DLNA Gateway Cross-Network Media Sharing via Virtual Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) sharing is limited to a local range and cannot be expanded to a wide area network or different subnets, preventing internet-based sharing of media resources.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a data channel between DLNA gateways in different networks using an XMPP server, allowing for the creation of a virtual DLNA device that enables remote control and remote play across networks, thereby expanding the sharing range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If DLNA devices use SSDP protocol for device discovery and sharing, then local area network sharing is achieved, but wide area network or internet sharing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the DLNA local network and the internet. The gateway performs protocol conversion, translating SSDP protocols used within the local network into HTTP protocols suitable for wide area network communication. This mediator enables DLNA devices in different locations to discover and share media resources across the internet while maintaining compatibility with the original DLNA protocol stack.
2Ease of manufacture
If DLNA sharing is limited to local network for protocol simplicity, then implementation is easy, but internet-based sharing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DLNA system into two distinct parts: the core DLNA protocol stack (DMS, DMP, DMC, DMR components) that remains simple and unchanged, and the gateway layer that handles the complex protocol conversion and network translation. This segmentation allows the majority of DLNA devices to maintain implementation simplicity while the gateway provides the necessary adaptability for wide area network operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gateway performs protocol conversion from SSDP to HTTP, then wide area network sharing is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal interface that can handle multiple DLNA device types (DMS, DMP, DMC, DMR) and perform various operations (media sharing, remote control, device discovery) through a single device. This universality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, actually reducing overall system complexity while enabling wide area network access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for sharing a DLNA device are provided. The method includes: establishing a data channel between a first DLNA gateway in a first DLNA network and a second DLNA gateway in a second DLNA network, wherein the DLNA gateway is a DLNA device having a DMC function and capable of accessing the Internet; adding, in the second DLNA gateway, a virtual DLNA device corresponding to a DLNA device in the first DLNA network; and a DLNA device in the second DLNA network performing remote control and/or remote play for the DLNA device in the first DLNA network through the virtual DLNA device. With the provided schemes, the problem in related technologies that DLNA sharing is only limited in a local range is solved, cross-network remote control and remote play are implemented, a sharing range of the DLNA network is expanded, and the user experience is improved.