Video Segmentation via Neural Text Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in efficiently managing large class sizes in educational settings, where traditional instructional models are ineffective, and the manual indexing of videos is expensive and unsustainable, making it difficult to search and utilize video content effectively in educational and corporate training contexts.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing automated transcription and text clustering based on a trained neural network and machine-assisted methods to segment video content, enabling efficient searching and navigation of video collections, with features like interactive transcripts, real-time analytics, and user dashboards for improved learning experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual indexing of video content is used, then video search capability is achieved, but the process becomes expensive and unsustainable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo search capabilityVSAvoidindexing cost and sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables video content to automatically generate its own transcription and segmentation without human intervention. The video processing system performs self-indexing by automatically transcribing speech, clustering text segments, and creating searchable metadata, eliminating the need for expensive manual indexing while maintaining search capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual indexing process with an automated computational system. Instead of human operators manually creating indexes, the system uses speech-to-text transcription technology, neural network-based text clustering, and automated metadata generation to create searchable video collections at scale

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional lecture models are used for large classes, then instructional delivery is maintained, but effectiveness decreases with large enrollment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstructional deliveryVSAvoidinstructional effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments large lecture videos into smaller, topic-based clusters using text clustering algorithms. This divides monolithic lecture content into manageable thematic sections, allowing students to navigate and review specific topics independently, thereby maintaining instructional effectiveness even in large enrollment scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces automated transcription and text clustering as an intermediary between the video content and students. This intermediary layer processes and structures the instructional material, enabling effective delivery to large audiences by making content searchable, navigable, and reviewable without requiring direct instructor-student interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If video collections are used to replace textbooks, then user engagement increases, but smart search within videos becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidsearch capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary text clustering and metadata generation during video processing, before users need to search. By pre-organizing video content into clustered segments with descriptive metadata, the system prepares search-ready structures in advance, making smart search functional without requiring complex query processing at search time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces text clustering and transcription as an intermediary layer between video content and search functionality. This intermediary transforms unstructured video audio into structured, searchable text segments with metadata, enabling smart search capability while preserving the engaging video format

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11126858B2System and method for machine-assisted segmentation of video collections
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIV
  • US11126858B2 patent drawing
  • US11126858B2 patent drawing
  • US11126858B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to various embodiments, a system for accessing video content is disclosed. The system includes one or processors on a video hosting platform for hosting the video content, where the processors are configured to generate an automated transcription of the video content and apply text clustering modules based on a trained neural network to segment the video content.