Media File Storage Using Fixed-Time Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media file systems face inefficiencies in storing and retrieving media files due to the use of GOPs with variable frame numbers, which complicates segment location and storage, especially without an index, affecting scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method of storing media files by dividing them into segments of contiguous frames, where each segment is associated with a portion identifier, allowing for efficient retrieval without an index by determining the portion containing the requested frames using the identifier, and optionally searching adjacent portions if needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media files are divided into segments with variable frame numbers using GOPs, then the media file format can support flexible editing and decoding, but the complexity of locating and retrieving specific segments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides media files into fixed-duration segments (e.g., 2-second segments) rather than using variable-frame GOPs. Each segment is assigned a sequential identifier, creating uniform, predictable units that are easier to locate and manage while maintaining the ability to support flexible editing operations through the segment structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of segment organization from variable frame-based GOPs to fixed-time-duration segments with sequential identifiers. This parameter change transforms the retrieval mechanism from complex frame-counting to simple identifier-based access, reducing system complexity while preserving editing flexibility.
2Loss of time
If an index is used to declare where segments can be found in the file, then segment retrieval becomes more efficient, but the file structure becomes more complex and less scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the indexing function from the file structure itself and replaces it with a simple sequential identifier system embedded directly in the segment data. This eliminates the need for separate index structures while maintaining efficient retrieval through the inherent ordering of fixed-duration segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segment identifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it uniquely identifies the segment, indicates its position in the file, and enables both sequential and random access. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate index structures, simplifying the overall file format while improving scalability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GOPs contain variable numbers of frames, then the media file can adapt to different content types and encoding settings, but determining the byte range for each segment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media file into fixed-time-duration units (e.g., 2-second segments) rather than variable-frame GOPs. This creates uniform segments where byte ranges can be determined through simple sequential allocation, eliminating the complexity of calculating variable frame counts while preserving adaptability through the consistent time-based structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A media file system, apparatus, computer program product and method for storing a media file in a media file system. An exemplary method includes obtaining a predetermined number of frames and determining a set of portions for storing the media file, each portion having an identifier that is indicative of a multiple of the predetermined number of frames. Further, for each portion of the set of portions, associating with the portion the segment of the media file containing the frame indicated by the identifier of the portion, and associating each of the remaining segments of the media file with a portion of the set of portions. Moreover, storing the media file in the media file system as the set of determined portions, each portion comprising its associated segments of the media file.