Multi-Resolution Image Delivery for Faster Cloud Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing high-resolution images and videos stored on cloud storage systems due to network constraints, leading to delayed viewing and reduced quality, especially with low internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing content items with multiple resolutions, allowing users to view lower-resolution images on their device while higher-resolution versions download in the background, prioritizing downloads based on factors like connectivity, storage, and usage history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution images are downloaded to cloud storage system, then image quality is improved, but download time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image download process into multiple resolution versions (e.g., thumbnail, medium, high resolution). The system downloads and displays lower-resolution versions first for immediate viewing, then progressively downloads higher-resolution versions in the background. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing immediate access to viewable images while gradually improving image quality without blocking user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-downloading lower-resolution versions of images before the user actually needs to view them. When a user navigates to a gallery or album, thumbnail versions are already available for immediate display, while higher-resolution versions are pre-fetched in the background when network conditions permit. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time while ultimately achieving high-quality display.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution images are stored on device, then image quality is improved, but storage space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing different resolution versions of the same image in different locations or with different priority levels. High-resolution versions are stored in cloud storage, while lower-resolution versions are cached locally on the device for immediate viewing. This allows the system to provide high-quality images when needed while minimizing local storage consumption by keeping only essential lower-resolution copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested storage structure where multiple resolution versions of images are organized in a hierarchical manner. The system stores a core high-resolution master copy in cloud storage, with progressively smaller lower-resolution versions nested within the storage hierarchy. This nested approach allows efficient space utilization by storing only the necessary resolution levels locally while maintaining access to full-quality versions in the cloud.
3Loss of energy
If low-resolution images are displayed, then network usage is reduced, but viewing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resolution adjustment based on real-time network conditions, user interaction, and image importance. The system dynamically switches between displaying low-resolution thumbnails during normal browsing and automatically fetching high-resolution versions when users tap or long-press on images. This dynamic adaptation reduces network usage during routine navigation while ensuring high viewing quality when users actually engage with specific images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the system to automatically detect user intent (through gestures like tapping or long-pressing) and autonomously fetch higher-resolution versions without requiring manual user actions. When a user shows interest in a particular image through interaction, the system self-initiates the download of the high-resolution version and seamlessly replaces the thumbnail, providing quality improvement exactly when and where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for managing content items having multiple resolutions may be provided. In some embodiments, a user device may send a request to access one or more images from a content management system. The one or more images may be categorized on the user device by an expected use that determines that the one or more images be in a first version. A second version of the one or more images may be received while a background download of the first version of the one or more images may be performed. In some embodiments, the first version may correspond to a high-resolution image whereas the second version may correspond to a lower resolution image.