Transcode Matrix for Automatic Media Format Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve the transcoding process for digital media files to ensure they can be properly played back on various target playback devices, as existing methods often require manual intervention and are inefficient in determining the necessary format changes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a transcode manager, transcode matrix, transcode engine, and cache that analyzes the source file and target device capabilities to determine if transcoding is required and generates a target profile for the file, allowing for automatic format conversion and storage for seamless playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual intervention is used to determine transcoding requirements, then accuracy in format conversion can be achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy in determining transcoding requirementsVSAvoidtime consumption in transcoding process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by implementing an automated transcode matrix that independently analyzes source file parameters, compares them against target device capabilities, and determines transcoding requirements without manual intervention. The system queries device capabilities, generates source profiles, performs parameter comparisons, and outputs transcoding decisions automatically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring human operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of determining transcoding requirements with an automated computational system. The transcode matrix uses algorithmic logic to perform parameter comparison and decision-making, substituting human cognitive and manual operations with automated software-based mechanisms that process file parameters and device capabilities electronically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If transcoding is performed during synchronization, then device compatibility is ensured, but synchronization time and transfer delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with target playback deviceVSAvoidsynchronization speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by determining transcoding requirements and generating target profiles before the actual file transfer occurs. The transcode matrix analyzes source files and compares them against device capabilities in advance, so that when synchronization is needed, the system already knows what format conversions are required, enabling faster execution during the actual transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple format conversions are performed to ensure broad device compatibility, then versatility is improved, but processing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple devicesVSAvoidtranscoding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the transcoding decision-making process into distinct, manageable components: source profile generation, device capability querying, parameter comparison, and target profile generation. The transcode matrix handles each parameter independently (codec, bitrate, sample rate, etc.), breaking down the complex multi-format conversion problem into discrete evaluation steps that can be processed systematically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transcode matrix implements universality by creating a single, unified system that can handle multiple file formats, codecs, and device types through one standardized process. Rather than requiring separate conversion tools for different format pairs, the universal transcode matrix compares source parameters against device capabilities and determines the appropriate target format dynamically, making the system adaptable to various scenarios through a single multi-functional mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7669121B2Transcode matrix

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A transcode architecture determines if a media source file needs to be transcoded for playback on a target playback device, and if so, the proper format needed for transcoding the source file. A transcode architecture includes a transcode manager, a transcode matrix, a transcode engine and a cache for storing transcoded media files. A media library stores media source files and device capabilities information. The transcode manager controls a transcode process in which the transcode matrix generates a profile for a media source file and accesses device capabilities that indicate playback capabilities for a target playback device. The transcode matrix compares parameters of the source profile with the device capabilities to decide whether the source file must be transcoded to enable playback of the file on the target playback device, and if so, the proper format needed for transcoding the source file.