Video Encoder Rate Control via Adaptive Parameter Derivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video encoding systems face challenges in balancing mutually conflicting performance requirements of latency, channel bandwidth, and video quality, often resulting in user inconvenience due to marginal deviations in peak bandwidth or increased system latency.
Innovation Solution
A method for media rate control in video encoding systems that computes a remaining parameter set using a mathematical model, allowing for optimal configuration of video encoding and system management parameters to achieve desired media rate control, balancing latency, channel bandwidth, and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If large frames are generated by the video encoder to achieve higher quality, then video quality is improved, but transmission time increases and latency requirement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frame size adaptive rather than fixed. The video encoder dynamically adjusts frame size based on real-time conditions including buffer status, network bandwidth availability, and latency requirements. This allows the system to generate large frames when quality is prioritized and smaller frames when latency constraints are tighter, resolving the contradiction between quality and latency through temporal variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame size from a static value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By modifying frame size parameters based on system state (buffer fullness, network conditions, latency deadlines), the system can optimize the trade-off between video quality and transmission latency, achieving higher quality when possible while meeting latency requirements when necessary.
2Loss of time
If the system bursts encoded frames onto the network to achieve low latency, then latency is reduced, but channel bandwidth constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the encoder continuously monitors buffer status, network transmission progress, and bandwidth utilization. Based on this feedback, the encoder adjusts the frame generation rate and size to maintain low latency while respecting bandwidth constraints. The feedback loop ensures that bursting behavior is modulated to prevent constraint violations while achieving latency goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the frame transmission strategy based on real-time conditions. When bandwidth is available, frames are transmitted more aggressively to reduce latency; when bandwidth is constrained, transmission is throttled to maintain constraints. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between latency reduction and bandwidth constraint compliance.
3Reliability
If a fixed number of bytes is allocated for each frame to achieve bandwidth and latency constraints, then bandwidth and latency requirements are met, but video quality is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed byte allocation parameter into a variable parameter that adapts to system conditions. Instead of allocating the same number of bytes for every frame, the encoder adjusts the byte allocation based on frame complexity, buffer status, and quality requirements. This parameter change allows the system to meet bandwidth and latency constraints while optimizing video quality through adaptive resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different frames to have different quality levels based on their importance and system state. Critical frames may receive higher bit allocation for better quality, while less important frames use lower allocation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining constraints overall while optimizing quality where it matters most.
4Manufacturing precision
If latency and channel bandwidth requirements are strictly met to achieve the best possible quality, then video quality is optimized, but system complexity increases due to multiple parameter derivations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified rate control mechanism that simultaneously handles multiple objectives (quality optimization, bandwidth constraint satisfaction, latency management) through a single integrated system. Rather than deriving parameters separately for each objective, the system uses a multi-functional algorithm that achieves all goals concurrently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining quality optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for media rate control in a video encoding system disclosed. In one embodiment, an optimal remaining one of the three parameter sets (Sk) is computed based on the provided user configuration inputs of two parameters sets (Si, Sj), wherein the user configuration inputs comprise two parameter sets (Si and Sj) out of three parameter sets (Si, Sj, and Sk), wherein the three parameter sets are latency parameter set, channel bandwidth parameter set, and video quality parameter set. The video encoding system is then configured based on the provided two parameter sets (Si, Sj) and the computed parameter set (Sk) to obtain a desired media rate control having optimal performance.