Media Server Automatic Track Routing via Identifier Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for adding local language support to media clips, such as the stacking and program copy models, are time-consuming and complex, requiring manual management of audio tracks and multiple copies of media clips, which can lead to errors and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatic media track routing, where a media server selects and routes media tracks based on track identifiers matching configurable output port labels, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the complexity of managing multiple language tracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the stacking approach is used to add local language tracks, then multiple language tracks can be provided in a single media clip, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex due to manual management of stacking order

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal language supportVSAvoidtime-consuming process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically routes media tracks to output ports based on matching track identifiers with output port labels, eliminating the need for manual intervention in managing stacking order. The automation system performs the routing function itself without requiring operator intervention, thus resolving the time-consuming nature of the stacking approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the program copy model is used to add local language tracks, then separate copies can be made for each language, but the complexity increases due to managing multiple copies of media clips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal language supportVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple copies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple language tracks into a single media clip structure, allowing all language versions to coexist in one clip rather than requiring separate copies. The automatic routing system directs the appropriate language track to the correct output port based on identifier matching, thus reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate media clip copies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual management of audio tracks is performed, then accurate routing can be achieved, but operational complexity and error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccurate routingVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses track identifiers as feedback mechanisms to automatically match and route media tracks to the correct output ports. The identifier matching process provides a self-correcting mechanism that ensures accurate routing without manual intervention, reducing both operational complexity and error risk while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7581016B1System and method for automatic media track routing

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 HARMONIC INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for automatically routing a media track. In one embodiment, a system (e.g., a media server) automatically routes a media track to an output port of the system based on at least a partial match between a track identifier and a configurable output port label. The media track can be either an audio track or a video track.