Media File Playability Check via Server Metadata Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing media files on the web often result in unnecessary data download and monetary loss when files are not playable on the user's device, as they do not accurately check playability before downloading, and existing checks suffer from poor information quality.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine media file playability by obtaining information from a server, either through MIME types or portions of the media file, allowing the browser to assess compatibility with installed applications on the device without downloading the entire file, and displaying this information to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire media file is downloaded before checking playability, then accurate playability determination is achieved, but significant time and bandwidth are wasted downloading unplayable files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential header information and format metadata from media files, separating this playability-determining data from the complete media file content. The server extracts format information, MIME types, and codec details from media files and stores them in a database, allowing clients to check playability using only this extracted metadata without downloading the entire file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs playability checking actions before the actual media file download. The server pre-processes media files to extract format information and stores it in advance. When a client requests a media file, the server first checks the client's application compatibility against the pre-stored format information, determining playability before any substantial data transfer occurs.
2Loss of time
If a basic check using embedded web page information is performed, then download time is reduced, but the quality of information is poor and insufficient for accurate playability determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the client and media files. This server maintains a database of media file format information and performs the playability assessment on behalf of the client. The server acts as a mediator that provides accurate format information without requiring the client to download or analyze the complete media file, thus resolving the conflict between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and uses copies of media file metadata (format information, MIME types, codec details) stored in the server's database. Instead of requiring clients to analyze actual media file portions, the server provides copied format information that is sufficient for playability determination, significantly reducing the data transfer required while maintaining check accuracy.
3Loss of energy
If sequential downloading is used to limit data transfer, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but the process is time-consuming and still downloads non-essential portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the playability determination action before initiating the media file download. By checking format information and application compatibility in advance through the server, the system determines whether the file is playable before any substantial data transfer occurs, eliminating wasted download time for incompatible files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and uses only the essential format information needed for playability determination, separating this metadata from the complete media file. The server extracts format details, MIME types, and codec information, allowing the client to make playability decisions based on this extracted data alone, avoiding unnecessary download of the entire file.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided through which information about media files embedded in web pages is obtained from a server and analyzed to determine if the media files are playable on a device. This information may be external to the media file or may be a portion of the media file itself. The determination of whether a media file is playable by a device is made based on information obtained from the server without downloading the entirety of the media file.