{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854260","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854260","title":"Key frame aligned transcoding using key frame list file","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-03-06T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"Systems and methods are provided for transcoding a set of key frame aligned output files from a source file. A key frame list file is generated while transcoding a first output file of the set. Subsequent output files of the set may be created non-sequentially and in parallel using the key frame list file."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Key Frame Aligned Transcoding Using Key Frame List File patent introduces a novel approach to video transcoding, significantly improving efficiency and reducing processing time. The core innovation lies in generating a key frame list file while transcoding the first output file. This file is then used to create subsequent output files non-sequentially and in parallel, drastically accelerating the overall transcoding process. This technology addresses the growing demand for high-quality video content across diverse platforms and devices.\n\nThe problem being solved is the time-consuming and resource-intensive nature of traditional video transcoding methods. Existing methods process each output file sequentially, leading to delays and inefficiencies. This patent offers a paradigm shift by enabling parallel processing, leading to substantial time savings.\n\nThe key technical approach involves creating a key frame list file that contains information about the key frames in the source video. This information is used to align the output files, ensuring consistency and quality across all versions. The parallel processing capability allows for efficient utilization of computing resources, reducing the overall cost of transcoding.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are significant. By reducing transcoding time, content creators can bring their videos to market faster. Streaming platforms can also benefit from reduced latency and improved user experience. The technology also paves the way for new business models, such as on-demand transcoding services.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial. As the demand for high-quality video content continues to grow, this technology is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of video distribution and consumption.","layman_explanation":"The Key Frame Aligned Transcoding Using Key Frame List File patent addresses a significant challenge in the video industry: the time-consuming process of transcoding video files into multiple formats. This is necessary to ensure that videos can be viewed on a wide range of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs, each with different screen sizes and technical specifications.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nImagine you have a single video file, but you need to make it compatible with dozens of different devices. The traditional approach involves processing the video separately for each device, which can take hours or even days. This delay can be a major problem for content creators, streaming services, and anyone who needs to deliver video content quickly and efficiently. Existing solutions often fall short because they are either too slow, too expensive, or don't provide the necessary level of quality.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nThis patent introduces a clever solution that speeds up the transcoding process by using a \"key frame list file.\" Think of key frames as the most important scenes in a movie. The invention identifies these key frames and creates a list of them. Then, instead of processing the entire video from start to finish for each device, it uses the key frame list as a guide to process multiple versions of the video at the same time. It's like having a blueprint that allows you to build several houses simultaneously instead of one after the other. This parallel processing significantly reduces the overall transcoding time.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nThe impact on the video industry is potentially huge. Faster transcoding means that content creators can get their videos online more quickly, allowing them to capitalize on trending topics and engage with their audience in real-time. Streaming services can deliver content more efficiently, improving the user experience and reducing costs. The technology could also enable new business models, such as on-demand transcoding services that allow users to quickly convert videos for a fee.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nFuture applications could include integration with cloud-based video processing platforms, allowing users to access the technology from anywhere in the world. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors such as the availability of affordable hardware and the willingness of content creators and streaming services to adopt new technologies. From an investment perspective, this patent represents an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient video processing solutions.","technical_analysis":"The Key Frame Aligned Transcoding Using Key Frame List File patent details a system designed to optimize video transcoding through key frame alignment. The architecture centers around the generation and utilization of a key frame list file. Initially, when transcoding the first output file, the system creates this key frame list. This file contains critical metadata about the key frames within the video, including timestamps and spatial information.\n\nSubsequent output files are then generated using this key frame list file. The system leverages this data to perform transcoding in a non-sequential and parallel manner. This approach fundamentally differs from traditional transcoding methods, which process each output file sequentially.\n\nImplementation involves several key algorithms. The key frame detection algorithm identifies the most important frames within the video stream. The key frame list file generation algorithm then organizes the metadata associated with these key frames. The parallel transcoding algorithm uses the key frame list file to ensure that the output files are aligned and consistent, even though they are processed concurrently.\n\nIntegration patterns typically involve incorporating this system into existing video processing pipelines. This can be achieved through APIs or custom software modules. The system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of video codecs and formats.\n\nPerformance characteristics are a key consideration. The primary benefit of this approach is the reduction in transcoding time. By processing output files in parallel, the system can significantly decrease the overall time required to generate multiple versions of a video. This improvement is particularly noticeable when dealing with high-resolution video or a large number of output formats.\n\nCode-level implications involve optimizing the parallel transcoding algorithm to maximize throughput and minimize latency. This requires careful consideration of thread management, memory allocation, and data synchronization. The key frame list file also needs to be efficiently accessed and processed to avoid becoming a bottleneck.","business_analysis":"The Key Frame Aligned Transcoding Using Key Frame List File patent presents a significant market opportunity within the video processing and distribution industry. The increasing demand for high-quality video content across various devices and platforms necessitates efficient transcoding solutions.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial. The global video transcoding market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing consumption of online video and the proliferation of streaming services. This patent addresses a key pain point in this market: the time and cost associated with traditional transcoding methods.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology are clear. By enabling parallel processing and key frame alignment, this patent offers a significant reduction in transcoding time compared to existing solutions. This can translate into lower operational costs, faster content delivery, and improved user experience.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is diverse. It can be monetized through licensing agreements, software subscriptions, or as part of a broader video processing service. Potential customers include content creators, streaming platforms, video editing software vendors, and cloud service providers.\n\nBusiness models can range from direct sales to subscription-based services. A software subscription model could provide access to the transcoding technology on a recurring basis. A service-based model could offer on-demand transcoding services to customers who lack the in-house expertise or infrastructure.\n\nStrategic positioning involves targeting key segments within the video processing market. This could include focusing on high-growth areas such as live streaming, 4K/8K video, and mobile video. The technology can also be positioned as a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses.\n\nROI projections are highly dependent on the specific implementation and business model. However, the potential for significant cost savings and increased revenue makes this technology an attractive investment. By reducing transcoding time and improving efficiency, this patent can deliver a substantial return on investment for its users.","faqs":null,"topics":["video transcoding","parallel processing","key frame alignment","video encoding","video streaming","technical","frame","aligned"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Key Frame Aligned Transcoding - Patent US-9854260","description":"Discover how Key Frame Aligned Transcoding Using Key Frame List File reduces video processing time. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details available.","keywords":["video transcoding","parallel processing","key frame alignment","video encoding","video streaming","patent","patent US-9854260"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854260","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854260","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Key frame aligned transcoding using key frame list file\" (US-9854260). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854260","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854260","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854260","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T09:42:14.739Z"}