Digital Content Reproducing Apparatus with Network Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital content reproduction devices, such as DVD players, are limited to playing pre-recorded content and require multiple expensive devices to access and view remote digital programming on a television, making it difficult for consumers to access a wide range of video content without restrictive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A digital content reproducing apparatus and method that includes a storage for local programming with URLs and timecodes, a network interface for downloading remote content, and a controller to execute remote programming synchronously with local content, allowing seamless integration of remote digital content into the user's viewing experience on a television.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DVD players are used to play pre-recorded content, then the device can reproduce digital content, but the capability is limited to playing back only the content pre-recorded onto a disc
Solution Approach 1:
The DVD player is enhanced with network communication capabilities and a remote server connection, enabling it to perform multiple functions: playing pre-recorded local content and accessing remote digital content through URLs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by expanding the device's adaptability while maintaining its core playback capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote server acts as an intermediary between the DVD player and the internet content sources. The server provides a list of URLs for remote digital content, enabling the player to access diverse content without requiring direct complex network browsing capabilities, thus improving versatility while managing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expensive devices are used to access and view remote digital programming on television, then consumers can access remote content, but the cost and setup complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a DVD player, network interface, remote server, and content decoder into a single integrated system. By merging these previously separate components into one device, the solution eliminates the need for multiple expensive devices while maintaining the ability to access and view remote digital programming on television.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions including local content playback, network communication, remote content retrieval, and television output in a single unit. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by providing remote content access without requiring additional separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If consumers wait for mail-order service to deliver new movies, then they can access new content, but the time delay is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the content delivery function from traditional physical mail-order services and relocates it to digital network transmission. By using network interfaces and remote servers to deliver content digitally, the system eliminates the time-consuming physical shipping process while maintaining the ability to provide new content to consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server pre-loads and prepares lists of available digital content URLs before consumers need them. This preliminary preparation of content indices and metadata allows consumers to immediately access new content through network connection without waiting for physical delivery, significantly reducing the time loss associated with traditional mail-order services.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for reproducing a digital content using a network capable of accessing a remote digital programming via the network such as Internet are disclosed. In accordance with the apparatus and the method, a remote digital programming such as a video/audio stream and a menu data is downloaded via the network to provide a user with contents that is not included in a storage medium at a time of manufacturing thereof.