File Processing

CoAI.Dev provides comprehensive file processing capabilities, enabling users to upload and analyze various file types. The system extracts text content from documents, images, and audio files, making the information accessible to AI models for analysis and conversation.

Overview

The file processing system offers:

• 📄 Document Processing: Extract text from PDFs, Word docs, Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations
• 🖼️ Image Analysis: OCR text extraction from images and visual content analysis
• 🎵 Audio Transcription: Convert audio files to text for analysis
• ☁️ Flexible Storage: Multiple storage backends for different deployment needs
• 🤖 Universal Compatibility: Works with all AI models, not just vision-capable ones
• 🔒 Privacy-First: Optional local processing for sensitive data

Supported File Types

Document Formats

Image Processing

Advanced image analysis and text extraction:

{
  "ocr_service": {
    "enabled": true,
    "language": "auto", // or specific language codes
    "accuracy": "high",
    "preserve_layout": true,
    "confidence_threshold": 0.8
  }
}

Audio Processing

Convert speech to text for AI analysis:

Audio Transcription Service:

• Azure Speech to Text: High-accuracy transcription service
• Multiple Languages: Support for 100+ languages and dialects
• Speaker Recognition: Identify different speakers in conversations
• Timestamp Extraction: Precise timing for audio segments

Supported Audio Formats:

• Common Formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC
• Professional: AIFF, WMA, OGG
• Video Audio: Extract audio from MP4, AVI, MOV files

Configuration Example:

{
  "audio_processing": {
    "service": "azure_speech",
    "language": "auto-detect",
    "speaker_diarization": true,
    "punctuation": true,
    "profanity_filter": false
  }
}

Storage Options

Multiple Storage Backends

Choose the storage solution that fits your deployment:

{
  "storage_type": "s3",
  "bucket": "your-bucket-name",
  "region": "us-east-1",
  "access_key": "your-access-key",
  "secret_key": "your-secret-key"
}

{
  "storage_type": "gcs",
  "bucket": "your-bucket-name",
  "project_id": "your-project-id",
  "key_file": "path-to-service-account.json"
}

{
  "storage_type": "azure",
  "container": "your-container",
  "account_name": "your-account",
  "account_key": "your-key"
}

Setup and Configuration

Quick Setup

git clone https://github.com/coaidev/blob-service.git
cd blob-service
docker-compose up -d

{
  "ocr_service_url": "http://your-ocr-service:8000"
}

{
  "azure_speech": {
    "subscription_key": "your-azure-key",
    "region": "your-region"
  }
}

Advanced Configuration

File Size Limits:

{
  "file_limits": {
    "max_file_size": "100MB",
    "max_files_per_upload": 10,
    "allowed_extensions": [".pdf", ".docx", ".jpg", ".png", ".mp3"],
    "virus_scanning": true
  }
}

Processing Options:

{
  "processing": {
    "extract_metadata": true,
    "preserve_formatting": true,
    "chunk_large_files": true,
    "parallel_processing": true,
    "quality_optimization": "balanced"
  }
}

Usage Examples

Document Analysis

Upload and Analyze a Research Paper:

1. User uploads a PDF research paper
2. System extracts text, tables, and references
3. AI can summarize findings, explain concepts, or answer questions about the content

Business Report Processing:

1. Upload Excel financial reports
2. Extract data and calculations
3. Generate insights, trends analysis, and recommendations

Image Processing

OCR Text Extraction:

1. Upload image of handwritten notes
2. OCR extracts text content
3. AI can organize, summarize, or expand on the notes

Visual Content Analysis:

1. Upload diagram or chart
2. AI describes visual elements and extracts data
3. Provide explanations or suggest improvements

Audio Transcription

Meeting Notes:

1. Upload meeting recording
2. Transcribe to text with speaker identification
3. Generate meeting summaries and action items

Educational Content:

1. Upload lecture recordings
2. Create transcripts with timestamps
3. Generate study notes and Q&A materials

Best Practices

Performance Optimization

File Size Management:

• Compress large files before upload
• Use appropriate formats for content type
• Implement file size limits based on usage patterns
• Consider chunking for very large files

Storage Efficiency:

• Implement automatic cleanup of old files
• Use CDN for frequently accessed files
• Compress images without quality loss
• Deduplicate identical files

Security Considerations

Data Privacy:

• Use local storage for sensitive documents
• Implement automatic file deletion policies
• Encrypt files at rest and in transit
• Audit file access and processing logs

Content Filtering:

• Scan uploads for malware and viruses
• Filter inappropriate content types
• Validate file integrity before processing
• Implement rate limiting for uploads

User Experience

Upload Interface:

• Provide clear file type and size guidance
• Show upload progress and processing status
• Enable drag-and-drop functionality
• Support bulk uploads with progress tracking

Error Handling:

• Provide clear error messages for failed uploads
• Offer alternative processing options
• Implement retry mechanisms for network issues
• Guide users through troubleshooting steps

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Performance Issues

Slow Processing:

• Optimize file sizes before upload
• Use faster storage backends (SSD vs HDD)
• Increase processing server resources
• Enable parallel processing for large files
• Consider CDN for file delivery

Storage Costs:

• Implement file lifecycle policies
• Use appropriate storage tiers
• Compress files when possible
• Monitor and optimize storage usage
• Consider hybrid storage strategies

File processing capabilities greatly enhance the versatility of your AI platform. Continue with Search Integration to add web search capabilities, or explore Conversation Sharing for collaborative features.