side adaptive processing. The same video stream can be decoded at different effective bitrates by the client based on available bandwidth, eliminating the need for multiple specialized stream versions while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating bandwidth between a video server and a video client for playing back a video stream includes video packets. The method involves the following steps performed by the video client: receiving the video packets from the video server wherein the video packets are transmitted by the video server at predetermined time intervals; calculating a difference in a size of the video packets and a difference in a time of reception of the video packets; and estimating the bandwidth based on the calculated difference in size and the calculated difference in the time of reception. The present disclosure further relates to a media player configured to perform the disclosed method.