NVMe Video Codec Device Scalability via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hardware-assisted video codec solutions, such as those built into CPUs or integrated into GPUs, face scalability issues and lack high-density video codec module deployment, leading to inefficient use of computational resources and limited upgrade options.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of NVMe-based video codec devices that connect to a host computer via a PCIe bus, utilizing the NVMe interface to house video codec modules within a form factor similar to Solid State Drives (SSDs), allowing for high-density video codec functionality and scalable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video codec modules are built into CPUs or integrated into GPUs, then video encoding and decoding functionality is provided, but scalability is limited and high-density deployment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video codec functionality from traditional CPU/GPU integration and packages it as independent NVMe devices. Each device contains dedicated video codec modules that can be individually deployed and scaled, allowing systematic expansion from 1 to N devices without increasing host processor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions video codec deployment from the processor integration dimension (CPU/GPU internal) to the storage device dimension (NVMe form factor). This dimensional shift enables high-density deployment in drive bays while maintaining standard PCIe connectivity, achieving scalability without proportional increases in computational resource complexity.
2Productivity
If expensive, power-hungry GPUs are used for video codec functionality, then high performance is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts video codec functionality from GPUs and CPUs, placing it in dedicated NVMe devices. This separation allows video codec operations to perform independently of host processor power consumption, reducing overall system energy usage while maintaining high throughput performance through specialized hardware acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard NVMe device form factors with conventional power requirements rather than requiring high-power GPU systems. These devices can be deployed in high density with each unit consuming minimal power compared to GPU equivalents, achieving aggregate high performance through parallelism rather than individual high-power units.
3Reliability
If proprietary device drivers are used for hardware-assisted video codec solutions, then hardware acceleration is achieved, but system complexity and upgrade difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs NVMe video codec devices to use standard NVMe and PCIe interfaces that are universally supported by modern operating systems. This universality eliminates the need for proprietary drivers, allowing seamless integration and straightforward upgrades without complex driver installation or system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the host system to automatically recognize and utilize video codec functionality through standard NVMe command sets. The devices self-integrate into the system without requiring manual driver configuration, and upgrades are handled automatically through standard device replacement procedures, reducing maintenance complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A NVMe™ or NVMe-over-fabrics enabled device with video codec functionality may be seen to overcome scalability problem of known hardware assisted video codec solutions. The device of aspects of the present application may or may not have storage media. A host computer communicates with the device through NVMe™ commands. The device may be in one of many SSD form factors, such as U.2 or AIC. The device may be provided as a component in NVMe-enabled computers or NVMe-over-fabrics-enabled systems.