Concurrent Message Output During Media Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience inconvenience while waiting for multimedia content to download or buffer on their devices, as they are unable to utilize their time effectively during this waiting period.
Innovation Solution
A media delivery system and method that allows for concurrent downloading or buffering of multimedia content on user devices, such as set-top boxes or mobile devices, while displaying messages unrelated to the content, like local-automation or package delivery messages, on the device's screen during this time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user device waits for downloading or buffering the content before outputting, then the content can be fully received and prepared for playback, but the user experiences inconvenient waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading or buffering content in the background before the user actually needs to view it. The content is prepared in advance during off-peak times or when network conditions are favorable, so that when the user requests playback, the content is already ready or nearly ready, eliminating perceived waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the content download/buffering process with other productive user activities. Instead of having the user passively wait, the system allows the download to proceed concurrently while the user engages in other tasks, making the waiting period productive rather than idle.
2Loss of information
If the device displays a blank screen or loading indicator during downloading, then the user is aware that content is being prepared, but the user cannot effectively utilize this time
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it continues to display useful information (messages, notifications, other content) during the download period, rather than being dedicated solely to showing download status. This multi-functionality allows the user to stay informed and productive while the content prepares in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring the display always shows valuable information during the download process. Rather than showing a passive loading indicator, the screen continues to provide useful outputs such as messages, notifications, or other content that the user can consume productively during the download time.
3Speed
If the system prioritizes fast content delivery, then the user receives content quickly, but the device may miss or delay important messages during the download process
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the download process into manageable chunks or segments that can be processed in parallel with message handling. Instead of treating the entire download as a single blocking operation, the system divides it into smaller units that can be interleaved with message processing, allowing both content delivery and message reception to proceed reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that message processing continues uninterrupted during the download process. The download and message handling operate concurrently rather than sequentially, so that important messages are not delayed or missed while content is being delivered, maintaining reliability for both functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A media delivery system that provides media content to a user device and a method of using the system. The method may include: downloading or buffering, from a content server, a media unit to a user device; and concurrently outputting a local-automation message or a package delivery message in response to the downloading or buffering.