Video Coder Bit Rate Allocation for Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia communication systems face challenges in optimizing link budget, particularly in allocating bit rate between video compression and protection, especially in heterogeneous networks with varying transmission conditions and error propagation, leading to sub-optimal quality and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic and adaptive method for controlling compression parameters of a video stream with multiple resolution levels, optimizing bit rate allocation based on perceived quality, using a joint controller to determine and supervise compression parameters, and incorporating adaptive modulation and coding techniques that account for channel conditions and content adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coding parameters are determined for a given operating point corresponding to average available bit rate, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt quickly to variations in transmission conditions leading to sub-optimal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to transmission conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of coding parameters by continuously monitoring transmission conditions (error rate, available bit rate) and adjusting compression and protection parameters in real-time. The system transitions from static operating points to dynamic parameter adjustment, enabling quick response to channel variations while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where transmission performance is continuously measured and used to adjust coding parameters. The joint controller receives information about actual transmission conditions and quality metrics, then modifies compression and protection parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If more bit rate is allocated to protection, then reliability improves, but the useful bit rate for video transmission decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against transmission errorsVSAvoiduseful bit rate for video
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the protection rate parameter based on actual transmission conditions rather than using a fixed allocation. The joint controller adjusts the proportion of bit rate dedicated to error protection versus useful video data in real-time, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and productivity according to current channel quality and content characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic bit rate allocation between protection and useful data, transitioning from static allocation to adaptive allocation that responds to transmission conditions. This enables the system to maximize useful bit rate when conditions are good while ensuring adequate protection when conditions deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive modulation and coding is used to modify transmission rate, then transmission conditions are adapted to, but delay and jitter problems occur due to constant bit rate constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to channel conditionsVSAvoiddelay and jitter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic bit rate variation at the source by adapting compression parameters in real-time, allowing the transmitted stream to naturally vary in rate according to content complexity and channel conditions. This eliminates the need for buffer-induced rate smoothing, thereby reducing delay and jitter while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary adaptation of coding parameters based on predicted or current channel conditions before transmission, allowing the bit rate to be optimized in advance for each transmission segment. This proactive approach enables smooth rate transitions without the delays associated with reactive buffer management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If video stream is compressed to higher resolution, then quality improves, but the bit rate required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo qualityVSAvoidbit rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts compression parameters including resolution, quantization step, and compression ratio based on available bit rate and transmission conditions. The joint controller modifies these parameters in real-time to achieve optimal quality for the given bit rate constraint, enabling high quality transmission when bandwidth is available while maintaining acceptable quality when bandwidth is limited.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2510701B1Method and apparatus for determining coding parameters of bitstreams of variable resolution
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 THALES SA
  • EP2510701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2510701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2510701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method of determining the coding parameters of a variable-resolution video stream by a video coder, said video stream being composed of a plurality (C) of resolution layers and being compressed so as to be transmitted at a given rate or a given quality Qi through a heterogeneous network to a plurality (K) of users (Ui), said method comprising a classification step the aim of which is to associate each resolution level with a group of users (Ui) and to determine the optimal coding parameters for each resolution level as a function of the requirements of each group of users (Ui).