Browser-Based Media Scan Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media storage services face challenges in efficiently identifying and associating user-owned media with their accounts without requiring the upload or transmission of media files, especially in a network-accessible storage environment.
Innovation Solution
A browser-based solution utilizing a media scan tool that generates fingerprints or signatures of media items on a user's device, allowing for identification and association with a media storage service without file upload, through a 'scan and match' process facilitated by page logic and APIs like JavaScript File API and FileReader API.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If media files are uploaded to the storage service for identification, then media identification accuracy is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and storage service load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identifying features (fingerprint/snapshot) from the media file instead of uploading the entire file. The browser generates a compact representation of the media content that captures unique characteristics sufficient for identification, thereby achieving accurate media matching without transmitting the full media data over the network
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uploading and storing actual media files on the server, the system creates and transmits a copy or representation of the media (fingerprint/snapshot). This copied representation contains enough information for identification purposes while being significantly smaller in size, reducing network bandwidth consumption and storage requirements
2Ease of operation
If media files are uploaded to the storage service, then media association with user account is achieved, but upload time and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary identifying information from the media file locally in the browser, avoiding the time-consuming process of uploading entire media files. This extraction approach maintains ease of operation for users while dramatically reducing the time required for media association
Solution Approach 2:
The browser performs the fingerprint generation and initial processing of media files locally without requiring server-side processing or full file uploads. This self-service approach in the client browser reduces dependency on network operations and server resources, improving both user convenience and reducing upload time
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated media scan tool is installed on the user device, then media scanning capability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the web browser itself perform media scanning and fingerprint generation functions that would otherwise require a dedicated application. By leveraging existing browser capabilities and APIs, the system achieves media scanning functionality without requiring users to install, configure, or maintain separate software tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The browser acts as an intermediary between the user's media files and the storage service, performing the scanning and fingerprint generation functions that would otherwise require a dedicated tool. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for additional software installation while maintaining full media scanning capability through the browser's existing infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for browser-based scanning and matching of media items. Files identified by a user via a user interface element rendered by a browser are read by the browser, which can generate a fingerprint associated with the files. The fingerprint can be transmitted to a media scan service, which can provide an indication of whether the files match a media item maintained by a media storage service.