Abstract: Techniques are provided for a source computer to generate an encoded video stream having layered sub-streams with differing bitrates while allowing a streaming server to intelligently distribute the appropriate sub-streams to recipients based on their available bandwidth. This may be accomplished by having the source computer generate and send metadata along with the encoded stream to allow the streaming server to detect which data packets belong to each sub-stream. The streaming server is then able to selectively send consistent video sub-streams at appropriate bitrates to each recipient.

Abstract: In communication between first and second endpoints, packets include respective sequence numbers reflecting a sequential order of transmission. The second endpoint (1) identifies reception times for the packets, and stores the sequence number and reception time of each received packet, and (2) sends packet report messages to the first endpoint, each identifying (i) a respective received packet by its position within the sequential order of transmission of the packets, and (ii) the reception time of the received packet. The first endpoint (1) receives the packet report messages from the second endpoint, and (2) processes the packet report messages to (i) detect missing packets not identified as received in the packet report messages, and initiating re-transmission of the missing packets, and (ii) based on the reception times for the received packets, calculate time-based performance characteristics for the communications link for use in higher-level control of the communications link.

Abstract: A technique for encoding a video signal includes generating a representative value for each block of one or more video frames by applying a predetermined function to the pixels of the respective block. To perform a block matching operation for a current block, the technique applies the predetermined function to the current block and interrogates representative values of blocks at specified locations in a spatial and/or temporal vicinity of the current block to find a matching block whose representative value matches the one generated for the current block.

Abstract: In communication between first and second endpoints, packets include respective sequence numbers reflecting a sequential order of transmission. The second endpoint (1) identifies reception times for the packets, and stores the sequence number and reception time of each received packet, and (2) sends packet report messages to the first endpoint, each identifying (i) a respective received packet by its position within the sequential order of transmission of the packets, and (ii) the reception time of the received packet. The first endpoint (1) receives the packet report messages from the second endpoint, and (2) processes the packet report messages to (i) detect missing packets not identified as received in the packet report messages, and initiating re-transmission of the missing packets, and (ii) based on the reception times for the received packets, calculate time-based performance characteristics for the communications link for use in higher-level control of the communications link.

Abstract: When packet loss is detected during a communication session, a current interactivity mode is checked to determine whether to increase the amount of received audio data stored in a buffer of the receiving device. If the current interactivity mode indicates a low level of interactivity between participants in the communication session, then the total amount of received audio data stored in the buffer is increased, in order to increase the delay between receipt of audio data by the electronic device, and outputting of the audio data by the electronic device. The increased output delay is then used to recover lost packets, so that audio quality is increased while the level of interactivity between participants is low. When the current interactivity mode subsequently indicates higher participant interactivity, the amount of received audio data stored in the buffer may be reduced.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for a source computer to generate an encoded video stream having layered sub-streams with differing bitrates while allowing a streaming server to intelligently distribute the appropriate sub-streams to recipients based on their available bandwidth. This may be accomplished by having the source computer generate and send metadata along with the encoded stream to allow the streaming server to detect which data packets belong to each sub-stream. The streaming server is then able to selectively send consistent video sub-streams at appropriate bitrates to each recipient.

Abstract: When packet loss is detected during a communication session, a current interactivity mode is checked to determine whether to increase the amount of received audio data stored in a buffer of the receiving device. If the current interactivity mode indicates a low level of interactivity between participants in the communication session, then the total amount of received audio data stored in the buffer is increased, in order to increase the delay between receipt of audio data by the electronic device, and outputting of the audio data by the electronic device. The increased output delay is then used to recover lost packets, so that audio quality is increased while the level of interactivity between participants is low. When the current interactivity mode subsequently indicates higher participant interactivity, the amount of received audio data stored in the buffer may be reduced.

Abstract: A technique for encoding a video signal includes generating a representative value for each block of one or more video frames by applying a predetermined function to the pixels of the respective block. To perform a block matching operation for a current block, the technique applies the predetermined function to the current block and interrogates representative values of blocks at specified locations in a spatial and/or temporal vicinity of the current block to find a matching block whose representative value matches the one generated for the current block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bandwidth allocation and estimation are disclosed. A computer communicates via multiple active streams, each having a type. The computer determines whether to enable or disable bandwidth management. Upon determining to enable bandwidth management, the computer estimating a total available bandwidth, determines, for each stream, a requested bandwidth, and dynamically allocates a portion of the total available bandwidth among the active streams. Upon determining to disable bandwidth management, the computer foregoes dynamically allocating bandwidth among the streams.