Signal Stream Synchronization for Video Ad Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In service provider video networks, managing redundant signals for advertisement placement opportunities across multiple observers and data centers is challenging due to timing discrepancies, leading to potential incorrect binding of advertisement breaks and wasteful resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that compares the timing of redundant signal streams, terminating one stream when the difference is within a tolerance range and transmitting both when the difference is outside the range, using a shared memory or cross-site channel topic to synchronize signal points and manage advertisement placement opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant signal streams are transmitted across geographically separate data centers, then system reliability is improved, but timing discrepancies cause incorrect binding of advertisement breaks and resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the first observer detects signal points in the first signal stream and communicates timing information to the second observer. The second observer uses this feedback to adjust its detection and binding of advertisement breaks, ensuring synchronization between redundant signal streams despite geographical separation and timing discrepancies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication channel between observers in different data centers. This intermediary mechanism allows timing information from the first signal stream to be transmitted to the second observer, acting as a mediator that coordinates the binding of advertisement breaks across redundant streams and prevents incorrect binding.
2Reliability
If multiple observers detect signal points in redundant signal streams, then system reliability is improved, but resource usage increases due to transmitting and processing duplicate signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the first signal stream as a reference copy and compares it with the second signal stream. When signal points are detected in the first stream, the timing information is copied and used to guide detection in the second stream, allowing the system to leverage redundancy for reliability while avoiding duplicate processing of identical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where the second observer discards duplicate signal point detections that are already present in the first signal stream. By comparing timing information and identifying redundant detections, the system recovers only the unique or necessary signal points, reducing resource usage while maintaining system reliability through the primary redundant stream.
3Reliability
If geographically separate data centers are used for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but timing synchronization becomes difficult causing indistinguishable signal points
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the first observer detect and communicate timing information for signal points in the first signal stream before the second observer processes the second signal stream. This preliminary timing data is used to pre-synchronize the detection process in the second observer, making it easier to distinguish and correctly bind advertisement breaks despite geographical separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method and system for managing redundant signals are disclosed. At least one server receives a first signal stream with an identifier, the first signal stream having a first time associated with a first signal point. The at least one server receives a second signal stream with the identifier, the second signal stream having a second time associated with a second signal point, wherein the second time is after the first time. The at least one server compares the first time associated with the first signal stream with the second time associated with the second signal stream. The at least one server terminates transmission of the second signal stream and transmits the first signal stream when the comparison is determined to be within a time range tolerance. Both signal streams are transmitted when the comparison is determined not to be within a time range tolerance.