Apple patent filing is for a ‘movie package file format’

Apple wants to make it easier to watch homemade videos or videos bought/rented at the iTunes Store on its various device.The tech giant has file for a patent (number 20180295398) for a “movie package file format.”

In the patent filing, Apple notes that video and/or audio content is constantly being accessed by users of various handheld and computing devices whether that data is purchased, rented, or requested for download from a server, exchanged between users as in a video conference call, or published for sharing with friends and family. 

However, given the variety of devices that may access given media content, and the limitations of the multiple and various networks used for accessing and exchanging that media content, multiple versions of the same content are often created and stored. For example, through multiple available versions of a video, different resolutions of the video are provided via multiple created streams or tracks. 

This allows individuals accessing the video content on a smart phone to view the same video content as individuals accessing the video content on a desktop or television system. Additional considerations such as subtitles in different languages and decoders that are not compatible with an applied coding type may additionally each require a completely different version of the same video content. 

Apple says that, accordingly, there’s a need in the art for a flexible and adaptable movie package file format that provides for easy access to any one of the multiple different video streams for use at different display systems. Such a file format provides for systems and methods that create and access video data in a more user-friendly and resource friendly manner, the company adds. 

Here’s Apple’s summary of the invention: “Systems and methods for improved video formats used in delivery and playback are presented. According to an embodiment, the movie package format contains tiers that provide for multiple sets of movie variations that are individually selectable for transfer to a device for local playback. A locally stored movie package may contain any subset of available tiers for a movie. 

“Non-resident tiers can be discovered and downloaded into the movie package as needed or when available. Tiers, and other movie files may be updated or added to the movie package at any time. Then users can request updates or the updates can be pushed to the user without affecting the previously downloaded files.”

Of course, Apple files for — and is granted — lots of patents by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Many are for inventions that never see the light of day. However, you never can tell which ones will materialize in a real product.