Media Device Automatic Playback Initiation from Stored Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience in accessing the initial portion of a program of interest being received by a media device, as existing methods require tedious navigation through menus or time-consuming rewind processes to start from the beginning.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically accesses and presents the stored initial portion of a program from a media device's memory or external storage when a user requests it, allowing seamless initiation of playback from the beginning while the remaining portion is still being received.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user navigates through the EPG menu to select the stored program, then the user can access the initial portion of the program, but the process is tedious and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessing stored programVSAvoidtime to navigate menu

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a user requests a program that has already been stored, and autonomously retrieves and plays back the initial portion without requiring manual menu navigation. The media device monitors program requests, checks stored content availability, and executes automatic playback initiation, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user intervention for menu navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary storage of program content in the memory medium as it is being received. By pre-storing the initial portion of programs before the user requests them, the system prepares the content in advance, enabling instant retrieval and playback when needed, thus eliminating the time-consuming menu navigation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the user rewinds through the saved initial portion of the program, then the user can view from the beginning, but the process takes time and requires specific user actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of starting program from beginningVSAvoidtime to rewind

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the user to manually initiate and control the rewind process, the system automatically detects the user's intent to view a program and autonomously retrieves the stored initial portion, positioning the playback at the beginning without user intervention. The system self-manages the entire process of detecting the request, accessing stored content, and initiating playback from the correct position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores the initial portion of programs in the memory medium during the program reception process. This preliminary storage action ensures that when a user requests to view a program, the content is already prepared and readily accessible, eliminating the need for time-consuming rewind operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system stores the program in real-time while the user watches, then the user can access the initial portion later, but the user cannot view the missed initial portion without additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access stored contentVSAvoidease of viewing from beginning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors program requests and checks whether the requested program's initial portion has been stored. When a match is found, the system autonomously retrieves the stored content and initiates playback without requiring the user to manually search through menus or take additional steps, making the system self-serve the user's viewing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary storage of program content in the memory medium as it is being received in real-time. By preparing and storing the initial portion of programs before the user requests them, the system ensures that the content is ready for immediate playback when needed, enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9338513B2Apparatus, systems and methods for automatically presenting stored media content at its beginning

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Media device systems and methods are operable to automatically present a program at its beginning while a remaining portion of the program is being received at the media device. An exemplary embodiment receives a program in a media content stream; receives a presentation request to present the program, wherein the presentation request is received after an initial portion of the program has been received and wherein the presentation request is received before a conclusion of the program; accesses a stored initial portion of the program from a memory medium; and initiates presentation at a beginning of the program residing in the accessed initial portion of the program.