Workflow Manager for 5G Media Processing Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G communication systems face challenges in managing network-based media processing functions efficiently, particularly in providing a framework for describing and executing media processing workflows across distributed media processing entities connected through digital networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for managing network-based media processing functions, which includes a workflow manager that selects and configures media processing functions from a function repository to create a workflow pipeline for media processing tasks, utilizing a function repository that stores and retrieves media processing functions with detailed descriptors for input, output, and processing requirements, and allows for grouping of functions for enhanced workflow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network-based media processing functions are distributed across multiple entities, then processing capability and flexibility are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia processing flexibilityVSAvoidworkflow management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A workflow manager is introduced as an intermediary component that coordinates and manages the distributed media processing functions across multiple entities. The workflow manager receives processing requests, determines the appropriate sequence of functions, and orchestrates their execution across the distributed network, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining processing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The media processing system is segmented into independent, modular processing functions that can be distributed across multiple entities. Each processing function operates as a discrete unit with defined inputs and outputs, allowing flexible composition and distribution while simplifying management through clear functional boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If media processing workflows are composed of multiple functions, then processing capability is improved, but compatibility issues between functions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia processing capabilityVSAvoidfunction compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A universal function interface standard is established that enables different media processing functions to interact through common protocols and data formats. This universal interface layer ensures compatibility between diverse processing functions while maintaining their specialized capabilities, allowing reliable composition of multi-function workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If function repository stores detailed descriptors for each function, then function selection accuracy is improved, but storage requirements and retrieval complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction matching accuracyVSAvoidrepository management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Function descriptors are pre-processed and indexed in the function repository with standardized metadata and compatibility information. This preliminary organization of function characteristics enables efficient retrieval and accurate matching when composing workflows, reducing both storage overhead and retrieval complexity while maintaining high matching accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3887941B1Method and apparatus for management of network based media processing functions in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3887941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3887941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3887941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method and an electronic device for management of network based media processing functions is provided. The method comprises: receiving, from a function repository, a function group description including information on a set of functions connected in a function group; determining a workflow based on the function group description; and applying the set of functions connected in the function group for the workflow.