Location-Based Media Device Selection Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home network technologies do not provide seamless interconnectivity between fixed, nomadic, and mobile devices, and existing graphical user interfaces are cumbersome, making it difficult for users to easily select and play media content on available devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses wireless communication technologies to dynamically and self-learningly map available devices, providing a natural user interface by augmenting web pages with graphical icons representing nearby devices capable of playing media content, allowing users to select playback devices effortlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-level scroll down menu is used to list all devices for user selection, then device selection capability is provided, but graphical user interface complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device list into location-based groups (rooms) rather than presenting a single flat list. Each room contains only the devices physically present in that location, breaking down the overwhelming multi-level menu into manageable, location-specific segments that users can easily navigate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location-based intermediary (room information) between the user and the device list. Instead of directly presenting all devices, the system first presents location context (which room the user is in), then filters devices based on that location, acting as an intermediary layer that simplifies the selection process
2Adaptability or versatility
If current home network technologies are used to interconnect devices, then device interconnection is achieved, but seamless interconnectivity between fixed, nomadic, and mobile devices is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic discovery and mapping of devices to locations without requiring manual configuration by users or integrators. The mobile device automatically detects available devices, determines their physical locations, and creates the topological map structure, enabling seamless interconnectivity through self-service automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the organizational parameter of device listing from a static, technology-based hierarchy to a dynamic, location-based hierarchy. Devices are reorganized according to their physical location in the home rather than their technical category, enabling seamless interaction across different device types by focusing on spatial context
3Ease of manufacture
If static mapping is performed by integrators on smart devices, then device mapping is achieved, but adaptability to dynamic environments and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mapping created by integrators into a dynamic, automatically updating map. As users move through the home with their mobile devices, the system continuously discovers new devices and updates the topological map in real-time, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions and device additions
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device of a user discovers topological information about electronic devices in a premise environment, and shares such information with a media gateway. The media gateway uses the topological information to augment content from a server, such as a web page that supports access to media content, to add graphical objects corresponding to those electronic devices in proximity to the mobile device that are capable of reproducing the streaming media content. Selection of the one of the add-on graphical objects causes delivery of the media content to the corresponding electronic device instead of the display of the mobile device. In this manner, a more natural selection mechanism than that available using conventional pull-down lists of options is provided.