Markup Language File Format for Multimedia Asset Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimedia content authoring tools use proprietary binary file formats that restrict accessibility and editing of individual assets, making it difficult for authors to edit content created with these tools, as the files are not compatible with other software and assets within the files are not directly accessible.
Innovation Solution
A markup language-based file format is introduced that creates an aggregated content object with a container structure for various assets, using XML to provide a standardized format that allows multiple authoring tools to access and edit the content, including graphics, video, audio, and text, facilitating compatibility and editing across different software applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If proprietary binary file formats are used to store multimedia content, then storage efficiency is improved, but accessibility and editability of individual assets deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multimedia content into individual assets (video, audio, images, text) stored as separate elements within the binary file structure. Each asset can be independently accessed, extracted, or modified without requiring access to the entire file, thereby improving asset accessibility while maintaining efficient storage through the proprietary binary format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (file structure with headers, tables, and metadata) that mediates between the proprietary binary storage format and the individual assets. This intermediary structure enables software to locate, access, and edit specific assets within the aggregated file without needing to parse the entire binary structure, thus improving ease of operation while preserving storage efficiency.
2Loss of substance
If proprietary binary file formats are used to aggregate assets, then storage efficiency is improved, but compatibility with other software deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal file structure that can accommodate multiple types of assets (video, audio, images, text) and supports both proprietary and standard formats within the same container. This multi-functional structure allows the file to be efficiently stored in proprietary binary format while maintaining compatibility with various software applications through standardized interfaces and metadata schemas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating metadata and configuration data that describe the assets, their formats, and their relationships. These parameters enable software to dynamically adapt to different asset types and formats, improving compatibility across different applications while maintaining efficient proprietary binary storage of the actual content.
3Loss of substance
If assets are aggregated into a single binary file, then storage efficiency is improved, but editing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by organizing assets into a pre-structured binary file format with predefined headers, tables, and metadata during the authoring phase. This preliminary organization includes creating an asset index, defining relationships between assets, and establishing a hierarchical structure that enables rapid location and editing of specific assets later, thereby reducing editing time despite the aggregated storage format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the binary file into distinct, independently addressable components (headers, asset tables, metadata sections, and individual asset data). This segmentation allows editing software to directly access and modify specific segments without loading or processing the entire file, significantly reducing editing time and complexity while maintaining storage efficiency through the compact binary format.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which provide a markup language based file format for storing authoring tool content are shown. The markup language based file format of embodiments provides an aggregated content object containing various assets. A container structure is preferably provided for a plurality of assets comprising the aggregated content object. The assets of embodiments of the present invention include different types of assets, including content assets which contain content and packaging assets which contain aggregated content object information. Content assets may comprise various types or forms of media, such as graphics, video, audio, text, etc. Packaging assets may be in a markup language format, such as may be utilized to provide robust information regarding the aggregated content object and assets thereof. The markup language based file format of embodiments of the invention facilitates access to all or portions of the aggregated content by various authoring tools.