Proprietary Grouping Data Structures in ISOBMFF Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

The International Standard Organization Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF) and High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF) lack mechanisms to describe proprietary types of groups and transformation operators, limiting their flexibility and compatibility with vendor-specific data.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of proprietary grouping data structures using universally unique identifiers (UUIDs) and the separation of transformation operators into essential and non-essential lists, allowing for the encapsulation and identification of proprietary information within files, enabling vendor-specific extensions while maintaining compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary grouping data structures with UUIDs are introduced, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file structure into distinct boxes (e.g., 'grpl' for grouping, 'uuid' for identification) that can be independently processed. This modular approach allows proprietary information to be added through discrete, standardized components rather than requiring complete structural redesign, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces UUIDs as intermediary identifiers that bridge proprietary groupings with the standardized ISOBMFF/HEIF framework. These UUIDs act as mediators that allow vendor-specific data to be integrated without disrupting the core standard structure, enabling adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary transformation operators are added to derived tracks, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing proprietary transformation operators to be defined and used in specific local contexts (individual derived tracks or sample groups) rather than requiring universal support. This enables adaptability for vendor-specific needs while maintaining reliability for standard operations, as decoders only need to handle proprietary operators when explicitly present and supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring all decoders to support all transformation operators, the patent inverts the approach by allowing decoders to selectively support only the operators they need. Proprietary operators are defined locally in the file metadata, and decoders can identify and handle them accordingly, thereby improving adaptability while preserving reliability through selective processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vendor-specific extensions are enabled, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal box structure ('grpl' with 'uuid' sub-boxes) that serves multiple functions: it can represent both standard and proprietary groupings, accommodate different vendor-specific data types, and maintain compatibility with the existing ISOBMFF/HEIF framework. This multi-functional design improves adaptability while preserving ease of operation through a unified, standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the box structure and UUID mechanism in the standard itself. This allows vendor-specific extensions to be added later without requiring changes to the core parsing logic, as the framework for accommodating proprietary data is already in place. This preliminary structuring improves adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through predictable, pre-planned integration points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11985339B2Method and apparatus for encapsulating images or sequences of images with proprietary information in a file

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 CANON KK

AI summary

A method of encapsulating entities in a file, wherein the method comprises for at least one entity: generating a grouping data structure associated with at least one of the entities, and indicating that the at least one of the entities belong to a same group; encapsulating the grouping data structure and the entities in the file; wherein the grouping data structure is a proprietary grouping data structure comprising an universally unique identifier identifying the type of the proprietary grouping.