Multimedia File Upload via Thumbnail Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for uploading multimedia files, such as images and videos, are slow due to high bandwidth requirements, often necessitating additional software on client computers, which users are hesitant to install for safety and stability concerns, and can overload servers during concurrent uploads.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the upload of multimedia files using standard web protocols without additional software, by identifying and processing thumbnail or representative portions of the files, allowing servers to respond quickly without requiring the full file to be uploaded, and enabling fast comparison and search processes using reduced-size images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the complete multimedia file is uploaded using standard web protocols, then the upload is reliable and complete, but the upload time is long and user response is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multimedia file into two parts: a thumbnail (abbreviated version) and the complete file. The thumbnail is uploaded first to provide immediate server response, while the complete file upload continues in the background. This segmentation allows the system to provide fast initial response without sacrificing complete file transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by uploading only the thumbnail portion of the file initially, which is sufficient for the server to provide a response (such as displaying a preview or confirming receipt). The remaining portion of the file is uploaded subsequently, ensuring complete transfer without requiring the user to wait for the entire upload before receiving server acknowledgment.
2Productivity
If additional software is installed on client computers to manage uploads, then upload efficiency can be improved, but user safety and stability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the standard web browser to perform upload management functions without requiring additional client software. The browser's built-in capabilities are leveraged to handle the segmented upload process, making the system self-sufficient using existing tools that users are already familiar with and trust.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the standard web browser universally capable of handling the specialized upload task by using its existing file selection and submission functionalities. No specialized software needs to be installed because the browser's multi-functional nature allows it to perform both standard web navigation and the enhanced upload management required by this invention.
3Productivity
If multiple clients upload files concurrently, then server utilization is high, but server overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upload process so that only the small thumbnail needs to be fully processed by the server immediately, while the larger complete file uploads can proceed asynchronously. This reduces the immediate processing burden on the server during concurrent uploads, preventing overload while maintaining high utilization for the essential thumbnail processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs partial processing on the uploaded content by immediately handling the thumbnail portion while deferring or asynchronously handling the complete file processing. This allows the server to respond to multiple concurrent clients without being overwhelmed by the full processing requirements of each complete file.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of handling multimedia data in which packets of a multimedia file from a first computer are received by a second computer. In case, a sub-portion of the multimedia file, representative of the multimedia file, was received by the second computer, before the entire file was received by the second computer, that sub portion is handled by the second computer transmitting to the first computer, although the entire file was not received by the second computer at the time of the transmission of the result. Additionally, an image processing server is described comprising: a network interface adapted to receive packets, a communication manager adapted to manage reception of multimedia files through the input interface and to conclude when a sub-portion of a multimedia file, representative of the multimedia file received, and an image handling unit configured to handle said sub-portions.