Video Transcoder Dynamic Processing Path Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video transcoding technologies face challenges in dynamically adjusting computational resources and maintaining picture quality in real-time, especially under varying network load and bandwidth conditions, while converting compressed video bit-streams between different spatial resolutions.

Innovation Solution

A video transcoder with configurable processing paths and modules that can dynamically allocate computational resources, employing parallel channels for resizing operations and reconfigurable processing modules to adjust computational complexity and picture quality on the fly without interrupting the video sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If video transcoding is performed with high computational resources allocated, then picture quality is improved, but processing time increases and real-time performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepicture qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple configurable processing paths that can be dynamically selected and adjusted based on real-time network conditions and computational resource availability. The system transitions from static transcoding configurations to dynamic path selection, allowing the video transcoder to adapt processing complexity on-the-fly without interrupting the video sequence, thereby resolving the contradiction between picture quality and processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters by configuring different processing paths with varying levels of computational complexity. Each path represents a different parameter configuration of the transcoding process, allowing the system to adjust picture quality and processing speed by selecting appropriate parameter sets based on current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If computational resources are increased to maintain picture quality, then video processing capability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo processing capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video transcoding process into multiple independent processing paths, each handling different aspects of video processing with different computational requirements. This segmentation allows the system to distribute processing tasks across multiple specialized modules rather than requiring one monolithic high-complexity processor, thereby improving video processing capability while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The configurable processing paths are designed to be multi-functional, capable of handling various video formats, resolutions, and bitrates through a unified architecture. This universality reduces device complexity by avoiding the need for separate dedicated hardware for each transcoding scenario, while still maintaining high video processing capability through flexible path configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If real-time adjustments to computational resources are made, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but system stability and processing continuity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidprocessing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of multiple processing paths in advance, preparing different processing modes before they are needed. When network conditions change, the system can immediately switch between pre-configured paths without performing complex real-time adjustments, thereby maintaining both adaptability to network conditions and processing continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous video processing by designing the configurable processing paths to operate seamlessly without interrupting the video sequence. The transition between different processing paths is designed to maintain uninterrupted output, preserving processing continuity while adapting to changing network conditions through continuous operation of the transcoding system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8731068B2Video transcoder with flexible quality and complexity management

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A video transcoder for converting a compressed input video bit-stream having one spatial resolution into a compressed output video bit-stream having a different spatial resolution in a manner that enables the transcoder to dynamically change the amount of computational resources allocated to the conversion process. In one embodiment, the video transcoder has a plurality of configurable processing paths whose configuration determines the amount of allocated computational resources. Exemplary processing-path configuration changes may include, but are not limited to engaging or disengaging a processing path, redirecting a data flow from flowing through one processing path to flowing through another processing path, and attaching or detaching one or more processing modules to an engaged processing path. The capability to make these and other configuration changes enables the video transcoder to adjust the computational complexity and picture quality on the fly, without interrupting the video sequence in the output video bit-stream.