Virtual Video Editing Using Reference-Based Clip Definitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating video clips from source video files is processing and storage intensive due to the need for encoding and storing separate video files.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a client-server network environment with a custom media player that allows virtual editing and sharing of video files by specifying start and stop points, enabling the creation of virtual clips without modifying the source file, and using virtual key frames for seamless playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate video files are encoded for each clip, then clip creation quality is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual key frames that are copies or references to actual key frames in the source video file, rather than creating separate encoded video files. This allows multiple virtual clips to reference the same underlying video data without duplicating the encoding process, thereby maintaining clip quality while reducing processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal key frame structure where a single set of key frames serves multiple virtual clips. Instead of encoding separate video files for each clip, the same key frames are reused across multiple virtual clip definitions, enabling efficient clip creation while preserving quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate video files are encoded for each clip, then clip creation quality is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements virtual clips as references to portions of the source video file using virtual key frames, rather than creating separate physical video files. This reference-based approach dramatically reduces storage requirements while maintaining the ability to deliver high-quality clips on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual clip structure nests multiple clip definitions within a single source video file. Each virtual clip is essentially a nested reference containing start time, stop time, and virtual key frame information, allowing unlimited clips to be defined without proportionally increasing storage requirements.
3Productivity
If virtual clips are created without separate files, then processing overhead is reduced, but playback seamlessness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and marking key frames within the source video file before virtual clips are created. These pre-marked key frames serve as anchor points that enable seamless playback of virtual clips without requiring full re-encoding, thus maintaining reliability while reducing processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual key frames as an intermediary between the source video file and the virtual clips. These virtual key frames act as mediators that carry timing and synchronization information, enabling seamless playback of virtual clips without direct manipulation of the original video data.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual video editing is disclosed. In some embodiments, a definition of a virtual clip of a source file is received from a user and saved for future playback of the virtual clip. The virtual clip is not encoded as a separate file. Rather, a portion of the source file specified in the definition of the virtual clip is played back when the virtual clip is played.