Digital Cinema Storage Failover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing data requirements of digital cinema packages (DCPs) exceed the storage capacity and data transfer rates of local RAID storage facilities in cinemas, leading to frequent deletions, updates, and interruptions during movie broadcasts, which can disrupt the viewing experience and compromise the cinema's business and reputation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an offsite central storage facility to store and transmit DCPs to local cinemas, with a failover mechanism to seamlessly switch to local storage in case of interruptions, ensuring continuous broadcasting by detecting abnormal data reading and switching to pre-stored copies, thereby enhancing storage capacity and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local RAID storage facilities are used to store DCPs, then data can be stored locally for broadcasting, but the storage capacity and data transfer rate are limited, causing interruptions during movie broadcasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single local storage dimension to a multi-dimensional storage architecture by introducing both local RAID storage and remote storage facilities. This dimensional expansion allows the system to access DCPs from multiple locations, effectively increasing available storage capacity and transfer rates without compromising local broadcasting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between local RAID storage, remote storage facilities, and the broadcasting system. This mediator manages data transfer routes, selects optimal storage sources, and ensures continuous broadcasting by switching between local and remote storage as needed.
2Reliability
If local RAID storage facilities are used, then data can be stored locally, but the transmission rate of data transfer is limited, causing interruptions to movie broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-positioning DCPs in both local RAID storage and remote storage facilities before broadcasting begins. This advance preparation ensures that high-speed data transfer can occur from the optimal location, preventing interruptions during the actual movie broadcast while maintaining reliable uninterrupted playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the system to switch between local and remote storage based on real-time conditions. The storage manager dynamically selects the optimal data source, adjusting data transfer routes and speeds to maintain uninterrupted broadcasting even when local transfer rates are insufficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DCPs are frequently deleted and updated in local disks according to movie schedule, then storage space can be reused, but storage failures can cause problems with theater broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local RAID storage with remote storage facilities into a unified hybrid storage system. This combination allows the system to maintain storage flexibility for frequent DCP updates while simultaneously ensuring broadcast stability through redundancy. When local storage undergoes updates or experiences failures, the remote facility provides a stable backup source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining pre-stored DCPs in remote storage facilities as a protective buffer against local storage failures. This prior preparation ensures that even when local disks are deleted or updated according to the movie schedule, the broadcasting system has a cushion of backup copies available to prevent interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a failover of storage for media content, including media content used for broadcasting in cinema. One embodiment of the invention stores copies of digital cinema packages (“DCPs”) to both a central storage facility as well as a local storage facility. When a server module reading DCPs in central storage module encounters abnormalities, it switches reading operations to the local storage module, at the same frame location from which interruption occurred. The present invention provides a multi-layered storage system for cinema broadcasting of a movie to decrease likelihood of interruptions during a broadcast that may be caused by failure of the central storage facility.