Dynamic Processing Unit Allocation in Audiovisual Distribution Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audiovisual data broadcasting systems are monolithic and static, making them rigid and difficult to scale or modify, limiting their ability to adapt to changing demands and integrate new functionalities.

Innovation Solution

An elementary module is introduced that dynamically allocates and manages processing units within a processing chain, allowing for a variable number of processing units to be used based on demand, with each unit being stateless and capable of switching between different processing tasks, enabling a flexible and agile system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a monolithic and static system architecture is used, then system stability and simplicity are maintained, but scalability and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent processing units that can be dynamically allocated and deallocated. Each processing unit represents a discrete functional block that can be individually managed, allowing the system to scale by adding or removing units as needed without affecting the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static architecture to a dynamic one where processing units can be allocated and deallocated based on real-time demands. The allocation module continuously adjusts the number of active processing units, enabling the system to adapt its capacity dynamically rather than being fixed at design time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the number of processing units is increased to handle higher demand, then processing capacity is improved, but system complexity and resource management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidresource management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Processing units are designed to be stateless and self-contained, each capable of independently executing processing tasks without requiring complex inter-unit coordination. This self-service capability reduces the management overhead as units can be added or removed without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Processing units are designed with universal functionality to handle different types of processing tasks. This multi-functionality allows a single unit to perform various operations, reducing the need for specialized units and simplifying resource management while maintaining high processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If processing units retain information between operations, then processing accuracy is improved, but memory consumption and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration parameters and processing instructions are passed explicitly to each processing unit before execution begins. This preliminary provision of necessary information allows units to process data immediately without needing to retain or retrieve information from previous operations, eliminating memory access delays while maintaining processing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed number of processing units is allocated, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility to adapt to changing demands is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The allocation module continuously monitors system demands and adjusts the number of active processing units accordingly. This feedback mechanism automatically balances flexibility and simplicity by only activating additional units when actually needed, avoiding the complexity of permanently maintaining a large fixed infrastructure while ensuring adequate capacity during peak demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3675425B1Basic module of a system for the distribution of audiovisual content

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 QUORTEX

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AI summary

Elementary module of a processing chain of a system for distributing audiovisual content stored or produced live from sources to display terminals, each content being received by a terminal in the form of a succession of segments, each segment being distributed to a terminal following the transmission of a request by said terminal and being obtained by applying a processing chain to a portion of a content.The elementary module executes a predefined type of processing from the processing chain and includes: a variable plurality of processing units available to execute the predefined type of processing, the elementary module regularly obtaining representative information from each processing unit added or removed from the plurality, an allocation module, capable of managing allocations and deallocations of processing units from the plurality according to requests for first data received; and, a load management module capable of choosing for each request received at least one processing unit from among the allocated processing units to process second data in order to obtain first data requested.