Video Data Segmentation for Resumable Downloads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information devices, such as mobile communication terminals, face issues where downloaded video data is discarded if the download is interrupted, and the device cannot resume playback from the correct location due to deleted converted data, leading to incomplete video usage.

Innovation Solution

The information device sends download requests for divided video data while running in the background, allowing for complete download recognition by the OS, and the distribution device stores converted data to enable resuming playback from the correct location without re-downloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the information device downloads video data as a single file, then the download process is simple, but if the download is interrupted, the entire video data is discarded and cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownload process complexityVSAvoidvideo data usability after interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The video data is divided into multiple segments before download. Each segment is downloaded separately and can be independently stored and played. If the download is interrupted, only the incomplete segments are affected, while previously downloaded segments remain usable. This segmentation approach transforms a single-point-failure system into a multi-point-resilient system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the distribution device deletes converted data after distribution is complete, then storage space is optimized, but if distribution is interrupted, the information device cannot resume from the interruption location and must re-download from the beginning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiddownload time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device performs format conversion of video data before distribution, and maintains the converted data in storage even after distribution completes. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the information device needs to resume playback, the converted data is already available at the correct byte location, eliminating the need to re-download and re-convert.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution device creates a copy of the video data in a converted format suitable for the information device. This copied converted data is retained in the distribution device's storage, allowing the information device to directly download and play without additional conversion, enabling seamless resumption after interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If the information device downloads video data in the background, then user experience is improved, but if the download is interrupted, the OS discards the partially downloaded data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddownloaded data retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting video data into multiple smaller files with distinct extensions, each segment can be independently recognized by the OS as a complete file. This allows the OS to retain previously downloaded segments even if the overall download process is interrupted, enabling partial playback capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the file extension parameter of downloaded segments to indicate their playable status. This parameter change allows the OS and application to recognize that these segments are complete and usable, even though they are part of a larger interrupted download process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3142115B1Information device and distribution device
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3142115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3142115B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3142115B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An information device is provided that includes a communication component and a controller. The communication component is configured to communicate with an external device. The controller is configured to download video data from the external device through the communication component. The controller is configured to perform processing for playing the video data. The controller is configured to execute an application for playing the video data. The controller is configured to send a download request for each divided video data, with the divided video data being obtained by dividing up the video data.