Distributed Video Transcoding via Pre-calculated Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video stream transcoders are complex and expensive due to their processing-intensive nature, requiring expensive hardware for real-time compression, and often result in inefficient compression when using cheaper hardware by limiting parameter selection.
Innovation Solution
A method where parameter values for video streams are received and used by transcoders to simplify the transcoding process, reducing processing resources and hardware costs, while allowing for precise quality control by transmitting these values with the video stream, thereby eliminating the need for on-site parameter selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If expensive hardware is used for real-time compression in transcoders, then processing power and compression efficiency are improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and transmitting compression parameter values (such as motion vectors, quantization parameters, and macroblock types) from the video source along with the encoded video stream. This allows the transcoder to receive ready-made parameter values that guide the compression process, eliminating the need for complex real-time parameter selection and reducing hardware requirements while maintaining compression efficiency.
2Device complexity
If cheaper hardware is used in transcoders, then hardware cost is reduced, but compression efficiency and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing pre-calculated compression parameter values as a mediator between the video source and the transcoder. These parameter values, transmitted with the video stream, guide the compression process in cheaper hardware transcoders, enabling them to achieve compression efficiency previously only available in expensive systems. The parameters act as a bridge that transfers compression intelligence from the source to the destination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parameter selection is performed at the transcoder, then adaptability to client capabilities is improved, but processing complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining compression parameter values at the video source before transmission. These parameters are calculated in advance and transmitted along with the encoded video stream to the transcoder. This eliminates the need for the transcoder to perform complex real-time parameter selection, reducing processing complexity while still enabling adaptation to client capabilities through the pre-prepared parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering a video stream, including encoding a video stream into a first encoded stream and selecting encoding parameter values for subsequent transcoding the first encoded stream into a specific second encoded stream. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting the first encoded stream with the selected encoding parameter values to a transcoder over a standard communication network, transcoding the first encoded stream into a second encoded stream having the selected parameter values and forwarding the second encoded stream.