Encoder Time Budget Recovery via Dynamic Resolution Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time video encoders in content delivery networks often fall behind schedule due to exceeding allocated time budgets for encoding frames, leading to delayed frame delivery, which existing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The encoder adjusts encoding by switching to a lower resolution or using reference picture resampling (RPR) to reuse encoding decisions from previously encoded frames at a lower resolution, and can also switch to less computationally demanding algorithms to catch up with the time budget, before resuming normal encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the encoder uses high-resolution encoding algorithms to maintain quality, then encoding quality is improved, but encoding time exceeds the allocated time budget
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder dynamically adjusts its operating parameters by switching between first and second plurality of encoding algorithms based on real-time performance monitoring. When the encoder falls behind schedule, it transitions to the second plurality of algorithms that require less computational demand, and resumes the first plurality when catching up, creating a dynamic adaptation to time budget constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder changes its operational parameters by switching between different encoding algorithms with varying computational requirements. The system monitors encoding progress and adjusts the algorithm selection parameter to balance quality and speed, transitioning from quality-optimized algorithms to speed-optimized algorithms when time constraints are violated
2Manufacturing precision
If the encoder processes frames at high resolution to maintain content quality, then output quality is improved, but frame delivery timing is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder implements dynamic resolution switching by transitioning between encoding modes that process at different resolutions. When frame delivery timing is at risk, the encoder switches to processing at a second resolution that enables timely delivery, and returns to first resolution when timing constraints are satisfied
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder adjusts the resolution parameter based on timing feedback. The system monitors whether frames are being delivered within the expected time budget and dynamically changes the resolution parameter between two levels to ensure timing compliance while maintaining quality when possible
3Manufacturing precision
If the encoder uses computationally intensive algorithms to improve encoding precision, then encoding accuracy is improved, but computational demand exceeds available resources
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder changes the computational complexity parameter by selecting from multiple algorithm options. The system monitors encoding progress and switches between algorithms with different computational demands, adjusting the complexity parameter to match available computational resources while maintaining acceptable precision
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder dynamically adapts its computational resource usage by transitioning between different algorithm sets. When the encoder falls behind schedule or computational resources are constrained, it switches to less computationally demanding algorithms, and resumes using more precise but intensive algorithms when resources become available
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for improved content encoding are described herein. An encoder may allocate a time budget for encoding each frame of a content item. When the encoder takes longer than the allocated time budget to encode at least a portion of a given frame(s) of the content item at a first resolution, the encoder may take a number of actions in order to allow the encoder to “catch up,” such as encoding frames at a second resolution. Once the encoder catches up and the allocated time budget is not being exceeded, the encoder may resume encoding frames of the content item at the first resolution.