Distributed Video Encoding via Local-Remote Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost of processing multiple video stream versions for different devices at the capture site increase due to varying resolutions, computing capabilities, and bandwidths, leading to processing bottlenecks and potential playback interruptions.

Innovation Solution

Distributing encoding responsibilities between a local computing device and a remote media server, where the local device generates some adaptive bitrate renditions and sends them to the server to generate the rest, allowing for flexible streaming and reduced bandwidth requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of the live video are generated at the capture site to accommodate different user devices, then streaming compatibility is improved, but processing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestreaming compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the encoding process into two segments: local encoding at the capture site for one high-quality rendition, and remote encoding at the media server for additional renditions. This segmentation allows each location to focus on specific encoding tasks, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining compatibility across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary between the capture site and user devices. The media server handles the generation of multiple adaptive bitrate renditions, acting as a mediator that offloads processing complexity from the capture site while ensuring streaming compatibility across different user devices with varying capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of the live video are generated at the capture site to accommodate different user devices, then streaming compatibility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestreaming compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The media server serves as an intermediary that assumes the burden of generating multiple video renditions. By relocating the encoding resources to the media server, the capture site incurs minimal processing costs while still achieving comprehensive device compatibility through the server's multiple adaptive bitrate outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of generating multiple full-resolution video versions at the capture site, the system transmits one encoded rendition to the media server, which then creates additional copies at different bitrate levels. This copying approach at the server side reduces the processing burden and resource consumption at the capture site while maintaining streaming compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If all adaptive bitrate renditions are generated at the media server, then processing resources at the capture site are reduced, but bandwidth requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing resources at capture siteVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bandwidth usage by having the capture site transmit only one encoded rendition to the media server, rather than transmitting multiple renditions or raw video data. This segmentation optimizes bandwidth consumption at each stage: minimal bandwidth is used for the initial transmission, and the server generates additional renditions using its own resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of energy

If the local computing device generates all adaptive bitrate renditions, then bandwidth requirements between devices are reduced, but processing resources at the capture site increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth requirementsVSAvoidprocessing resources at capture site

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The media server acts as an intermediary that assumes the role of generating multiple adaptive bitrate renditions. This intermediary approach allows the capture site to transmit a single rendition with minimal bandwidth consumption, while the server handles the complex task of creating additional renditions, effectively balancing bandwidth and processing resource distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9936206B2Distributed encoding of a video stream

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 WOWZA MEDIA SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method includes receiving input at a computing device, where the input indicates a value of a local encoding parameter, indicates a value of a remote encoding parameter, and identifies a first subset of streams and a second subset of streams. The first subset and the second subset correspond to renditions of a video stream. The method further includes sending, to a media server, the first subset and the value of the remote encoding parameter, where the first subset includes a particular rendition of the video stream generated using a lossless encoding scheme, and wherein the media server is configured to generate the second subset of streams based on the value of the remote encoding parameter and based on the particular rendition.