Video Encoder Bandwidth Adaptation for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video transmission systems over low bandwidth channels face significant latency due to variable bandwidth conditions and the need to queue and buffer video frames, which is critical in security surveillance applications where real-time video is essential.
Innovation Solution
A video encoder with an adjustable compression factor, monitored by a bandwidth monitor that adapts compression based on channel performance and queued data properties, optimizes video transmission by adjusting the compression rate to ensure timely delivery of both video and non-video data without introducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If high rate of compression is used for video data, then video data rate is maintained below average bandwidth and transmission delays are reduced, but video quality deteriorates and available bandwidth is not fully utilised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compression factor based on real-time bandwidth monitoring and queue status. The compression factor is not fixed but adapts to changing channel conditions, transitioning between higher compression (when bandwidth is constrained) and lower compression (when bandwidth is abundant), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining low delay and preserving video quality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compression parameter dynamically based on system state. When the queue is not empty or bandwidth is limited, the compression factor is increased to reduce data rate and prevent delays. When the queue is empty and bandwidth is available, the compression factor is decreased to improve video quality and utilize available bandwidth, thus adapting to different operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If video data is transmitted over variable bandwidth channels, then transmission flexibility is improved, but accumulated latency increases due to queuing and buffering
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the queue status and bandwidth conditions, then adjusting the compression factor accordingly. The bandwidth monitor continuously observes channel performance and provides feedback to the video compressor, which adapts its compression level to maintain optimal transmission rate and minimize queuing delays while preserving transmission flexibility over variable bandwidth channels
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system serves itself by automatically adjusting compression based on its own monitored performance metrics. The system self-regulates the data rate by monitoring its own queue status and bandwidth utilization, making real-time adjustments to compression without external intervention, thereby maintaining low latency while adapting to variable channel conditions
3Productivity
If bandwidth is allocated to other data types, then channel utilization is improved, but video bandwidth availability decreases and video frames need to be queued
Solution Approach 1:
The video compressor dynamically adjusts its compression factor in response to bandwidth availability, which varies as other data types share the channel. When other data consume bandwidth, the system increases compression to maintain video transmission below the reduced available bandwidth, preventing queuing delays while allowing high channel utilization through multiplexing of different data types
Data Source
AI summary
A video encoder (2) is disclosed for sending video data to a server (4) over a channel. A video compressor (16) can compress video data using an adjustable compression factor. A multiplexer/pack constructor (18) can receive compressed video from the compressor, together with non-video data, and can queue data for transmission. A bandwidth monitor (20) is provided for monitoring the performance of the channel based on the behaviour of transmitted data packets, including their round-trip travel time to and from the server (4). The compressor (16) can modify the adjustable compression factor based on the performance of the channel, as determined by the bandwidth monitor, and the amount of non-video data received by the packet constructor. This can permit transmission of non-video data without disrupting the live video feed or introducing any delay.