HLS Transcoder Encoder Boundary Points for ABR Format Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face inefficiencies in storing and delivering adaptive bitrate (ABR) content due to the need to support multiple formats, leading to increased storage and bandwidth requirements, and vendor lock-in issues with proprietary solutions like Cisco's Common Intermediate Format (CIF), which relies on proprietary asset preparation and On-Demand Encapsulation (ODE) processes.
Innovation Solution
The HLS Common Format (HLSCF) system allows for on-demand transformation of HLS content into Microsoft Smooth, Adobe HDS, or MPEG DASH formats by inserting encoder boundary points and hints into HLS segments, enabling flexible segment durations and efficient decoder configuration access, thus avoiding the need for multiple content copies and proprietary asset preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ABR format copies are stored to support different protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but storage requirements and bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal Common Intermediate Format (CIF) that can be transformed into multiple ABR protocols (HLS, HSS, HDS, DASH) through a single transformation engine. This multi-functional system allows one content source to serve multiple protocol requirements, eliminating the need to store separate copies for each protocol while maintaining broad protocol compatibility across different device ecosystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CIF as an intermediary format between content sources and various ABR protocols. The transformation engine acts as a mediator that converts CIF content into the required protocol format on-demand. This intermediary layer decouples the content storage from protocol-specific requirements, reducing storage needs while enabling protocol versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary asset preparation processes like Cisco's ODE are used for format conversion, then format transformation capability is improved, but device complexity and vendor lock-in increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the format conversion system into distinct functional components: a protocol-independent CIF layer, a protocol-agnostic transformation engine, and protocol-specific output adapters. This segmentation allows the transformation capability to be implemented as a standalone system that can serve multiple vendors and protocols without being locked into a single proprietary ecosystem, reducing device complexity while maintaining format transformation versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, an HLS transcoder inserts a plurality of encoder boundary points (EBPs) into an HLS formatted content item, a processor places hints about locations of the inserted EBPs, and an inputter inputs the HLS formatted content item into an on-demand encapsulation process. Related systems, apparatus and methods are also described.