Interactive Content Authoring System with Automatic Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content authoring systems lack the ability to rapidly and cost-effectively collect, manage, and distribute interactive multimedia content in a networked environment, particularly for educational purposes, requiring extensive pre-production and post-production processes and skilled programming expertise.
Innovation Solution
A web-based system that includes a network, interactive template files, authoring devices for recording audio-visual content, conversion to compatible formats, and a database for managing content, allowing teachers to create interactive educational content without needing experienced programmers, using pen-driven input devices and global content delivery technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional content authoring systems are used, then content can be created with high quality and interactivity, but the process requires lengthy pre-production and post-production and skilled programming expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the content creation process into distinct phases: template selection, content recording, automatic conversion, and distribution. Each phase is handled by specialized components (template library, authoring devices, format converters, distribution server), allowing teachers to focus only on content recording while the system handles the complex technical aspects automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that automatically transforms content from various formats (AVI, MOV, MP4) into web-compatible formats (SWF, FLV). This intermediary layer shields users from format compatibility issues and technical complexity, enabling rapid content creation without requiring programming expertise.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional content authoring systems are used, then content quality can be maintained, but the process is costly and requires experienced programmers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing pre-configured templates with predefined interactivity, navigation, and styling. Teachers can select from ready-made templates and simply record their content, eliminating the need for time-consuming programming and design work while maintaining professional quality standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic format conversion system performs self-service by detecting the input format and automatically converting it to the appropriate web-compatible format without user intervention. The system also automatically manages file naming, organization, and upload to the distribution server, freeing users from manual technical tasks.
3Productivity
If content is created locally without network integration, then the creation process is simple, but distribution and management across multiple projects is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution server provides universal functionality by serving multiple purposes: storing content, managing multiple projects, handling format conversions, and distributing content to various platforms (web, mobile, offline devices). This single system handles all content lifecycle operations, improving distribution efficiency without significantly increasing operational complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of a system and method of enabling a content author, such as an instructor, to rapidly create interactive, educational content for use in an online environment, without a costly pre-production or post-production process. In one embodiment, the system comprises a network, a library of interactive template files in a first file format, such as .swf; at least one authoring device coupled to the network, capable of recording a plurality of audio visual content segments in a second file format, such as .avi, and providing one or more of the interactive template files; and a device for converting the audio visual content segments in the second file format to files in the first file format. The authoring device is also adapted to assign a defined run order to the files in the first file format.