# How to Search Through Long Videos Using a Compressed Visual Timeline

> A method for searching large collections of video or image data by condensing them into a single, scrollable visual strip that triggers automated searches as you move a slider.

- **Patent:** US 10311112
- **Original title:** Linearized search of visual media
- **Owner:** Zorroa Corp
- **Granted:** 2019
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 1
- **Field:** software, ai_ml, consumer_electronics

## What it does

This patent describes a way to visualize long sequences of images or video frames by compressing each frame into a single line of pixels. These lines are placed side-by-side to create a 'slitscan graphic' that acts as a visual map of the entire content. When a user moves a slider along this map, the system displays a thumbnail of the actual video frame at that point and automatically runs a search query associated with that specific segment of the video. For example, if you are scrubbing through a long video of a meeting, the system could automatically pull up relevant documents or notes linked to the specific topic being discussed at that moment in the video.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover standard video scrubbing interfaces that lack the automated query-execution feature.
- Does not cover search methods that rely solely on metadata or text tags without the slit-compressed visual representation.
- Does not cover systems that do not group the compressed images into segments for query association.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in using a 'slit-compressed' visual summary as both a navigation tool and a trigger for automated, context-aware database queries, effectively bridging the gap between visual browsing and text-based search.

## Real-world examples

1. Digital video asset management platforms
2. Legal discovery software for video evidence
3. Automated video indexing and archiving tools

## Why it matters

Managing massive archives of video is a major challenge for industries like media production, legal discovery, and security. By turning hours of footage into a single, searchable visual strip, this technology makes it possible to quickly navigate and find relevant information without watching every second of a video file.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How to Search Through Long Videos Using a Compressed Visual Timeline cover?

A method for searching large collections of video or image data by condensing them into a single, scrollable visual strip that triggers automated searches as you move a slider.

### Who owns patent US 10311112?

Zorroa Corp owns this patent, granted in 2019.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on June 4, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 10311112 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

Managing massive archives of video is a major challenge for industries like media production, legal discovery, and security. By turning hours of footage into a single, searchable visual strip, this technology makes it possible to quickly navigate and find relevant information without watching every second of a video file.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover standard video scrubbing interfaces that lack the automated query-execution feature.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10311112/github-acquisition-integration

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10311112

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._