Streaming Media Captioning via Segmented HTML and Image Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional streaming media technologies face challenges in delivering consistent and high-quality captioning across various platforms and browsers, leading to inferior image quality and limited flexibility in displaying captions, which restricts accessibility for hearing-impaired viewers.

Innovation Solution

A custom player system that uses HTML and images to position captions flexibly, separates caption text from the audio/video stream, and employs JavaScript to manage media-triggered events, allowing for dynamic display and synchronization of captions with audio content, without requiring special upgrades to Real or Windows Media players.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional streaming media technologies (Real Media, Windows Media) are used to deliver captions, then the audio/video stream can be transmitted, but the image quality deteriorates and caption display flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcaption display flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the caption delivery system from the audio/video stream by using independent HTML pages and images. Captions are delivered as separate image files that can be displayed independently, allowing high image quality without compromising the video stream. This segmentation enables captions to be optimized for readability while the video maintains its original quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces HTML pages and image files as intermediaries between the audio/video stream and the caption display. Instead of embedding captions directly in the stream (which would compromise video quality), the system uses these intermediary elements to deliver and display captions separately, maintaining both video quality and caption flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If captions are integrated into the audio/video stream, then synchronization is achieved, but the system becomes incompatible with multiple platforms and browsers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaption synchronizationVSAvoidplatform compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses standard HTML pages and image files that are universally compatible with all web browsers and platforms. By delivering captions as separate image files through standard web protocols, the system achieves broad compatibility across different platforms while maintaining synchronization through timecode-based coordination between the video stream and caption display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs timecode parameters to synchronize captions with the audio/video stream across different platforms. By using standardized timecode formatting and independent image delivery, the system maintains synchronization reliability while avoiding platform-specific dependencies, allowing the same caption system to work across Real Media, Windows Media, and various browsers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If proprietary captioning features are used in Real or Windows Media players, then caption delivery is enabled, but special upgrades are required and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaption delivery capabilityVSAvoidplayer upgrade requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, universally available HTML pages and image files as the basis for caption delivery, replacing the need for expensive or complex proprietary player upgrades. These basic web technologies can be implemented in any standard browser without requiring special media player installations or updates, significantly reducing the barrier to entry for caption delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces HTML pages as an intermediary layer that translates proprietary captioning requirements into standard web technologies. This intermediary converts the need for specialized player features into a universal web-based solution, eliminating the requirement for Real or Windows Media player upgrades while maintaining full caption delivery functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If captions are displayed within the video stream, then integration is achieved, but caption readability and accessibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaption integrationVSAvoidcaption readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates captions from the video stream into independent image files, allowing each element to be optimized independently. This segmentation enables captions to be displayed with high readability and accessibility while maintaining integration through timecode synchronization. The separate image delivery system allows for optimized caption rendering without compromising video quality or caption clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7617272B2Systems and methods for enhancing streaming media
Publication Date: 2009.11.10 RPX CORP
  • US7617272B2 patent drawing
  • US7617272B2 patent drawing
  • US7617272B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Streaming media is delivered in various scenarios that include live/on-demand events, Real/Windows Media platforms, and Netscape/Internet Explorer browsers. Systems and methods for enhancing streaming media delivery in this environment are disclosed.