Device-agnostic Content Management via Local Software Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing content management systems struggle to provide a universal playback environment for diverse electronic devices, require manual scheduling tasks, and lack reliable logging and status data collection, especially when network interruptions occur.

Innovation Solution

A device-agnostic content management and playback system that uses a software agent embedded within electronic devices to store and play back content, collect logging and status data, and operate over a network, supporting various devices and content types, including video and interactive content, with features like playlist control, user feedback, and centralized monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal playback environment is implemented using web-based rendering, then device compatibility is improved, but network connection sensitivity increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork connection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system downloads and stores content, scheduling information, and software updates on the playback device before they are needed. This preliminary action ensures that content can be played back reliably even when network connections are interrupted, as the device has local copies of all necessary data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a hybrid architecture that acts as an intermediary between web-based content delivery and local playback. Content management server 102 delivers content via web protocols, but the playback device 104 stores it locally and uses a local content management module to manage playback independently, mediating between network availability and playback requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different types of playback devices are used, then system versatility is improved, but manual task repetition increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice type varietyVSAvoidmanual task efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal content management architecture where content management server 102 and software agent 106 can manage and control multiple different types of playback devices through a common interface and protocol. The software agent adapts to different device types (PCs, mobile phones, tablets, dynamic signs) while maintaining consistent content delivery and scheduling capabilities, eliminating the need for device-specific manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The playback device includes an embedded software agent that automatically receives content, schedules, and playback instructions from the content management server, then autonomously manages local content storage, playback scheduling, and status reporting without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates repetitive manual tasks across diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If content is streamed over the Internet without local storage, then system simplicity is improved, but reliability during network interruptions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem architecture simplicityVSAvoidplayback reliability during network interruptions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If logging and status data are not stored locally on the device, then device storage requirements are reduced, but data collection reliability during network interruptions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice storage usageVSAvoiddata collection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The software agent on the playback device pre-configures local storage for logging and status data, accumulating this information locally during periods when network connection may be unavailable. The data is then transmitted to the content management server when connectivity is restored, ensuring no data loss during network interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9392328B2Device-agnostic content management, playback and status monitoring system

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 XOLA INC

AI summary

A system is provided that includes a software agent, an electronic device, a display, and a content management system. The electronic device accesses the software agent and interprets it with a software application, such as a web browser. Embedded within the software agent is a playback system, which dictates content to be shown, and a monitoring system, which collects logging and status data. At least some of the content is stored on the electronic device prior to display, and at least some of the logging and status data is stored on the electronic device prior to being transferred to the content management system.