Pre-pitched VOD Transcoding with Distribution Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Media content providers face challenges in quickly distributing time-shifted media content across various platforms, leading to revenue losses due to delayed turnaround times and inefficiencies in preparing and delivering video on demand (VOD) content.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for pre-distributing transcoded media content with a distribution indicator, allowing for early preparation and distribution of VOD files ahead of scheduled transmission, followed by removal of the indicator upon confirmation of content accuracy, enabling timely delivery to remote devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If media content providers wait until after broadcast to prepare and distribute VOD content, then content accuracy is ensured, but distribution time is delayed causing revenue loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution timeVSAvoidcontent accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs transcoding and prepares VOD content in advance before the actual broadcast occurs. Pre-broadcast content is transcoded to the required format and stored ready for distribution, eliminating the post-broadcast processing delay. This preliminary preparation allows the content to be immediately available for distribution once the broadcast completes, significantly reducing turnaround time while maintaining content accuracy through verification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If pre-broadcast content is prepared and distributed early, then distribution time is reduced, but content may not match the actual broadcast causing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution efficiencyVSAvoidcontent matching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a verification mechanism where the pre-broadcast content is compared against the actual broadcast content after transmission. A comparison module verifies that the pre-broadcast content matches the actual broadcast by comparing key parameters such as content identifiers, timestamps, and metadata. This feedback loop ensures content accuracy while maintaining the efficiency benefits of pre-preparation, allowing the system to correct any discrepancies before final distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual content verification processes with automated digital comparison mechanisms. Instead of manually checking if pre-broadcast content matches the actual broadcast, the system uses automated algorithms to compare content parameters, identifiers, and metadata. This substitution enables rapid, accurate verification that maintains high productivity while ensuring content matching precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If content is transcoded and prepared in advance for multiple platforms, then scalability is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the content preparation process into distinct modular components: transcoding module, verification module, and distribution module. Each module handles a specific aspect of content preparation for different platforms, allowing independent optimization and maintenance. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple platform requirements simultaneously while keeping each component manageable, thus enhancing scalability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3420730B1Pre-pitched method and system for video on demand
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 GRASS VALLEY CANADA
  • EP3420730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3420730B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3420730B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network apparatus and a content distribution apparatus are described. The network apparatus is configured to transcode and transmit pre-broadcast content into transcoded content according to a format associated with a content distribution apparatus. The transcoded content includes a distribution indicator to restrict distribution of the transcoded content to one or more remote apparatus. Network apparatus is configured to transmit a "delta file" to content distribution apparatus with transcoded content and instructions to signal modifying the pre-broadcast content. Content distribution apparatus is configured to receive transcoded pre-broadcast content and "delta file" with instructions from network apparatus. Content distribution apparatus removes the distribution indicator from the transcoded pre-broadcast content once the signaling instructions indicates that the broadcast content corresponds with pre-broadcast content. Content distribution apparatus may use the "delta file" to modify the transcoded pre- broadcast content such that the modified pre-broadcast content corresponds with broadcast content with a tolerance.