Parallel Media Transcoding via Segmented Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media devices often struggle to play media files in unsupported formats or with large file sizes due to limited storage capacity, necessitating transcoding to convert files into compatible formats and reduce size.
Innovation Solution
A transcoding system employing multiple transcoder devices in parallel to process segments of media files, managed by a transcode manager that allocates and sequences output segments to ensure uniform quality and compatibility, using a multiplexor to assemble the transcoded media file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single transcoder device is used to convert media files, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is insufficient to handle large volumes of transcoding tasks efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a media file into multiple segments and processes them in parallel using multiple transcoder devices. Each transcoder handles a specific segment independently, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple portions of the same file, thereby significantly increasing overall transcoding throughput without requiring a single overly complex device
2Productivity
If multiple transcoder devices are used in parallel, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transcode manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple transcoder devices and the source/destination. The manager handles segment allocation, monitors processing status, and manages the assembly of output segments, thereby enabling parallel processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through centralized coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where transcoder devices report their processing status and completion to the transcode manager, which then coordinates the assembly of output segments. This feedback loop enables efficient resource utilization and ensures proper sequencing of parallel processing tasks without requiring complex direct communication between all transcoder devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If media files are stored in multiple formats for compatibility, then the adaptability improves, but the storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs transcoding in advance to convert media files into target formats suitable for specific media devices before they are needed. The transcode manager identifies required formats based on device capabilities and pre-converts files, so that when playback is requested, the appropriate format is already available, eliminating the need to store multiple format versions of the same file
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments directed to transcoding a media file in parallel. A media file may be accessed, the media file comprising a bit stream expressing a series of pictures. A first random access point in the bit stream and a second random access point in the bit stream are identified. An input segment of the bit stream is generated, the input segment comprising a starting point, the starting point being the first random access point. One of a plurality of transcoders is selected to transcode the input segment for generating a corresponding output segment, each transcoder being configured to operate concurrently in parallel. The output segment is stored in a memory.