Web Browser Configurable Pipeline for Media Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current web-based media processing solutions, such as monolithic plugins and built-in browser functionality, lack granular control over media processing, making it cumbersome and costly to add custom features like Digital Rights Management (DRM) or video enhancements.

Innovation Solution

A web-based configurable pipeline within a web browser that allows for modular processing of media streams, enabling granular control over media processing by creating pipelines with interchangeable components and data channels for customized processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If monolithic plugins or built-in browser functionality are used for media processing, then the system provides basic media playback capability, but it lacks granular control over media processing and makes it cumbersome and costly to add custom features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability of media processingVSAvoidcomplexity of adding custom features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the media processing system into modular components including decoders, renderers, and processing components that can be independently selected and configured. Each component handles a specific function (video decoding, audio decoding, rendering) and can be combined in configurable pipelines to create customized media processing flows without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of media processing pipelines where components can be added, removed, or modified at runtime based on application requirements. The system allows web applications to programmatically configure processing pipelines and switch between different component combinations, enabling adaptability without fixed architecture constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If monolithic plugins are used for media processing, then the system provides basic functionality, but it is costly to add custom features like DRM or video enhancements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add custom featuresVSAvoidcost and effort to implement custom features

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal media processing framework where a single configurable pipeline architecture can handle multiple functions including standard playback, DRM protection, video enhancements, and other custom features. The same component framework supports diverse processing requirements through different component configurations rather than requiring separate implementations for each feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces configurable processing components as intermediaries between decoders and renderers that can add custom functionality like DRM protection or video enhancements. These intermediary components provide standardized interfaces that allow custom features to be integrated into the media processing pipeline without modifying the core decoder or renderer implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If built-in browser functionality is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it lacks granular control over media processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of media playbackVSAvoidgranular control over processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables web applications to self-configure their media processing pipelines based on their specific requirements. The system provides APIs that allow applications to programmatically select and configure appropriate decoders, renderers, and processing components, enabling automated pipeline configuration without requiring manual system administration or complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8856212B1Web-based configurable pipeline for media processing

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for a web-based configurable pipeline for media processing is disclosed. The disclosed embodiments include a web browser implemented on a computing device. The web browser includes a web application processor configured to execute instructions included in a web application, and one or more configurable pipelines, wherein a configurable pipeline of the one or more configurable pipelines is created using at least some of the instructions included in the web application, the configurable pipeline including a plurality of components for processing one or more media streams, each component including at least one input or at least one output, and the configurable pipeline is adapted to establish data connections between the plurality of components.