Method and apparatus for optimizing playback of media files over a data network
First Claim
1. A method for optimizing the transmission of multimedia files over a data network, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a multimedia file to be played;
creating a plurality transmission files from the multimedia file where each of the plurality of transmission files is created in a format optimized for a particular transmission speed;
selecting a transmission speed and identifying one of the plurality of transmission files which is optimized for the transmission speed;
transmitting the identified transmission file;
periodically analyzing transmission characteristics of the identified transmission file during transmission of the identified transmission file to determine whether the identified transmission file is being transmitted at an optimum speed; and
if the identified transmission file is not being transmitted at an optimum speed, determining an optimum speed for transmission;
identifying a different transmission file from the plurality of transmission files which is optimized for transmission at the optimum speed; and
identifying a selected point during the transmission of the identified transmission file, and at the selected point, replacing the identified transmission file with the different transmission file and continuing the transmission with the different transmission file.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An adaptable communication system provides capability to change the format of multimedia files being transmitted over a data network in real-time. Incorporated into a network server is a processor and other functionality for downloading multimedia files and then recreating the files to accommodate different download formats. A file may be created that is appropriate for real-time playing for a 14.4 k modem connection as well as an high-bandwidth line, such as an ADSL line connection. A separate file is created in the network server for these different type of connections. Also incorporated into each of the newly created multimedia files are reference marks which are located at the same playing interval for each of the files. Once a system user has accessed and is viewing a multimedia file as it is being downloaded, an interface connection may detect that noise or other problems on the network are decreasing the quality of the playback. Once this occurs, a different file may be retrieved from memory which is more appropriate for that transmission medium. The processor uses the reference marks included in each of the multimedia files to make a seamless replacement of one file for the other.
39 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method for optimizing the transmission of multimedia files over a data network, comprising the steps of:
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identifying a multimedia file to be played;
creating a plurality transmission files from the multimedia file where each of the plurality of transmission files is created in a format optimized for a particular transmission speed;
selecting a transmission speed and identifying one of the plurality of transmission files which is optimized for the transmission speed;
transmitting the identified transmission file;
periodically analyzing transmission characteristics of the identified transmission file during transmission of the identified transmission file to determine whether the identified transmission file is being transmitted at an optimum speed; and
if the identified transmission file is not being transmitted at an optimum speed, determining an optimum speed for transmission;
identifying a different transmission file from the plurality of transmission files which is optimized for transmission at the optimum speed; and
identifying a selected point during the transmission of the identified transmission file, and at the selected point, replacing the identified transmission file with the different transmission file and continuing the transmission with the different transmission file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for optimizing playback of multimedia files over a data network comprising:
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a processor which receives multimedia files from a remote source and converts the multimedia file into a plurality of transmission files each optimized for a particular transmission speed;
a memory connected to the processor for storing the plurality of transmission files;
a communication interface connected to the processor which provides for access and selection of the plurality of transmission files;
a transmitter which transmits one of the plurality of transmission files based on a selection received through the communications interface, wherein the one transmission file is optimized for a detected transmission speed over the data network; and
,a monitor which monitors the transmission speed of the one transmission file and provides feedback to the processor when the one transmission file is being transmitted at other than optimum transmission speed, where the processor selects a different transmission file from the plurality of transmission which is optimized for transmission at the optimum transmission speed. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification