Embedded Object Placeholder Compression for File Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy file formats are less secure and require significant network bandwidth for conversion, especially on mobile devices, due to the transmission of large embedded objects, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A software application replaces embedded objects in files with highly compressible placeholder objects, compresses the files, and transmits them to a network service for processing, then replaces the placeholders with original objects upon receipt, reducing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files with embedded objects are transmitted to a network service for conversion, then format conversion capability is achieved, but network bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts embedded objects (images, videos, audio files) from the original file and replaces them with placeholder objects that have the same dimensions and metadata but minimal data content. This extraction reduces the file size transmitted over the network while preserving the structural information needed for format conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates placeholder objects that are simplified copies of the original embedded objects. These placeholders maintain the same dimensions, position, and metadata characteristics but contain minimal actual data (e.g., solid color images instead of complex photographs). The network service processes these lightweight copies and the original embedded objects are restored in the final converted file.
2Quantity of substance
If placeholder objects replace embedded objects, then file size and bandwidth usage are reduced, but file processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by replacing embedded objects with placeholders before transmission to the network service. This preliminary substitution reduces the data burden on the network service while maintaining the file structure. The complexity is shifted to the client device where the replacement and restoration operations occur, but this is offset by the significant reduction in network transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces placeholder objects as intermediary elements between the original embedded objects and the network service processing. These placeholders serve as mediators that preserve the structural information needed for conversion while minimizing data transmission. The network service processes the file with placeholders, and the client device performs the final restoration, distributing the processing complexity across multiple components.
3Manufacturing precision
If original embedded objects are restored after conversion, then file fidelity is maintained, but additional network bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the original embedded objects from the source file before conversion and stores them locally on the client device. After the network service converts the file with placeholders, the client device restores the original embedded objects into the converted file. This extraction and restoration approach maintains file fidelity while avoiding the need to transmit large embedded objects through the network twice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary extraction and local storage of original embedded objects before the conversion process. This preliminary action ensures that the original high-fidelity objects are available for restoration after conversion, eliminating the need to re-transmit them over the network and thereby reducing total bandwidth consumption while maintaining file quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described herein for reducing network bandwidth utilization during file transfer. An application or another type of program identifies embedded objects in a file. The application then replaces the embedded objects with corresponding unique placeholder objects that are more highly compressible than the embedded objects. The application then compresses the file containing the unique placeholder objects. The application then transmits the compressed file to a network service that provides functionality for converting the file format of the file or for processing the file in another manner. The processed file generated by the network service also includes the unique placeholder objects. When the application receives the processed file from the network service, the application replaces the unique placeholder objects in the processed file with the embedded objects from the original file. The application can then open the processed file for viewing, editing, or another purpose.