Virtual Storage Management for Digital Broadcasting Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital broadcasting systems face challenges in file sharing among multiple editing apparatuses due to limitations in data transfer rates, image quality degradation, and frame dropping, especially when using IP networks, and lack a common standard for digital data formats, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss during broadcasting.
Innovation Solution
A storage system is implemented with a management storage that defines editing storage as virtual storage, providing two access paths for data transfer via fiber channel or IP, and using logical volumes divided into primary and secondary units for exclusive processing, allowing for high-speed data sharing and management without a transfer medium, and enabling remote storage connectivity through extenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one storage apparatus is shared with multiple editing apparatuses in SAN environment, then data sharing capability is improved, but connection distance is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extender as an intermediary device between the storage apparatus and editing apparatuses. The extender receives fiber channel signals from the storage apparatus and transmits them over IP networks, enabling remote connections without direct fiber channel connectivity. This mediator allows editing apparatuses located at distant sites to access the storage apparatus as if connected via fiber channel, thus resolving the distance restriction while maintaining data sharing capability.
2Length of moving object
If file sharing is implemented through IP network, then distance restriction is eliminated, but data transfer rate and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct fiber channel mechanical connection with an IP network-based communication system. The extender encapsulates fiber channel protocol data units (FC-PDUs) within IP packets, transmitting them over standard IP networks. This substitution eliminates the need for dedicated fiber channel infrastructure while maintaining reliable data transfer through protocol encapsulation and standard IP networking mechanisms.
3Reliability
If exclusive process is adopted for file sharing, then data access control is improved, but editing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the exclusive process is applied selectively based on the type of data being accessed. For critical data structures requiring consistency (such as file allocation tables), exclusive locking is enforced. For regular data blocks, concurrent access is permitted with appropriate synchronization. This dynamic approach maintains data integrity for essential structures while allowing parallel editing operations on different data portions, thus improving overall editing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital broadcasting system is provided, in which an editing storage connected to plural digital image editing apparatuses can be managed as a virtual storage in a collective manner and an editing storage connected to other digital image editing apparatuses can be handled as the editing storage connected to the digital image editing apparatus. The digital broadcasting system includes a digital image editing apparatus, a storage system having an editing storage and a management storage, and a sending apparatus, wherein a first access path from the digital image editing apparatus to the editing storage and a second access path from the digital image editing apparatus through a virtual storage in the management storage are provided as access paths to the digital image data stored in the editing storage, and the access through the first and second access paths is controlled based on the use of the editing storage.