Distributed Video Production System Workflow Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadcast production systems for live events require expensive specialized equipment, leading to high production costs even for small events, and lack flexibility in resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A distributed video production system architecture that allows for the execution of local, remote, or mixed workflows, with mechanisms for synchronizing workflows and data streams, using software-based video production servers that map core broadcast functions onto processing elements, and dynamically adjust data block sizes to optimize hardware resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional specialized broadcast equipment is used, then video production quality standards are met, but production costs become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based virtual copies of broadcast equipment functions instead of physical hardware. Video production functions are implemented as software modules that can be mapped onto standard server hardware, creating a virtualized environment that replicates the capabilities of expensive specialized equipment without the associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows a single video production server to perform multiple different broadcast functions through software module mapping. The same hardware infrastructure can be dynamically configured to provide different video production capabilities, making the system universally applicable to various production scenarios without requiring dedicated specialized equipment for each function.
2Reliability
If dedicated video production servers are deployed for each production scenario, then video production quality is ensured, but system flexibility and resource utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically maps software modules to processing elements based on the specific production requirements. The configuration can be changed at runtime to accommodate different production scenarios, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to adapt to varying quality requirements and production complexities without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The video production system is divided into independent software modules that can be selectively activated and mapped to different processing elements. This modular architecture allows the system to allocate resources dynamically based on the specific needs of each production scenario, improving both flexibility and resource utilization while maintaining quality standards.
3Productivity
If multiple workflows are executed simultaneously in a distributed system, then resource utilization improves, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow orchestrator as an intermediary component that manages and coordinates multiple concurrent workflows in the distributed system. The orchestrator handles task allocation, data flow management, and synchronization between processing elements, abstracting the complexity of coordinating multiple workflows while enabling efficient resource utilization across the distributed infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A new architecture of a distributed video production system is suggested. The distributed video production system enables distributed execution of one or more workflows that are operated by one or more operators at the same time. The present disclosure suggests mechanisms for synchronizing workflows and data streams within the distributed video production system. A workflow orchestrator is aware of all workflows currently executed on the distributed video production system and selects the required processing resources. A run time orchestrator ensures that the blocks are available for processing by controlling the receiving broadcast functionality such that it requests the block only after it is available by taking into account a network delay.