Media Coordination Across Heterogeneous Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice assistant services lack efficient methods for coordinating the playback of voice messages and media content across different user devices, especially when these devices are part of separate local-area networks, and may not have access to the same services used by the originating device.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for media coordination that receives a command to play a voice message and media content on one or more second user devices, determines the accessibility of services for playback, and coordinates the playback by sending the voice message and media content to these devices, including the option to send access tokens or prompt registration if necessary, ensuring delivery and playback at a specified time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user sends a command to play voice message and media content on remote user devices, then communication capability is improved, but service compatibility across different devices and networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity (server) as an intermediary between the user device and remote user devices. This intermediary receives the media coordination request, identifies accessible services on remote devices, and manages the playback coordination. The intermediary resolves service compatibility issues by acting as a central coordination point that adapts between different services and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universal media playback capability by supporting multiple different services (e.g., first service, second service, third service) through a single coordinated framework. The network entity can work with various service types and device configurations, making the system adaptable to diverse services while maintaining a unified user experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system coordinates playback across devices using different services, then service interoperability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of service interoperability on behalf of user devices. Instead of each device needing to directly integrate with multiple services, the intermediary manages service identification, access token handling, and coordination logic, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the network entity automatically identifies accessible services on remote devices, retrieves necessary access tokens, and coordinates playback without requiring complex device-side service integration logic. The devices simply need to report their capabilities, and the intermediary handles the rest.
3Reliability
If the system ensures timely delivery and playback of media content, then playback reliability is improved, but coordination overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network entity receives status information about service accessibility and playback status from remote devices. This feedback loop enables the intermediary to coordinate playback timing effectively, ensure reliable delivery, and adjust coordination strategies based on actual device states and service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity performs preliminary actions by identifying accessible services and preparing coordination strategies before actual playback occurs. By pre-assessing service availability and establishing playback coordination in advance, the system ensures timely and reliable playback without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual media delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques and apparatus for media coordination. One example method generally includes receiving, from a first user device, a command to play a voice message and media content at one or more second user devices, and determining whether one or more services accessible by the one or more second user devices can be used to play the media content. The method may also include coordinating the voice message and the media content to be played by the one or more second user devices based on the determination.