Packet Routing Devices Using Embedded Timing Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current media production systems face challenges in managing timing data for media content routing within networks, as traditional routers lack the capability to locate and utilize timing data embedded in packet payloads or headers, leading to inefficiencies in executing changes under critical timing constraints.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves modifying packet routing and switching devices to recognize and utilize timing data embedded in packet headers or payloads, allowing for centralized control of IP routing based on payload-specific parameters, such as content type or timestamps, to enable precise routing decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If timing data is embedded in packet payload, then routing decisions can be based on content-specific timing, but routers cannot locate or read the timing data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming data accuracyVSAvoidtiming data accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (timing data location field or header embedding) that bridges the gap between timing data embedded in payloads and router processing capabilities. This intermediary allows routers to locate and access timing data without requiring deep payload inspection, resolving the contradiction between embedding timing data for precision and maintaining router accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves timing data from the payload dimension to the header dimension, creating a new access pathway for routers. By placing timing data in packet headers or providing location indicators, the system enables router access without compromising the content-specific timing information, thus resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional routing methods are used, then routers operate with simple forwarding rules, but they cannot execute routing changes under critical timing constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting execution speedVSAvoidtiming-based routing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static routing tables into dynamic structures that can be updated based on timing data. Routers can now adapt their forwarding behavior in real-time according to content-specific timing constraints, enabling both high-speed execution and timing-based flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the routing parameter from simple destination addresses to include timing data and execution control parameters. This parameter expansion allows routers to make timing-aware routing decisions while maintaining efficient forwarding operations, resolving the contradiction between speed and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If timing data is embedded in packet headers, then routers can easily locate and use the data, but the embedding process adds complexity to packet structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming data accessibilityVSAvoidpacket structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes existing packet header fields for timing data embedding, making the header serve multiple functions: traditional routing information and timing data storage. This approach improves accessibility without significantly increasing packet structure complexity, as no additional header sections are required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses location indicators or pointers in headers that reference timing data without duplicating the entire data structure. This copying mechanism allows routers to efficiently locate timing data while minimizing the actual data embedded in the packet structure, thus maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10044596B2Devices, methods, and systems for packet reroute permission based on content parameters embedded in packet header or payload
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 OSTROM CARL D
  • US10044596B2 patent drawing
  • US10044596B2 patent drawing
  • US10044596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices, methods, and systems are described for the execution of packet reroute authorization based on payload specific parameters embedded in either the payload or packet header. The described methods may be used for media production systems. The methods may also be configured for other applications in any packet based routing environment to provide payload or execution description parameters embedded in either the payload or packet header for routing control of any packet based traffic.