MP4 Group Information for Track Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In MP4 file formats, tracks of different kinds cannot be grouped, requiring users to manually select each track for desired combinations, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A data generating and processing method that includes generating group information for combinations of AV data tracks, allowing users to easily select desired track combinations by recording and reproducing devices, using a presentation track group box to manage and display available track combinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tracks of different kinds are not grouped, then the MP4 file structure remains simple and compatible with existing standards, but users cannot easily select desired combinations of tracks and must manually configure each track separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of track selectionVSAvoidfile structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple tracks of different kinds (video, audio, subtitle) into a single group identified by a group ID. This allows users to select entire groups of tracks with a single operation, dramatically improving ease of track selection while the grouping structure is integrated into the existing MP4 container format to minimize additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The group ID structure is designed to be universal, allowing it to encompass multiple track types (video, audio, subtitle) and multiple languages within a single group. This multi-functional approach enables users to select diverse track combinations through a unified selection mechanism rather than separate controls for each track type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If users manually select each track for desired combinations, then individual track control is precise, but the selection process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack selection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for track selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-organizing tracks into logical groups based on their relationships (e.g., video tracks with corresponding audio and subtitle tracks). This pre-grouping eliminates the need for users to manually configure each track separately, significantly improving selection efficiency and reducing the time required to set up desired track combinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If tracks of the same kind are grouped but tracks of different kinds are not, then the existing MP4 track management system is maintained, but users cannot select complete media combinations (video+audio+subtitle) in one operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack combination flexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds another dimension to track management by introducing group IDs that operate alongside existing track IDs. This dimensional extension allows tracks to be identified both individually (by track ID) and as part of comprehensive combinations (by group ID), enabling users to select complete media combinations including video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single operation while preserving the原有 track-by-track management capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2416321B1Data generating device and data generating method, and data processing device and data processing method
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2416321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2416321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2416321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a data generating device including: a coding section coding a plurality of kinds of data, and generating coded data; an information generating section generating a plurality of pieces of group information indicating combinations of a plurality of kinds of the data; and a file generating section generating a coded data storage file including the coded data of the plurality of kinds of the data and the plurality of pieces of the group information.