Media Archive Distribution Using Extraction of Unavailable Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transfer systems for distributing media files and playlists over the Internet are inefficient as they often require large data downloads, especially when not all media files are available remotely, leading to increased transfer times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify unavailable media files, create an archive including only those files and links to remotely available files, allowing recipients to download only necessary content, thereby reducing the overall data transferred.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all media files are included in the archive for distribution, then the recipient can immediately access all media files without needing to download additional content, but the amount of data to be transferred increases significantly and download time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary media files that are not remotely available into the archive, while excluding files that can be obtained from remote sources. This selective extraction reduces the archive size and download time while ensuring that all essential media content is included for immediate playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the media distribution into two parts: media files that are not remotely available (included in the archive) and media files that are remotely available (obtained separately). This segmentation allows the system to optimize the archive contents to include only necessary files, reducing overall transfer time while maintaining complete functionality.
2Loss of time
If only playlists are sent without media files, then the data transfer amount is minimized, but the recipient cannot immediately play media files that are not remotely available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and includes only those media files that are not remotely available in the archive, while sending only playlists for remotely available files. This ensures minimal data transfer while maintaining the ability to immediately play all media content, as the necessary files are pre-packaged in the archive.
3Quantity of substance
If media files are obtained through separate mechanisms rather than being included in the archive, then the archive size is reduced, but the recipient experiences additional complexity in obtaining and managing media files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential media files that cannot be obtained remotely and includes them in the archive, while excluding files that can be easily obtained from remote sources. This approach minimizes archive size while maintaining simplicity, as the recipient only needs to manage the archive contents without complex additional file acquisition processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for distributing media content. A plurality of media files are identified for distribution. A determination is made whether any of the plurality of media files is unavailable remotely. In response to a determination that a portion of the plurality of media files is unavailable remotely, a portion of the plurality of media files is placed in an archive. A playlist identifying the plurality of media files is placed in the archive. A set of links to each of the plurality of media files that are available remotely are placed in the archive, wherein the archive is used to distribute the media content.