Local Web Server for Browser-Based Media Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked media playback systems require the installation of special software on portable devices to enable control functionality, which is not always feasible or desirable.
Innovation Solution
A method where a networked media playback device provides a local web server to deliver a browser-renderable control interface to a wireless web-enabled device, allowing it to control media playback without the need for additional software on the portable device, using a UPnP protocol and domain name server for URI resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If special software is installed on portable devices to enable control functionality, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component running on the media playback device. This web server provides a control interface that can be accessed through any web browser, eliminating the need for device-specific control software. The web server acts as a mediator between the media playback device and various portable devices, providing universal control capability through standard web protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is implemented as a universal web-based interface that can be accessed from any web-enabled device regardless of platform or operating system. This universal approach allows smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable devices to control the media playback system without requiring platform-specific applications, thereby reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a control interface is provided through a web browser, then ease of operation is improved, but network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media playback device itself provides the web server functionality, eliminating the need for external servers or complex network infrastructure. The device serves its own control interface locally, allowing portable devices to access the control interface through a simple network connection without requiring additional network equipment or services.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for providing media playback in a networked environment. In one embodiment, a networked media playback device is configured to provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a browser-renderable control interface for the networked media playback device, or for a related networked media playback system. In overview, the user of a networked device, such as a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control interface in a web browser, and in this manner control playback of digital media via the networked media playback device or networked media playback system.