Asynchronous Media Workflow Engine for Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video content networks handle incoming content in a linear fashion, making it difficult to determine the intended end product until the workflow is complete, and lack flexibility in resource management, leading to inefficiencies and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing asynchronous workflows that assign goals to media assets and poll relevant processes to determine prerequisites, allowing multiple processes to act on the asset simultaneously once prerequisites are met, enabling parallel processing and improved resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear workflow processing is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but processing speed and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic workflow processing where multiple processes can simultaneously poll media assets and execute when prerequisites are met, transitioning from static linear sequencing to dynamic parallel execution. This allows the system to adaptively determine processing order based on prerequisite satisfaction rather than fixed sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow is segmented into independent processes with defined prerequisites, allowing each process to operate autonomously when its conditions are satisfied. This segmentation enables parallel execution of independent processes while maintaining clear boundaries and dependencies between them.
2Productivity
If multiple processes act simultaneously on media assets, then productivity increases, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where processes continuously poll media assets to check prerequisite satisfaction. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust which processes execute based on current asset states, enabling coordinated parallel processing without resource conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
Prerequisites are established beforehand for each process, defining the conditions that must be satisfied before execution. This preliminary definition of execution conditions allows the system to safely parallelize processes while maintaining resource management integrity through pre-defined guard rails.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear processing is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different end products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow engine is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple types of media assets and support various end products (ABR, QAM, etc.) through the same parallel processing mechanism. The system's adaptability comes from its ability to configure different processes and prerequisites rather than requiring separate linear workflows for each product type.
Data Source
AI summary
At least a first goal is assigned to a media asset including content and metadata. For at least two of a plurality of processes of a workflow engine relevant to said at least first goal, said media asset is simultaneously polled from time-to-time to determine whether prerequisites of said at least two of said plurality of processes have been met. For at least one of said plurality of processes of said workflow engine for which said prerequisites have been met, said media asset is acted on to achieve at least a portion of said at least first goal.