Asynchronous Media Fabric for Real-Time Grain Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protocols like SMPTE 2022-6 and SMPTE 2110 are not suitable for asynchronous media processing in cloud or data center environments, imposing tight time constraints and limiting the efficient use of computing resources for media processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
The Asynchronous Media Fabric (AMF) framework allows media processing functions to operate asynchronously, using shared memory pools and control streams to manage real-time constraints, enabling efficient resource allocation and synchronization across multiple hosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If SMPTE 2022-6 and SMPTE 2110 protocols are used to transport uncompressed video in real time over ethernet, then real-time transmission with tight time constraints is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for asynchronous media processing in cloud or data center environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic time constraint mechanism where the time constraint parameter can be adjusted based on processing needs. The system transitions from fixed tight time constraints (SMPTE protocols) to variable time constraints that adapt to asynchronous processing requirements while maintaining real-time capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the time constraint parameter from a fixed value to a configurable parameter that can be modified based on the specific media processing task. This allows the system to switch between real-time mode (with tight constraints) and asynchronous mode (with relaxed constraints), resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
2Reliability
If tight time constraints are imposed on ethernet packet transmission to simulate SDI timing characteristics, then real-time transmission quality is maintained, but computing resource efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts time constraints based on the operational mode. In real-time transmission mode, tight time constraints ensure quality. In asynchronous processing mode, time constraints are relaxed to improve computing resource efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic checking of time constraints rather than continuous enforcement. The system periodically evaluates whether to enforce strict timing based on the current processing state, allowing computing resources to be utilized more efficiently while maintaining real-time quality when necessary.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant producers and consumers of media streams are deployed in cloud environments, then system reliability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where consumers signal their needs and producers adjust their transmission accordingly. When multiple redundant producers are deployed, the system uses feedback to identify which producers are actually needed, allowing inactive producers to reduce or stop transmission, thus reducing overall network bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic status checks and coordination between redundant producers and consumers. Instead of continuous transmission from all producers, the system periodically evaluates the operational state and activates only the necessary producers, reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining system reliability through periodic synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for an asynchronous media fabric service. The system includes at least one host configured with the asynchronous media fabric service. The asynchronous media fabric service is configured to: create and delete shared memory pools that are used to allow processes running on a single host direct access to grain data; send and receive grains from other hosts; and serve as an API end-point for asynchronous media fabric function processes to create, delete and obtain references to streams.