Cloud Microservices Orchestrate Media Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital media archive solutions are costly, require significant maintenance, and are inflexible, relying on on-premises infrastructure that is hard to scale and maintain, necessitating manual coding for workflow establishment and requiring specialized engineering staff, which limits innovation and increases technical debt.
Innovation Solution
A microservice application architecture using REST web services that allows non-engineers to create and orchestrate media pipelines dynamically through programmatically generated webforms, leveraging cloud-native serverless workflows and microservices to decouple functionality and empower administrators to manage workflows without extensive software development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-premises linear tape-open storage and enterprise workflow solution are used, then asset protection and archiving are achieved, but capital investment and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements digital media archiving by creating digital copies of media assets and storing them in cloud-based digital media archives, replacing physical tape storage. This allows asset protection through multiple digital replicas while eliminating the need for complex on-premises tape libraries and associated hardware infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical tape storage systems with cloud-based digital storage infrastructure. The physical mechanical systems (tape drives, library robots, cooling systems) are substituted with virtualized cloud storage services, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining asset protection capabilities.
2Productivity
If on-premises enterprise workflow solution is used, then media workflow management is achieved, but continuous maintenance and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements serverless cloud-based workflows that automatically manage media processing tasks without requiring continuous human intervention or specialized maintenance. The cloud infrastructure self-manages scaling, updates, and operational complexity, freeing engineering staff from routine maintenance while maintaining productive workflow management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-premises software infrastructure is used, then media pipeline functionality is achieved, but scalability and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cloud-based media pipeline platform that handles multiple media processing functions (transcoding, rendering, delivery) through a single unified infrastructure. This multi-functional cloud platform serves diverse media workflow needs while maintaining consistent ease of operation and maintenance across all functions, unlike specialized on-premises tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically scalable cloud-based media pipelines that can automatically adjust computing resources based on workflow demands. The infrastructure transitions from static on-premises hardware to dynamic cloud resources that scale up during peak processing needs and scale down during low-utilization periods, maintaining functionality while improving operational ease.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual workflow coding is required, then customized media workflows are achieved, but engineering staff time and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service workflow templates that allow media professionals to create customized workflows through configuration interfaces without requiring programming expertise. The system provides pre-built workflow templates that can be customized through parameter settings rather than code writing, enabling rapid workflow establishment while maintaining adaptability.
5Productivity
If siloed software tools are used, then specific media tasks are achieved, but development consistency and team collaboration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously siloed media processing tools into a unified cloud-based media pipeline platform. All media tasks (transcoding, rendering, delivery) are combined into a single integrated system with consistent development practices, eliminating the fragmentation that caused inconsistency across development, quality assurance, and production environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide the ability to orchestrate a media workflow using a computer system. A payload for an application programming interface (API) to be utilized to process media content is determined. The payload is parsed to display one or more variables of the payload in a graphical user interface. The variables are mapped to webform user interface elements. A job of the media workflow is executed. During execution, a webform of the user interface elements is programmatically generated and presented to an operator, data for the payload is received via the webform, and the received data is provided to the API to process the media content.