Server-Based Image Control System for Dynamic Format Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional web-browsing and image-delivery methods fail to provide image files in varying formats and sizes tailored to different users, require frequent updates of web page code when images are updated, and lack security features to prevent copying and authenticate image sources.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that uses dynamic links to deliver images in different formats and sizes from a single source, incorporates right-click control, user-defined watermarks, and authentication mechanisms to secure and validate image usage, while minimizing image copying and ensuring authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single original image file is used for all users, then storage space is reduced and updates are simplified, but the ability to provide images in varying formats and sizes to different users is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image delivery process into two parts: a single original image file stored on the server, and multiple processed versions (different formats and sizes) generated on-demand. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a single source of truth while providing adapted versions to different users, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as image format and size by processing the original image file dynamically based on user requirements. The server modifies the original image's parameters (resolution, format) to match what different users need, enabling adaptability without maintaining multiple original files.
2Productivity
If image files are updated manually in HTML code, then image updates can be made, but the need to update multiple portions of HTML code increases maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the original image file and the HTML code. The server generates processed image versions based on the original file, so when an image is updated, only the original file needs to be changed on the server, and all HTML code automatically references the updated version through the server's processing logic, eliminating the need to manually update multiple HTML portions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire image is delivered to the browser, then the image can be displayed, but the ability to prevent copying and protect proprietary content is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image delivery by providing only the original image file on the server and generating processed versions only when needed. The system can implement measures to prevent copying of the original file while still allowing controlled access to processed versions for display purposes, thus protecting proprietary content while maintaining display functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a server-implemented method for providing an image file. The server receives a uniform resource locator (URL) containing identification of a requested image file for display within the browser of a user, the URL including criteria specified by one or more parameters relating to the size and/or format of the image file to provide. The server determines whether a cached version of the requested image file satisfying the one or more criteria exists. If so, then the server provides the cached version of the requested image file for display within the browser of the user. If not, then the server (i) generates a processed image file by modifying a stored version of the requested image file based on the one or more criteria; (ii) stores a cached version of the processed image file; and (iii) provides the processed image file for display within the browser of the user.