Content Playback Synchronization Across Digital Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital devices have limitations in providing comprehensive functionality, necessitating the ability to operate in convergence to create new functions that individual devices cannot provide alone.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for synchronizing content playback across multiple devices, allowing for real-time reproduction of content and communication of manipulation commands or timelines to ensure synchronized operation, enabling multiple devices to play the same content simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital devices operate independently, then device functionality is simple and manageable, but the device cannot provide comprehensive functionality or create new functions through convergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple digital devices into a synchronized playback system where a first device and second device work together to provide comprehensive functionality. The devices combine their capabilities to create new functions that individual devices cannot provide alone, such as synchronized content playback across different device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different types of digital devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers) to universally perform the same content playback function through synchronization. Each device can reproduce various types of content (audio, video, images) and respond to different input types (touch, keyboard, mouse), making the system multi-functional across device types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single device provides all functions, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but there is a limit to the amount of function that can be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content playback function across multiple devices rather than concentrating all functions in a single device. The first device handles content reproduction while the second device can independently reproduce the same content, dividing the functional load and enabling each device to operate within its capabilities while collectively providing comprehensive functionality.
3Reliability
If devices operate independently with full functionality, then each device is self-sufficient, but synchronized playback across multiple devices cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices transmit information about content reproduction status, manipulation commands, and timeline data to each other. This feedback enables synchronized playback while maintaining independent operation, as each device adjusts its playback based on information received from other devices in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary communication protocol that allows devices to maintain independent operation while achieving synchronized playback. The communication unit transmits content information, manipulation commands, and timeline data between devices, acting as an intermediary that coordinates playback without requiring devices to be physically connected or fully dependent on each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, devices, and a non-transitory recording medium for providing contents are provided. The method includes reproducing at least one content, at a first device; transmitting information corresponding to the at least one content from the first device to a second device to reproduce content corresponding to the at least one content in the second device; receiving a message from an external device while reproducing the at least one content at the first device; providing the received message while reproducing the at least one content at the first device; and transmitting information corresponding to the received message from the first device to the second device, the information corresponding to the received message being used to enable the second device to provide a message corresponding to the received message while reproducing the content corresponding to the at least one content.