Non-linear VOD Scheduling and Encoding System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The overload of video-on-demand (VOD) content has led to inefficiencies in content generation processes, requiring broadcasters to manage separate workflows for traditional and non-linear content, resulting in high operational costs and the need for multiple customized versions to meet contractual agreements with advertisers.
Innovation Solution
A smarter, file-based VOD publishing workflow with higher automation levels, allowing for faster-than-real-time production by utilizing a non-linear video content scheduling and encoding system that integrates program management, advertising components, and automatic source retrieval from various storage systems, enabling the creation of C3 and D4+ content with correct metadata for multiple platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate workflows are used for traditional and non-linear content, then content can be managed according to different requirements, but operational costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional linear and non-linear content workflows into a single integrated system. The common platform handles both types of content through unified scheduling, encoding, and distribution mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate operational silos while maintaining the ability to handle different content requirements through configurable parameters and metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universal components that can serve multiple functions - the same encoding infrastructure handles both linear and non-linear content, the scheduling system manages diverse content types, and the distribution platform delivers to various channels. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple customized versions of content are produced to meet advertiser contracts, then contractual requirements are satisfied, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments content customization into manageable components through metadata tags and configurable parameters. Rather than creating entirely separate versions, the platform divides content into base elements with configurable overlays (advertising, metadata, formatting) that can be selectively applied based on contractual requirements, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based configuration to generate different content versions. By changing metadata parameters, encoding settings, and advertising insertion flags, the platform can produce compliant versions for different advertisers without fundamental rework. This parameter-driven approach maintains reliability while reducing the complexity of manual version management.
3Loss of time
If real-time VOD content generation is used, then content freshness is maintained, but production speed is limited by real-time processing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary encoding and preparation of VOD content in advance of actual delivery. Content is pre-processed into multiple formats and stored in ready-to-deliver states, allowing rapid distribution when requested without real-time processing bottlenecks. This preliminary action reduces delivery latency while enabling batch production that increases overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform creates multiple copies of content in different formats and resolutions during pre-processing. These pre-generated copies are stored and can be immediately delivered without real-time conversion, significantly reducing delivery latency while allowing parallel production processes that increase overall content generation capacity.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual content scheduling and encoding is performed, then quality control is maintained, but production scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops that monitor content quality metrics during encoding and scheduling. Quality rules and validation criteria are programmed into the workflow, with automatic rejection or correction of non-compliant content. This feedback mechanism maintains quality control standards while enabling automated high-volume processing that scales production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates self-service quality validation through automated metadata verification, format compliance checking, and encoding parameter validation. The system autonomously ensures quality standards are met without requiring manual review of every content item, enabling scalable production while maintaining precision through programmed quality gates.
Data Source
AI summary
The non-linear content scheduling and encoding (recording) system provides a highly automated file-based video-on-demand (VOD) publishing workflow. The system includes content-provider scheduling and broadcast programming for encoding, editing, and distribution of video assets (e.g., episodes). The invention effectively scales VOD production and allows broadcasters to use the same schedule and sources as their traditional playout operation to quickly and efficiently produce VOD deliverables with all the correct metadata. The systems of the invention process content at significantly faster rates than traditional, real-time VOD generation. The systems provide program management and incorporate traffic system ad components within fully integrated VOD publishing. The systems enable automatic retrieval of sources for VOD generation from generic storage, video servers, non-linear editing systems, archiving systems, content delivery systems, data or video tapes, as well as from live video sources.