Content Reproduction Device Network Playlist Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing content reproduction systems limit users to selecting and reproducing musical pieces only compatible with the parent device, restricting access to content available on connected child devices.

Innovation Solution

A content reproduction system that includes a communication unit to receive acquisition source information from a second content reproduction device and a control unit to determine if content from the second device's playlist can be reproduced, allowing for the reproduction of content across devices connected through a network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a content reproduction device limits reproduction to only its own playlist, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and content access scope are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent access scopeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments content management by allowing each device to maintain its own playlist while enabling selective access to other devices' playlists. The parent device can access child devices' playlists through network connections, creating a hierarchical structure that balances individual device independence with system-wide accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The content reproduction device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can reproduce content from its own playlist, access and reproduce content from connected devices' playlists, and operate as either a parent or child device in the network hierarchy. This multi-functionality expands content access scope without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a content reproduction device allows access to all connected devices' playlists, then adaptability is improved, but reliability and compatibility control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent access scopeVSAvoidreproduction compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary compatibility determination before allowing content reproduction. The control unit checks whether the content can be reproduced by the current device based on compatibility information exchanged between devices, and only permits reproduction if compatibility is confirmed, preventing failed reproduction attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Devices exchange compatibility information and acquisition source information through the network, providing feedback about their capabilities and content characteristics. This feedback mechanism enables the parent device to make informed decisions about which content to access and reproduce, ensuring reliability while maintaining broad access capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10209952B2Content reproduction device, content reproduction system, and control method for a content reproduction device
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 YAMAHA CORP
  • US10209952B2 patent drawing
  • US10209952B2 patent drawing
  • US10209952B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control method for a content reproduction device includes: receiving, from a second content reproduction device connected through a network, acquisition source information on content included in a playlist of the second content reproduction device; and determining whether or not reproduction of the content is possible.