Edge Cache Content Distribution Path Carbon Footprint Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital content distribution methods, such as continuous streaming through Content Delivery Networks, result in significant CO2 emissions and existing methods to reduce environmental impact are not satisfactory, especially for users who do not modify their consumption habits.

Innovation Solution

A method for selecting a digital content delivery network with a lower carbon footprint by storing content in user cache units using broadcasting networks like DTT, satellite, or IP networks, optimizing distribution paths based on carbon emissions, user profiles, and geographical location, allowing for asynchronous delivery and reduced storage costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous streaming distribution through CDN is used, then user content access is provided, but carbon emissions are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcarbon emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-distributes content from CDN to edge cache nodes before users request it. This preliminary action stores content closer to end users, reducing the need for continuous high-carbon streaming transmissions and lowering overall carbon emissions while maintaining fast access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces edge cache nodes as intermediary components between CDN and end users. These intermediaries store content locally and serve users directly, reducing traffic on high-carbon transmission paths and decreasing overall carbon footprint of content delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If existing eco-responsible distribution methods are used, then carbon impact estimation is provided, but user consumption is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon impactVSAvoiduser content choice

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables edge cache nodes to automatically manage content distribution and caching decisions based on local conditions and user demand patterns. This self-service approach reduces carbon impact through intelligent local caching without requiring users to modify their consumption habits or content choices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If content is stored in user cache units using broadcasting networks, then carbon footprint is reduced, but distribution path selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon footprintVSAvoiddistribution path selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where edge cache nodes report content demand patterns, cache hit rates, and local conditions back to the CDN. This feedback enables intelligent, automated path selection and caching decisions that reduce carbon footprint without requiring complex manual configuration or increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4131889A1Method for reducing the carbon footprint of the distribution of digital content, in particular through the use of a distribution network and local storage of content

Publication Date: 2023.02.08 QUADRILLE INGIE

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AI summary

Method of selecting a digital content delivery network for the purpose of storing, transiently or otherwise, in at least one user cache unit (150), at least one piece of content (C) provided by a service provider (OTT), wherein: - the service provider (OTT) is allowed to address a distribution server (100) with a request relating to a piece of content (C) to be distributed, and - a distribution path to the user cache unit (150) is selected based on the carbon footprint of that path.