Virtualized Edge Control for Live Media Stream Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcasting systems require aggregation and decoding of live sources at a central location, which is costly and limits the ability to provide niche programming, while also not offering an enhanced viewer experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that virtualizes production control functions, allowing for the generation and distribution of a disparate live media output stream without the need for central aggregation and decoding, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing viewer experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If live sources are aggregated and decoded at a central location, then production control is centralized and manageable, but production costs increase and the ability to provide niche programming is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized production control function into distributed virtualized production control functions located at multiple edge locations. Each edge location can independently control and manage its own media output streams, eliminating the need for costly central aggregation infrastructure while maintaining production control capabilities through virtualization technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If live sources are aggregated at a central location, then quality control is maintained, but viewer experience is not enhanced and niche programming is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of distributed edge computing to the traditional centralized broadcast architecture. By deploying virtualized production control functions at edge locations closer to consumers, the system enables niche programming and specialized content delivery while maintaining quality control through standardized virtualized processes and protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modern web streaming protocols are used, then niche-based programming is enabled, but the number of supported broadcast channels on legacy infrastructure is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of virtualized production control functions that can handle multiple protocols. This intermediary layer translates between legacy broadcast protocols and modern web streaming protocols, allowing the system to support both niche-based programming on legacy infrastructure and expanded channel offerings without requiring complex dual-protocol support at every level.
4Ease of operation
If central aggregation and decoding is implemented, then production control is simplified, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of production control functions at distributed edge locations through virtualization. Instead of one centralized control system, multiple virtualized instances can operate independently, providing simplified production control at each location while eliminating the need for expensive central aggregation hardware and reducing overall production costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that publishes a disparate live media output stream that complies with distribution format regulations. The system generates an updated schedule based on a low-latency preview of a live input stream. The system further generates a disparate live media output stream manifest based on manipulation of manifests of the live input stream and a pre-encoded media asset based on the updated schedule.