Cloud Media Workflow Switching for Continuous Data Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network-based media processing (NBMP) standards lack the ability to ensure seamless data flow continuity during workflow updates, leading to potential data loss during transitions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and apparatus that utilize scaling and transition approaches, including switching, split-merge, and replacement functionalities, to manage workflow updates without data loss, using a scale descriptor to define parameters for seamless transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workflow update is performed using existing NBMP standard, then workflow can be updated, but data flow continuity is interrupted and data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow update capabilityVSAvoiddata flow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating a new workflow version before switching from the old workflow. The new workflow is prepared in advance with all necessary configurations, and a switch point is predetermined where the transition from old to new workflow will occur. This ensures that when the switch happens, the new workflow is ready to continue data processing without interruption, preventing data loss during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that manages the transition between old and new workflows. This intermediary coordinates the switching process by identifying the switch point in the data stream, managing the transition timing, and ensuring that data flow is seamlessly transferred from the old workflow to the new workflow. The intermediary acts as a mediator that maintains data flow continuity during the update process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If workflow switching is implemented, then new workflow can be deployed, but data integrity may be compromised during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow switching capabilityVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor data flow during the workflow transition. By continuously monitoring the data stream and comparing it against expected parameters, the system can detect any data loss or integrity issues during the switching process. This feedback allows for real-time adjustments and ensures that data integrity is maintained throughout the transition from old to new workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The new workflow is created and configured in advance before the actual switching occurs. All necessary data processing logic, validation rules, and continuity parameters are pre-established in the new workflow. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the switch point is reached, the new workflow is ready to continue processing data with the same integrity standards, preventing any compromise of data integrity during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If complete workflow replacement is used, then new functionality can be implemented, but data processing continuity is broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow replacement capabilityVSAvoiddata processing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the workflow into distinct versions (old workflow and new workflow) that can operate independently. By segmenting the workflow replacement process, the system can maintain the old workflow running concurrently with the new workflow, allowing data processing to continue without interruption. The segmentation enables selective switching at specific points in the data stream while maintaining overall processing continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining both old and new workflows operational simultaneously. The new workflow processes data from the switch point forward, while the old workflow continues to process data from previous points. This overlapping operation ensures that data processing never stops - there is always an active workflow handling data, thus maintaining continuous productivity during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12423135B2Method and apparatus for switching or updating partial or entire workflow on cloud with continuity in dataflow

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 TENCENT AMERICA LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for scaling a Network Based Media Processing (NBMP) workflow on a cloud platform. The method includes obtaining an input workflow including input media stream, determining at least one of scaling type information or transition type information for the input work flow; generating a updated workflow based on the determined at least one of the scaling type information or the transition type information and processing the updated workflow.