Multimedia Data Stream Forking for Interactive Content Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia interaction technologies, such as video content delivery, are limited in user engagement as they do not allow for extensive interaction during content consumption, primarily relying on pre-defined selections without dynamic user input.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for processing multimedia information that utilizes decentralized components to select between multiple data streams at forking points, allowing users to interactively choose content paths, with control information transmitted over a communication network to manage multicast channels efficiently, reducing resource usage and enabling interactive content distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data streams are provided for alternative content selection, then user interaction capability is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery by creating forking points within the multimedia content where users can make selections. The content is divided into multiple data streams representing different narrative paths or content variations, allowing users to interactively choose their preferred content direction without requiring the entire set of alternative contents to be continuously transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple alternative data streams in advance, encoding different content paths (such as different movie endings or narrative outcomes) into the multimedia content structure. These pre-prepared streams are made available for selection at forking points, enabling interactive content delivery without requiring real-time content generation or excessive network resource allocation during playback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized components are used for content selection, then user engagement is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables decentralized components (such as set-top boxes or user devices) to autonomously handle content selection at forking points. The user interface at the decentralized component presents selection options to the user, and the component automatically manages the switching between different data streams based on user input, without requiring complex centralized control for each interaction decision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interactive content paths are implemented, then user interaction is enhanced, but content delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-encodes multiple content paths and alternative narratives into the multimedia content structure before distribution. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly switch between different content streams at forking points without requiring real-time content generation or extensive processing delays, maintaining fast content delivery while enabling interactive path selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transporting multimedia information is provided, wherein the multimedia information comprises several data streams, wherein at least two of the data streams at least partially represent alternative contents of the multimedia information; wherein the multimedia information comprises at least one forking point for selecting one of at least two of the data streams; wherein one of the data streams is selected based on a trigger provided by at least one decentralized component; and wherein a control information is provided for the data stream selected. Also an according device for processing multimedia information is suggested.