Audiovisual Encoder Redundancy via Temporal Reference Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
In TV-IP technology, encoder failures can lead to interruptions or poor quality of audiovisual content transmission, and existing redundancy solutions are costly and complex, requiring constant active infrastructure multiplication.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a local encoder and a remote encoder, both processing audiovisual content with synchronized temporal references, allowing seamless switching without interruptions, and an optional intermediate encoder for partial compression, enabling efficient and cost-effective redundancy without constant active redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant active redundancy infrastructure is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic redundancy where a remote encoder can be activated on-demand rather than maintaining constant active redundancy. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, activating backup encoding resources only when needed (e.g., during local encoder failure or maintenance), thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the redundancy function from the local encoding system and places it remotely. The remote encoder operates independently and can be activated to provide backup service, separating the primary and backup functions spatially and operationally, which reduces the complexity of the main system while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If encoder redundancy is implemented, then service availability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand activation of the remote encoder rather than continuous operation. The backup encoder remains dormant or in a low-power state and is activated periodically or event-driven (e.g., upon detecting local encoder failure), reducing the quantity of actively running encoding infrastructure while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a remote copy of the encoding function that can serve as backup. This copied encoding capability is maintained remotely and activated only when needed, providing redundancy without requiring duplicate active infrastructure at the primary location, thereby reducing overall infrastructure quantity and cost.
3Reliability
If seamless switching between encoders is implemented, then reliability is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where temporal reference information is continuously monitored and adjusted between local and remote encoders. This feedback loop ensures that when switching occurs, the temporal synchronization is maintained through real-time adjustment of timing references, enabling seamless transitions without manual intervention or complex pre-synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares temporal reference synchronization in advance by establishing correspondence between temporal references of local and remote encoders before switching is needed. This preliminary synchronization action ensures that when activation occurs, the transition is seamless without requiring complex real-time synchronization during the switch.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, method, and devices for compressing audiovisual content. According to the system there is provided a local encoder (100) located on site with a transmission entity (10), the local encoder (100) being configured to receive a first audiovisual content (150) and to produce a first compressed audiovisual content by processing the first audiovisual content (150); wherein the first audiovisual content includes one or more first audiovisual temporal references; a remote encoder (200) located (20) remotely relative to the local encoder (100), the remote encoder (200) being configured to receive a second audiovisual content (165) and to produce a second compressed audiovisual content by processing said second audiovisual content at least partially; wherein said second audiovisual content includes one or more second audiovisual temporal references.