Data Carousel Distribution with Error Correction for Lower Bandwidth

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data distribution methods, such as peer-to-peer networking, do not effectively reduce the total network bandwidth required for file distribution, as each user receives a dedicated transmission of the file, leading to server overload and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of data carousels, where a file is divided into portions and transmitted across multiple devices using multicast technology, allowing devices to access and reconstruct the file by identifying missing portions and utilizing error correction information, with a carousel directory organizing the distribution in a tree-like structure to optimize throughput and availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If peer-to-peer networking is used to distribute files across multiple hosts, then server overload is reduced, but total network bandwidth consumption remains high because each user receives a dedicated transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver load distributionVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The file is divided into multiple segments that are distributed across different carousels. Each carousel transmits a portion of the file segments to multiple users simultaneously, allowing users to receive segments from multiple sources rather than dedicated transmissions, thereby reducing total network bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple carousels are merged into a coordinated distribution system where they collectively serve multiple users. The carousels work together to provide file segments to users, combining their transmission capabilities to reduce redundant bandwidth consumption while maintaining server load distribution benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If multiple carousels transmit different portions of a file to reduce bandwidth, then network efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to the need for carousel directory management and error correction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork bandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidcarousel directory and error correction system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Error correction information is pre-calculated and embedded within the carousel transmissions before data is sent to users. The carousel directory is established in advance to organize which carousels hold which file portions. This preliminary preparation reduces the need for complex real-time processing during data reception and reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carousel directory acts as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple carousels. It provides a centralized lookup mechanism that tells users which carousels contain which file segments, eliminating the need for users to directly manage the complex multi-carousel system. The intermediary absorbs the organizational complexity while presenting a simple interface to users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a carousel directory organizes carousels in a tree-like structure to optimize data distribution, then data availability and download speed improve, but the system requires more sophisticated carousel selection and coordination mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownload speedVSAvoidcarousel selection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The file distribution system is segmented into a hierarchical tree structure where the carousel directory sits at the root and organizes multiple carousels as branches. This segmentation allows users to efficiently locate and access file segments from appropriate carousels in the tree, improving download speed by providing direct access paths while the hierarchical structure naturally manages the complexity of carousel selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carousel directory maintains comprehensive organization information about all carousels in the system, which is more detailed than strictly necessary for any single user query. This excessive organization capability ensures that regardless of which carousel becomes unavailable or which user needs which data, the system can quickly redirect to alternative carousels, improving data availability and download speed while the pre-computed organization simplifies the selection mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8566681B1Distributed data distribution

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Data may be distributed using data carousels. After a device receives the data, or a portion thereof, the device may make available a data carousel that allows others to receive the data. Each data carousel may contain a portion of the data. Data carousels may also contain error correction information that can be used to reconstruct missing portions of the data being distributed. A carousel directory may keep track of the carousel structure and direct the behavior of devices that are receiving data and/or distributing data.