Companion Device Content Subscription for Second Screen Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for enabling second screen applications in digital media playback systems are less than ideal, particularly in terms of efficiently providing content information to companion devices, leading to delayed or incomplete user experiences due to limited data transmission and compatibility issues between devices from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques that allow companion devices to establish subscriptions with primary devices for receiving content information, enabling timely and selective transmission of content notifications and service guide data, using standardized protocols such as ATSC, DVB, and IP-based transport streams to facilitate seamless communication and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current techniques are used for enabling second screen applications, then device compatibility is limited, but implementation complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal subscription-based communication mechanism that enables primary devices and companion devices from different manufacturers to exchange content information. The standardized protocol allows the system to work across multiple device types and platforms, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility without requiring device-specific custom implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from ad-hoc device pairing to standardized subscription-based data exchange. By transforming the interaction model into a subscription paradigm with defined message formats and protocols, the system achieves parameter standardization that enables cross-manufacturer compatibility while maintaining implementation simplicity.
2Loss of time
If content information is transmitted continuously to companion devices, then data freshness is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic content information notifications where the primary device sends updates to companion devices at regular intervals or when content changes occur. This periodic transmission mechanism ensures companion devices receive fresh content information without requiring continuous data streams, thereby balancing data freshness with efficient network bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a subscription acknowledgment and confirmation mechanism where companion devices confirm receipt of content information notifications. This feedback loop allows the primary device to adjust transmission timing and frequency based on actual reception status, optimizing the balance between maintaining data freshness and conserving network resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed content information is provided to companion devices, then application functionality is enhanced, but data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content information into structured data elements including content identifiers, metadata, and optional detailed information. This segmentation allows companion devices to receive essential content information in a compact format while enabling enhanced application functionality. Devices can request additional detailed information only when needed, reducing overall data transmission volume while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a tiered information transmission approach where essential content information is transmitted to all companion devices, and additional detailed information is provided selectively based on device capabilities and user needs. This partial action principle ensures core functionality is enhanced for all users while minimizing unnecessary data transmission to devices that don't require the full information set.
Data Source
AI summary
Message exchange techniques for content information communication between a primary device and a companion device are described. Content information may include service guide data. Message exchange techniques may include subscription techniques and request-response techniques. Example message exchange formats may include defined elements. Elements may be defined according an element name, a type, cardinality, a description, and a data type. In one example, an Extensible Markup Language (XML) based schema is defined for content identification information message. In one example, a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema is defined for content identification information message.