Media Content Segmentation for Storage Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for video and audio content is leading to inefficient content distribution due to the need for full copies of video libraries in multiple locations, resulting in high storage costs and inefficient use of storage space, as viewers typically only watch a portion of content items.

Innovation Solution

A method of dividing media content items into segments, such as prefix and suffix segments, based on viewing patterns, and assigning these segments to different distribution nodes within a content distribution system based on demand information and cost functions, allowing for independent placement and storage optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full copies of video library are stored in multiple locations, then content availability is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent availabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The video library is divided into multiple segments based on viewing patterns. Instead of storing complete copies of all videos at each distribution node, only relevant segments are stored locally. This segmentation allows the system to maintain content availability for frequently accessed portions while significantly reducing the total storage space required across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different distribution nodes store different segments of the video library based on local demand characteristics. Each node optimizes its storage by keeping only the segments that are relevant to its served users, rather than maintaining identical full copies. This local optimization reduces redundant storage while ensuring that each node has the appropriate content for its users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If full copies of video library are stored at each location, then content access speed is improved, but storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent access speedVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the video library and storing only necessary segments at each distribution node, the system achieves fast access to commonly viewed content without the expense of storing complete video libraries locally. The segmented approach enables rapid delivery of relevant content while avoiding the storage costs associated with maintaining full copies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores only the necessary portion (partial action) of each video that is likely to be viewed, rather than complete copies. This partial storage strategy is sufficient to meet user needs since viewers typically watch only a portion of content, thereby reducing storage capacity requirements while maintaining acceptable access speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If video library size increases, then content variety is improved, but storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent varietyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

As new content is added to the video library, it is automatically segmented and distributed to appropriate nodes based on demand patterns. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate increased content variety without proportionally increasing storage space at each location, since only relevant segments are replicated locally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segment-based storage system creates a universal framework where a single segment can serve multiple distribution nodes and multiple content varieties. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle diverse content libraries efficiently, as the same storage infrastructure supports varying content collections across different nodes without requiring dedicated full copies at each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8799967B2Using video viewing patterns to determine content placement

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method includes receiving demand information for a first segment of a media content item and receiving demand information for a second segment of the media content item. The method includes assigning the first segment to a first set of distribution nodes of a media content distribution system based at least partially on the demand information for the first segment and based at least partially on a first cost function and assigning the second segment to a second set of distribution nodes of the media content distribution system based at least partially on the demand information for the second segment and based at least partially on a second cost function. The media content distribution system includes a plurality of distribution nodes and each distribution node is configured to provide media content items to at least some of a plurality of endpoints.