Trick-Mode Control Map for Video Server Memory Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video-on-demand systems face performance limitations when generating and sending trick-mode video streams due to the high number of memory reads and writes required, which restricts the speed and concurrency of trick-mode video stream delivery.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance mapping process that generates a trick-mode control map identifying segments and modifications needed for the trick-mode video stream, reducing memory reads and writes by creating a trick-mode control map that specifies the type and location of items to be modified, allowing for efficient generation and delivery of trick-mode video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the video server transfers selected spaced-apart portions of the normal video stream from memory into a buffer, modifies items in the buffer, and repeats until the buffer is filled, then a trick-mode video stream can be generated, but a very large amount of video data must be read from and written to memory, inherently limiting the speed of the method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores mapping information that identifies which segments of the normal video stream need to be selected and modified for trick-mode playback. This mapping data is prepared in advance, allowing the video server to quickly retrieve and assemble the required segments without performing extensive memory reads and writes during the actual trick-mode stream generation, thus resolving the contradiction between generation speed and memory operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the video stream into discrete segments and uses mapping information to identify specific segments that need to be selected for trick-mode playback. Instead of processing the entire video stream sequentially through memory reads and writes, the system can directly access and assemble the required segments based on pre-stored mapping data, significantly reducing memory operation time while maintaining productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the video server processes trick-mode video streams using the buffer filling method, then trick-mode playback can be achieved, but the large number of memory operations restricts the number of simultaneous trick-mode video streams that can be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores mapping information that describes which video segments correspond to which trick-mode playback requirements. This preliminary preparation allows the video server to handle multiple simultaneous trick-mode streams by directly accessing pre-mapped segments rather than performing complex real-time buffer operations, thereby increasing the number of concurrent streams the server can handle without overwhelming processing load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mapping information as an intermediary data structure that bridges the normal video stream and the required trick-mode output. This mapping layer allows the video server to translate trick-mode requests into efficient segment selections without direct memory buffer operations, reducing processing complexity and enabling higher concurrency for multiple simultaneous streams
Data Source
AI summary
A high-performance mapping process has use in sending a trick-mode video stream, of a particular video, from a video server to a viewer network. This mapping process generates a trick-mode control map which—1) identifies segments of the normal video stream that include selected pictures which are to be sent from the video server in the trick-mode video stream, 2) incorporates, into the trick-mode control map, the locations of various items in the identified segments of the normal video stream that need to be modified for use in the trick-mode video stream, and 3) stores respective indicators of the type of modification that needs to be made at each of the above locations.