ISOBMFF Track Grouping Reduces Data Redundancy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for describing and signaling groups of components in ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF) face issues such as overhead and complexity in signaling properties, lack of dynamicity in properties and component lists over time, and data redundancy.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves declaring the list of existing groups of tracks in a single location within the presentation file and mutualizing common properties shared by tracks within a group, allowing for dynamic changes in group properties and track compositions over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If groups of tracks are described using existing ISOBMFF mechanisms, then track grouping functionality is provided, but data redundancy and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack grouping functionalityVSAvoiddata redundancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the description of multiple tracks into a single group entry in the Groups List box, where common properties are defined once at the group level rather than being repeated in each track. This combining approach eliminates data redundancy while maintaining the ability to describe grouped tracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The group entry in the Groups List box serves as a universal template that can be referenced by multiple tracks. The group entry defines common properties that apply universally to all member tracks, reducing the need for repetitive signaling and lowering overall data overhead.

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

2Reliability

If properties are signaled for each track individually, then complete track information is provided, but signaling complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack information completenessVSAvoidsignaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments track properties into two categories: common properties that are shared by multiple tracks and are defined once at the group level, and specific properties that are unique to individual tracks. This segmentation reduces signaling complexity by eliminating redundant transmission of common properties while maintaining complete track information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where tracks are nested within groups, and group entries are nested within the Groups List box. This hierarchical nesting allows common properties to be defined at the group level and automatically inherited by member tracks, reducing overall signaling complexity while preserving complete track information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If static group definitions are used in ISOBMFF, then simple structure is maintained, but dynamicity in group properties and track compositions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddynamicity in group properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamicity by allowing the Groups List box to be updated with new group entries that can modify or supersede previous group definitions. The version field in group entries enables the structure to evolve over time, allowing dynamic changes in group properties and track compositions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the version field in group entries provides information about the state of group definitions. This allows parsers to understand whether they are dealing with the original static definition or an updated dynamic definition, enabling the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4340375B1Method, device, and computer program for generating timed media data
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 CANON KK
  • EP4340375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4340375B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4340375B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

There are provided a device and a method for generating timed media data, the timed media data comprising samples, the method comprising: obtaining samples of the time media data ; creating tracks each comprising at least one of the obtained samples; and generating a presentation file comprising descriptive metadata associated with the created tracks, wherein the descriptive metadata comprise at least one track group box describing at least one group of created tracks, all the tracks belonging to a same group sharing properties, wherein a list of existing groups of tracks is declared in one single location in the presentation file, and wherein the properties shared by the tracks of a group of the list are declared at the same single location in the presentation file.