Media Content Router Automating WAN File Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in making digital media devices interoperable over wide area networks, requiring manual transport of storage devices or task-specific software, which can degrade home computer performance and inconvenience users.
Innovation Solution
A media content router enhances conventional routers with DMA functionality, enabling seamless access and transfer of digital media files across a WAN for remote processing, backup, and presentation, operating in background mode with minimal impact on other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transport of storage devices is used to transfer digital media content outside the home, then file transfer can be achieved, but user convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually transporting physical storage devices with an automated electronic file transfer system. The media content server automatically transfers digital media files over the WAN to remote destinations, eliminating the need for users to physically move storage devices and significantly improving convenience while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the media content server to automatically initiate and manage file transfers without requiring user intervention. Users simply configure transfer parameters once, and the system autonomously handles the entire transfer process, including monitoring, error handling, and resume capability, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If task-specific software is used to transfer files across WAN, then file transfer capability is achieved, but home computer performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file transfer functionality from the home computer system by implementing a dedicated media content server that handles all transfer operations. This separates the transfer task from the user's personal computer, allowing the computer to maintain full productivity while the dedicated server handles file transfers in the background without impacting system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The media content server acts as an intermediary between the digital media sources and remote destinations. It manages all file transfer operations, including formatting conversions and protocol handling, thereby protecting the home computer from performance degradation while maintaining versatile file transfer capability across different platforms and networks.
3Reliability
If large quantity of information is transferred during upload, then remote backup and processing are achieved, but home computer system usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring transfer parameters, destinations, and formats before actual file transfers occur. Users set up backup and processing preferences in advance, and the media content server automatically executes these pre-planned transfers without requiring user presence during the actual data transmission, maintaining both reliability and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous file transfer operations in the background without interrupting user activities. The media content server maintains continuous upload operations for remote backup and processing while the home computer continues to be fully usable for other tasks, achieving both reliable data transfer and sustained system usability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a router with extended capabilities allowing it to make digital media content on a home local area network accessible over a wide area network such as the Internet, and a method for using such a media content router. The router can provide automated services for the local files such as photolab processing of digital images, or file backups. A pair of the routers can collaborate to play home media content at an away location when feasible, or transfer such files for away storage.