Media Content Switching via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for media content presentation across multiple devices are limited in their ability to seamlessly switch media content among different types of devices without interruption, often requiring proprietary protocols and expensive infrastructure, and lack flexibility in handling arbitrary media content.
Innovation Solution
A media communications system utilizing a registration/signaling control cloud and a video transport and delivery cloud, enabling media content to be seamlessly switched between multiple media presentation devices via intermediary web servers, allowing for registration, signaling, and content delivery across various devices using web-based communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary protocols and special infrastructure are used for media content switching, then media content can be displayed at multiple locations and switched between devices, but the system complexity and infrastructure cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that coordinates media content delivery between multiple presentation devices. The server receives media content from a source and distributes it to various presentation devices upon request, eliminating the need for complex proprietary infrastructure while enabling seamless media switching across devices through a centralized coordination point
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables a single media content source to be delivered to multiple types of presentation devices (televisions, computers, mobile devices) using standard communication protocols. The server and presentation devices can handle various media formats and device types universally, replacing specialized proprietary systems with a flexible multi-functional architecture
2Reliability
If deep integration between media presentation devices and program guide applications is required, then media content can be managed across devices, but the adaptability to work with arbitrary media content and different device types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates media content management functions into distinct modular components: a server that handles content delivery coordination, presentation devices that render content, and standard communication protocols that facilitate interaction. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with arbitrary media content without requiring deep integration between specific device types and program guide applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are used for media content switching, then media can be displayed on multiple devices, but interruptions occur when switching between devices and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The server pre-establishes communication channels and maintains readiness to deliver media content to multiple presentation devices before switching is needed. When a user wants to switch devices, the server can immediately redirect content delivery without interruption because the target device is already prepared and connected, eliminating transition delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous media content delivery through the server architecture. When switching between presentation devices, the server seamlessly transfers the content stream without stopping or pausing the media playback, ensuring continuous useful action across device transitions and preventing interruptions in the user experience
Data Source
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AI summary
In at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and systems for enabling media content to be utilized or output by way of media presentation devices (102, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132). In one such embodiment, a method includes receiving at a first cloud (104) a first signal (404) from a first media presentation device (124) indicative of a request or command that a content signal transmission (401) be paused, and sending a second signal (406) including bookmark information from the first cloud (104) to a second media presentation device (130). The method further includes receiving a third signal (416) from the second media presentation device (130), the third signal being indicative of a further request or command that the transmission of the media content signal be resumed, and resuming the transmission (422). In additional embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of operating a media presentation device (102, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132) so as to perform a resumed displaying of video media content.