Video Segment Storage Layout for Playback Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud and network storage systems for content recording face inefficiencies in storage layout, leading to fragmented storage, increased I/O operations, and reduced playback efficiency due to non-sequential storage of content segments based on bit rates and playback duration.
Innovation Solution
Content segments are stored based on their likelihood of being requested and playback duration, with frequently requested high-bit-rate content stored together on high-performance hardware and less frequently used low-bit-rate content spread across multiple storage containers, using a manifest to guide playback and storage locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If content segments are stored based on bit rate and playback duration using conventional cloud storage systems, then storage capacity is provided, but storage fragmentation increases and I/O operations become less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content based on playback duration and bit rate characteristics, dividing the storage system into different containers for short-duration vs. long-duration content, and for different quality levels. This segmentation reduces fragmentation by grouping related segments together while maintaining the ability to handle diverse content types efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different storage containers are created with specific qualities tailored to different content characteristics. High-bit-rate content is stored in dedicated containers separate from low-bit-rate content, and long-duration content is separated from short-duration content. This local quality approach optimizes I/O operations by ensuring that content with similar access patterns is stored together.
2Productivity
If content segments are stored using conventional methods, then storage capacity is available, but I/O operations increase and playback efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges content segments with similar characteristics (same bit rate, similar playback duration) into single storage containers. This merging reduces the number of separate I/O operations required during playback, as related segments can be accessed sequentially from the same container rather than scattered across multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Content is pre-sorted and pre-organized into storage containers based on predicted playback patterns before actual playback occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when playback is needed, the system already has the content structured for efficient sequential access, reducing I/O latency during actual playback operations.
3Productivity
If all content is stored on high-performance hardware, then playback performance is optimized, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different performance levels are assigned to different storage containers based on content characteristics. Long-duration content and high-bit-rate content that require frequent access are stored on high-performance hardware, while short-duration or less frequently accessed content can use lower-cost storage options. This local quality approach optimizes performance where needed without unnecessarily increasing overall storage costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for an efficient storage layout of recorded content associated with a particular user. Content segments, unique to the user and encoded/transcoded at different bit rates, may be stored/partitioned based on the likelihood of a particular bit rate version of content being requested by the user and a duration of playback for the content segment. Content that is more frequently requested may be concatenated in a single storage location on more high performance hardware. Further, content that is played back for a longer duration of playback may also be grouped together and stored on more high performance hardware. Content that is more likely to be played for only a short time may be stored within a plurality of storage containers.