Dynamic Channel Creation via Pre-encoded Segment Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional broadcasting systems face challenges in dynamically updating content and creating new channels without incurring significant costs and infrastructure changes, as they rely on dedicated encoders that require re-encoding for every content change, limiting real-time or near-real-time flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A media content packaging and distribution system that dynamically schedules and creates channels based on user selection, using a scheduler and pre-encoded media content converter to insert media items into existing live feeds without re-encoding, allowing for real-time or near-real-time content updates and channel creation without the need for dedicated encoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dedicated encoders are used for content delivery, then content can be delivered reliably, but any content change requires re-encoding which increases cost and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media content into pre-encoded segments that can be independently selected and assembled. Instead of re-encoding entire content streams, the system divides content into manageable segments that can be dynamically combined based on user selection, eliminating the need for dedicated encoders at distribution points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs encoding actions in advance by pre-encoding media content into multiple segments with different qualities or formats. These pre-encoded segments are stored and ready for rapid deployment, allowing the system to respond to user selections without performing real-time encoding operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are created and maintained simultaneously, then viewer choice is increased, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal channel template that can serve multiple channel functions dynamically. Instead of maintaining separate dedicated infrastructure for each channel, a single channel template with pre-encoded segments can be instantiated and configured to represent different channels based on user selection, allowing one infrastructure to support multiple channel identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic channel creation where channel characteristics such as name, logo, and content selection are determined at runtime based on user input. The system transitions from static, pre-defined channels to dynamic channels that can be created, modified, or deleted on-demand without permanent infrastructure commitments.
3Productivity
If real-time content updates are implemented, then viewer experience is enhanced, but re-encoding requirements increase cost and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all encoding operations in advance during content preparation, creating multiple pre-encoded segments ready for immediate deployment. When content updates are needed, the system simply swaps pre-encoded segments rather than performing encoding operations in real-time, eliminating re-encoding delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-encoded copies of media content in various formats and qualities. Instead of encoding content when updates are needed, the system selects and copies appropriate pre-encoded segments to the output stream, enabling rapid content updates without encoding processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A content packaging and distribution system that distributes at least one channel to be viewed on at least one consumer devices, receives, from a source device, a media feed of a first channel of the at least one channel, and determines first media item for insertion in the media feed of the first channel. The first media item is determined based on criteria related to a user-selection on a first consumer device of the plurality of consumer devices, and criterion is based on selection of at least one second media item from a plurality of media items of the first consumer device. The content packaging and distribution system dynamically schedules the determined first media item in the media feed of the first channel for transmission, over a distribution system, to the first consumer device. The determined first media item is dynamically scheduled based on the criteria related to the user-selection.