Matrix Code Placeshifting for Automatic Content Resumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current placeshifting technologies require users to manually program and command their devices to access and resume partially viewed audio/visual content, which is inconvenient, especially when users need to interrupt a program and view it from a different location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing matrix codes to automatically encode program identifying information and elapsed time data, allowing users to detect and decode these codes using optical input devices, which then generate requests for content streams to be transmitted across a network, enabling seamless access to partially viewed content from a target device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming and commanding is used to access and resume partially viewed content, then users can control their devices to view content, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically encoding program identifying information and elapsed time data into matrix codes that are displayed on the screen. When users interrupt a program, the matrix code is already prepared and visible, eliminating the need for manual programming later. This preliminary encoding action resolves the contradiction by preparing the resumption data in advance, making the user experience simple while the system handles the complexity automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the target device to automatically detect matrix codes and generate requests for content streams without requiring manual user programming. The optical input device on the target device automatically captures the matrix code, decodes it, and initiates the content stream retrieval process. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply need to scan the code rather than program commands.
2Extent of automation
If automatic matrix code detection is used, then access to content becomes convenient and automatic, but requires optical input devices and network transmission infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix code serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encodes program identifying information, elapsed time data, and acts as a machine-readable signal for automatic detection. This multi-functionality allows a single simple visual element to replace complex manual programming interfaces, achieving high automation without requiring proportionally complex infrastructure. The universality of the matrix code format allows it to work across different devices and networks, standardizing the automation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix code acts as an intermediary between the content delivery system and the user's target device. Instead of requiring direct complex communication protocols between devices, the matrix code provides a simple visual medium that the optical input device can easily detect and decode. This intermediary simplifies the interaction by converting complex content identification and resumption data into a universally detectable visual format, reducing the complexity burden on both the user device and network infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If manual programming is required to resume content from interruption point, then device control is precise, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming data encoding action in advance by generating matrix codes that contain program identifying information and elapsed time data during or after the original content playback. This preliminary encoding eliminates the need for users to manually input resumption data later, reducing the time and effort required to resume content viewing. The complex data preparation is done automatically in advance, making the resumption process instantaneous and simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates convenient and automatic access to partially viewed audio/visual content by users, allowing them to resume programs from the exact point of interruption on a target device without the need for manual programming or additional commands, enhancing user experience in placeshifting technology.
Implementation Method 1
an optical input device configured to optically detect the matrix code
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.