Editable Bookmarks for Cross-Platform Media Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bookmark systems are limited in their ability to share and play media assets across different media content systems, as they rely on specific identifiers that may not be recognizable or accessible in other systems, and they do not facilitate real-time sharing or synchronized playback with social network contacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating editable bookmarks that include metadata and can be shared via social networks, allowing users to invite contacts to watch media assets simultaneously, with the ability to update and annotate these bookmarks, and initiate playback on various devices using a media content service that manages asset resolution and playback links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bookmark uses a media asset identifier specific to one media content system, then the bookmark can be accurately identified within that system, but the bookmark cannot be recognized or accessed in other media content systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media content service as an intermediary that translates between different media asset identifiers. When a bookmark is created in one system, the service stores the original identifier and creates a mapping to a universal identifier. When the bookmark is accessed in a different system, the service resolves the universal identifier to the appropriate local identifier, enabling cross-system compatibility while maintaining accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal bookmark format that can function across multiple media content systems. The bookmark structure includes a universal identifier that can be recognized by different systems, along with system-specific identifier mappings. This allows a single bookmark to be interpreted correctly whether it is used in the original system or a different system, achieving multi-functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a URL link to a media asset is shared, then the link can be easily transmitted via email or social network, but the link becomes invalid if the media asset is taken down or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The media content service acts as a persistent intermediary that maintains mapping relationships between media assets and their identifiers. When a bookmark is shared, it contains a reference to the service and the universal identifier. The service maintains this mapping even if the actual media asset location changes, ensuring the bookmark remains valid and can be resolved to the current asset location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing and maintaining a database of media asset identifiers and their mappings before the media asset is taken down or moved. When a bookmark is accessed, the service queries this pre-established database to resolve the identifier, ensuring continuous access even when the original URL becomes invalid.
3Reliability
If media assets are restricted by rights and service issues, then copyright and access control are maintained, but the assets cannot be freely shared or accessed by users without proper permissions
Solution Approach 1:
The media content service serves as an intermediary that manages access control between different users and media assets. It maintains authorization information and can resolve bookmarks to accessible assets based on user permissions. The service acts as a gatekeeper that allows or blocks access based on rights management policies, while still enabling sharing functionality for authorized users.
4Device complexity
If bookmarks include only basic identifier information, then the bookmark structure remains simple, but additional useful information about the media asset cannot be stored or shared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested bookmark structure where basic identifier information is contained within a larger framework that can hold additional data. The core bookmark structure remains simple with essential identifiers, while optional fields and metadata can be nested within the same structure. This allows the bookmark to expand with additional information such as user comments, ratings, and asset metadata without fundamentally complicating the basic identifier functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Editable bookmarks shared via a social network are described. In embodiments, a bookmark is received from a client device at a media content service. The bookmark corresponds to a media asset and includes an identifier of the media asset. Metadata associated with the media asset is added to the bookmark to generate an editable bookmark. A bookmark invitation is also received from the client device, and the bookmark invitation is directed to social network contacts of a user of the client device. The editable bookmark can then be communicated to receiving client devices of the respective social network contacts identified by the bookmark invitation, and a receiving client device can initiate playback of the media asset that corresponds to the editable bookmark. Further, the editable bookmark can be updated when additional data associated with the media asset is received from a social network contact via a respective client device.