Dynamic Content Delivery via Device Capability Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack the ability to dynamically identify and utilize the heterogeneous capabilities of client devices on a network for efficient digital programming delivery, leading to user frustration and suboptimal content distribution due to incompatible formats and delivery methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selecting appropriate digital technology for programming and data delivery, which includes video signal processing devices generating capabilities profiles, a video-on-demand server identifying compatible content, and a network transmitting these profiles to ensure device-specific content delivery, utilizing conditional access, codec, and network interface capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single content format is used for all client devices, then network operation is simplified, but compatibility with heterogeneous device capabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects content formats based on real-time device capability profiles. The content server receives capability information from client devices, stores these profiles, and automatically adjusts the format of delivered content to match each device's specific capabilities (codec support, screen resolution, processing power), thereby maintaining compatibility across heterogeneous devices without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of content delivery by transforming content into different formats based on device capabilities. The content server modifies content parameters (encoding format, resolution, bitrate) according to the receiving device's profile, enabling the same content to be optimally delivered to devices with varying capabilities while the network maintains a standardized operational framework
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is delivered in multiple formats to support heterogeneous devices, then compatibility improves, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing device capability profiles from client devices before content delivery. The content server maintains a database of device profiles including supported codecs, screen resolutions, and processing capabilities. When a content request arrives, the server quickly matches the request with the appropriate pre-analyzed device profile, enabling efficient format selection without real-time analysis overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by delivering content in the specific format required by each device based on its capability profile. Rather than transmitting multiple formats simultaneously, the server copies the appropriately formatted version of content that matches the device's capabilities, ensuring compatibility while optimizing bandwidth usage by sending only the necessary format
3Productivity
If device capabilities are not identified, then delivery process is faster, but user frustration increases due to incompatible content
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capability identification by having client devices send their capability profiles to the content server before actual content delivery begins. This pre-registration of device capabilities (screen resolution, supported codecs, processing power) allows the server to prepare appropriate content formats in advance, ensuring both fast delivery and compatibility without requiring trial-and-error approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having client devices provide information about their capabilities to the content server. The server uses this feedback to understand device limitations and requirements, then adjusts content format selections accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that delivered content is compatible with the receiving device, preventing user frustration while maintaining efficient delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for selecting digital access technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals.