Local CDN Image Processing with FPGA and Tagged Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional content delivery networks (CDNs) face bottlenecks due to the need for source servers to handle various tasks, leading to response delays and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with requests for image processing and storage across vast geographical areas, as they often rely on file management systems that slow down response times and require frequent interactions with source servers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local CDN server with a processing component that performs image processing and selective storage using a unique tagging system, incorporating a field programmable gate array (FPGA) for image processing and storage control, and high-capacity NAND flash storage, allowing for local processing and storage of image information without relying on file system management, thereby offloading processing from source servers and optimizing storage and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If source servers perform all image processing tasks centrally, then processing capability is concentrated and controlled, but response time increases and source servers become bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized image processing function into distributed edge computing nodes deployed at CDN servers. Each edge node possesses local image processing capabilities, allowing requests to be handled locally without always requiring communication with central source servers. This segmentation reduces response time while maintaining processing quality through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-deploying image processing capabilities and cached image data to edge CDN servers before requests arrive. When image requests are received at edge nodes, processing can begin immediately using locally available resources, eliminating the need to wait for source server responses and significantly reducing latency.
2Loss of time
If CDN servers store and process images locally, then response time decreases, but storage management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file system management layer from the storage architecture, implementing a simplified storage model that operates directly on raw storage devices without traditional file system abstractions. This extraction eliminates complex file management operations while maintaining efficient local storage and retrieval capabilities at CDN edge nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal tagging system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: unique identification of image data, location tracking across distributed storage, and processing status monitoring. This multi-functional tagging approach simplifies storage management by consolidating what would otherwise require separate management systems into a single unified mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If conventional file management systems are used at CDN servers, then storage organization is standardized, but management operations slow down response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical file system management operations with a streamlined direct storage access mechanism. Instead of navigating through file system layers, permissions, and metadata structures, the system uses direct addressing via unique tags to locate and manage image data, eliminating the overhead of traditional file management while maintaining organizational capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention facilitates efficient and effective information storage device operations. In one embodiment, an add-in card for image processing selectively storing information includes a processing component that performs image processing locally on the add-in card and also directs selective image based storage of original image information and results of the image processing using a unique tag; a solid state storage device that selectively stores the original image information and results of the image processing, and a communication port that receives the original image information and selectively forwards the original image information and results of image processing on the original image information.