Concatenating Media Files via Timecode Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processes for transmitting and editing video files are cumbersome due to large file sizes, compatibility issues with various codecs and formats, and the lack of support for joining multiple media files into a single contiguous file, which complicates the transfer and editing of digital media.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that compresses, transcodes, and concatenates multiple media files into a single file based on metadata such as timecode, allowing for efficient transfer and editing, while also enabling buying and selling of digital media through a marketplace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple media files are stored and transferred separately, then file organization flexibility is maintained, but transfer efficiency and editing convenience deteriorate due to repeated transmission and multiple file handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate media files into a single container file that holds all media segments along with their metadata. This consolidation allows all files to be transferred in one operation and handled as a single unit, improving transfer efficiency and reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate files.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of media files by embedding timecode and metadata information during the file creation phase. This preliminary action enables automatic sequential playback and editing operations without requiring complex post-processing, as the files are pre-configured with the necessary organizational data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video files are stored in a single common format, then compatibility with playback systems is improved, but flexibility for editing and professional use deteriorates due to format conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The container file format serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains compatibility with standard playback systems while also providing full editing capabilities. The universal structure can hold different media types and formats within a single file, allowing both casual viewing and professional editing without format conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a metadata layer as an intermediary between the media content and the playback/editing system. This metadata layer contains timecode and organizational information that enables both standard playback compatibility and advanced editing operations without requiring format conversion, acting as a mediator that satisfies both requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If professional digital video cameras create multiple separate video files, then file size management is improved, but post-production workflow deteriorates due to the need to manually join multiple files
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically merges multiple camera-generated video files into a single container file during the upload process. This merging maintains the benefits of segmented file storage for manageable file sizes while eliminating the need for manual joining in post-production, as the files are automatically consolidated with proper timecode sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The upload system performs self-service by automatically detecting multiple video files, organizing them based on embedded metadata, and concatenating them into a single playable file without requiring user intervention. This self-service automation eliminates the manual workflow step of joining files, allowing users to simply upload and immediately play or edit the consolidated content.
4Measurement precision
If media files include detailed metadata for precise organization, then file retrieval accuracy is improved, but data processing time deteriorates due to metadata extraction and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and processes metadata during the file upload phase rather than during playback or editing operations. This preliminary action populates the container file with organized timecode and metadata information in advance, enabling fast retrieval and playback without real-time processing delays, as the metadata is pre-configured and ready for immediate use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system concatenate multiple media files into a single, continuous media file. The method includes receiving a group of media files and metadata about the group over a network connection. The method also includes in response to receiving the group of media files, determining an order of the media files in the group based at least partially on the metadata. The method includes concatenating the group of media files into a concatenated file based on the determined order. The concatenated file may be transferred to a client device over a network connection. The concatenated file may be transcoded into a file format determined based on the user device before transferring the concatenated file to the user device. The order of the media files in the group may be determined based on a timecode for each of the media files, which is included within the metadata.