Threshold-based intra-video synchronization for multimedia communications

Abstract

Multimedia communications often require intramedia synchronization for video data to prevent potential playout discontinuity while still retaining satisfactory playout throughput. In this paper, we propose a novel intra-video synchronization mechanism, called the Video Smoother, particularly suitable for low-end multimedia applications, such as video conferencing. Generally, the Video Smoother dynamically adopts various playout rates according to the number of frames in the playout buffer in an attempt to compensate for the delay jitter introduced from networks. In essence, if the number of frames in the buffer exceeds a given threshold (TH), the Smoother employs a maximum playout rate. Otherwise, the Smoother employs linearly or exponentially reduced rates to eliminate playout pauses resulting from the emptiness of the playout buffer. To determine optimal TH's achieving a minimum of playout discontinuity and a maximum of playout throughput under various bursty traffic, we propose an analytic model assuming incoming traffic following an Interrupted Bernoulli arrival Process (IBP). As a result, optimal TH's can be analytically determined resulting in superior playout quality under various arrivals and loads of networks. Finally, we display simulation results which demonstrate that, compared to the playout without intra-video synchronization (instant playout), the Video Smoother achieves superior smooth playout and compatible throughput.