Multiple Bitrate Video Encoding Stream Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiple bitrate video encoding methods consume excessive bandwidth and storage by delivering video content in multiple streams with varying bitrates, resolutions, and frame rates, which can negatively impact video quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that combine fragments of multiple encoded video streams into a single output stream, utilizing an optimal bandwidth allocation by adjusting the Quantization Parameter (QP) based on fragment complexity and target bitrate, allowing for optimal video quality delivery while reducing the number of streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bitrate video streams are delivered to accommodate varying bandwidth conditions, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but bandwidth consumption and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple bitrate video streams into a single output stream by selectively merging fragments from different bitrate streams. The encoder ingests multiple input streams at different bitrates and combines them into one output stream, reducing the total number of streams that need to be delivered while maintaining adaptability to varying network conditions through QP adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single output stream serves multiple functions by containing fragments from different bitrate streams. This universal stream can adapt to different network conditions and device requirements without requiring separate delivery channels for each bitrate, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bitrate video streams are delivered to accommodate varying bandwidth conditions, then adaptability to different network conditions is improved, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bitrate streams into a single output stream, reducing the total storage requirements. By combining fragments from different bitrate streams into one universal stream, the system eliminates the need to store and manage multiple separate stream files, thereby reducing storage overhead while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If video is encoded at multiple lower bitrates to provide sub-streams, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but video quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidvideo quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the Quantization Parameter (QP) based on fragment complexity and target bitrate requirements. By dynamically selecting and combining fragments from different bitrate streams with appropriate QP adjustments, the system achieves bandwidth efficiency while maintaining video quality through intelligent fragment selection and adaptive encoding parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes encoding parameters, specifically the Quantization Parameter (QP), to optimize the balance between bandwidth efficiency and video quality. By adjusting QP based on fragment complexity and target bitrate, the system can deliver efficient bandwidth usage while preserving video quality through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If the Quantization_parameter is increased to decrease bitrate, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but picture detail and perceptual quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebitrateVSAvoidpicture detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the Quantization_parameter by adjusting QP based on fragment complexity and target bitrate requirements. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to reduce bitrate where appropriate while maintaining picture detail and perceptual quality through intelligent QP selection, resolving the trade-off between bandwidth consumption and video quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3238452B1Multiple stream video compression in multiple bitrate video encoding
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3238452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3238452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3238452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to reduce the number of video streams or increase the quality of delivered video with the same number of video streams in a multiple bitrate video encoding. Multiple video resolutions and/or frame rates can be combined into a single stream. In embodiments, optimal segments from a plurality of input streams can be selected for inclusion in an output stream based upon a range of acceptable quantization parameter values for the output stream and a quality characteristic associated with the optimal input stream.