Parallel Transcoding via File Identifier Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcoding processes are inefficient as they read media file bits twice, once for transfer and again for decoding, leading to suboptimal processor utilization and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Transcoding a file directly from a file identifier within a network by segmenting the file into chunks and using a distributed transcoder, which retrieves, segments, and transcodes the file without the need for local copying, thereby reducing read operations and maximizing processor utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the system copies the remote source file to a local hard drive prior to transcoding, then the file can be accessed and processed, but the system reads every bit twice (once for transfer and again for decoding), leading to suboptimal processor utilization and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media file into multiple independent chunks that can be processed in parallel. Each chunk is decoded and encoded independently, allowing the system to avoid reading the entire file twice sequentially. This segmentation enables efficient memory usage where chunks are loaded once and processed through multiple decoding/encoding passes without requiring full file re-reading, thus improving processor utilization and transcoding efficiency.
2Reliability
If the system reads the file bits twice (once for transfer to network, again for decoding and encoding), then the file can be properly processed, but this redundant reading increases processing time and reduces overall system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-segmenting the file into chunks and pre-loading them into memory before the actual transcoding process begins. This allows the system to have all necessary data readily available in memory during decoding and encoding operations, eliminating the need for repeated file reading from storage. The preliminary segmentation and loading ensure processing accuracy while significantly reducing transcoding time.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system uses a single transcoder to process the file, then the process is simple to implement, but the processor utilization remains below optimal levels and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transcoding task into multiple independent chunk processing units that can be handled by multiple transcoder instances running in parallel. Each transcoder processes specific chunks independently, allowing full utilization of available processing resources. This segmented approach maintains relative implementation simplicity while dramatically improving processor utilization and reducing overall transcoding costs through efficient resource usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Transcoding a file located within a network directly from a file identifier, including: retrieving the file using the file identifier; segmenting the file into a plurality of chunks; and transcoding the plurality of chunks using a distributed transcoder. Key words include segmenting and distributed transcoding.