Content Management System for Automated Configuration Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional content distribution systems face inefficiencies due to the manual tracking of configuration information, which is costly and prone to errors, especially when managing multiple formats and sources of digital content for video streaming.

Innovation Solution

A content management system that automatically tracks and discovers configuration information by identifying content delivery sources, retrieving contact information, and generating a map of access information, including addresses, content types, and formats, allowing for efficient communication and distribution of content across multiple sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual tracking of configuration information is used, then the system can manage content distribution, but the cost increases and errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of configuration informationVSAvoidmanual tracking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The content delivery source automatically provides configuration information to the content management system through self-service mechanisms. The system autonomously discovers and retrieves configuration data without manual intervention, eliminating human error and reducing operational costs while maintaining accurate tracking of content formats and delivery parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with automated electronic discovery and retrieval systems. The content management system uses automated protocols to discover configuration information from content delivery sources, substituting human-operated manual tracking with machine-to-machine communication that eliminates errors and reduces costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple content formats and sources are managed manually, then content distribution is possible, but the complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple content formatsVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The content management system implements a universal discovery and retrieval mechanism that handles multiple content formats and delivery sources through a single automated interface. This multi-functional system can automatically adapt to different content types, encoding formats, and delivery protocols without requiring separate manual tracking processes for each format, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary content management system that mediates between diverse content delivery sources and various content formats. This intermediary automatically discovers configuration information from multiple sources and retrieves appropriate format data, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple formats by providing a unified automated interface that handles all format conversions and source variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated discovery is implemented, then the efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent discovery efficiencyVSAvoidcontent management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The content management system performs preliminary automated discovery of configuration information before content delivery is needed. By proactively retrieving and storing configuration data about available content formats and delivery sources in advance, the system improves discovery efficiency and eliminates the need for complex real-time format negotiation, thereby enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8793349B2Management and use of channel configuration information

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 SYNAMEDIA LTD

AI summary

A configuration as discussed herein includes a content management system. The content management system can reside in a central location or be distributed amongst multiple different locations in a network environment. In general, the content management system keeps track of configuration information for the retrieval of content. For example, the content management system identifies a presence of one or more content delivery sources in the network environment. The content management system utilizes the contact information to communicate with content delivery sources for discovery of configuration information. The configuration information can indicate: i) a respective address of the content delivery source, ii) a type of content outputted by the respective address, iii) a format of the content such as streaming data outputted by the respective address. The configuration information can be used to identify an address in which to retrieve requested content according to a desired format.