Video Feed Redundancy via Asynchronous Buffering and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video streaming services face instability issues such as disconnections, network starvation, and lag due to unreliable video feeds, which conventional redundancy techniques like failover ingest struggle to address effectively, especially when redundant feeds require frame synchronization and simultaneous initiation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of instruction-based redundancy techniques that allow for ring-type and sustain-type redundancies, enabling switching between multiple input video feeds without frame synchronization and simultaneous initiation, using unique authorization keys and buffering hidden feeds for immediate switching upon primary feed failure, allowing different content from various locations and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional failover ingest techniques are used to provide video feed redundancy, then backup feeds are available for switching, but frame synchronization and simultaneous initiation are required which increases system complexity and limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video feed system into independent ingestible objects that can be individually managed, buffered, and switched without requiring synchronization between feeds. Each video feed is treated as a separate entity that can be initiated and controlled independently, eliminating the need for frame synchronization while maintaining reliability through multiple backup options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary buffering of video feeds before they are needed for output. By pre-buffering multiple ingestible objects including backup feeds, the system prepares redundancy in advance without requiring simultaneous initiation or synchronization. This allows immediate switching to backup feeds when primary feeds fail, improving reliability while reducing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple redundant video feeds are maintained with frame synchronization, then switching capability is provided, but encoding costs increase and feed flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial redundancy by buffering multiple ingestible objects including backup feeds, but only actively encodes and transmits the primary feed and necessary backups. Instead of continuously encoding all possible redundant feeds at full quality, the system encodes feeds to sufficient quality levels and only activates additional encoding resources when switching is required, reducing overall encoding costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes encoding parameters dynamically based on feed priority and current transmission needs. Backup feeds can be encoded at lower bitrates or resolutions when not actively being transmitted, and encoding quality is adjusted according to the specific requirements of each ingestible object. This allows the system to maintain feed switching capability while optimizing encoding resource usage and reducing costs.
3Reliability
If video feeds are initiated simultaneously with frame synchronization, then redundancy switching is enabled, but the system requires precise timing coordination which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic feed detection, buffering, and switching mechanisms. When video feeds are initiated, the system automatically buffers them and monitors their availability without requiring precise timing coordination or manual synchronization. The redundancy switching is enabled through automated processes that detect feed failures and switch to backup feeds based on buffered content availability, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques for providing video feed redundancy are described herein. Instructions may be provided for switching input to an output video feed between two or more redundant input video feeds. In some examples, the redundant input video feeds may not be duplicates, may not be frame synchronized, may not be transmitted from the same location, may not be transmitted using the same network types or transmission protocols, and/or may not be initiated at the same time. In some examples, the instructions for video feed redundancy may be associated with respective authorization keys for the redundant input video feeds.