Media Device Communication Module for Automatic Content Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanisms for adding or removing media devices in a home entertainment system require user intervention, leading to an adverse user experience due to the complexity of establishing communication between devices.

Innovation Solution

A system with a communication module that enables media devices to discover and connect with each other, allowing for the distribution, presentation, and control of content among devices, using a content direct sharing module and device controller module to facilitate seamless integration and content sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mechanisms are used for adding or removing media devices, then device connectivity can be established, but user intervention is required which leads to adverse user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adding or removing media devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of establishing communication between devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables media devices to automatically discover and establish communication with each other without requiring user intervention. The communication module autonomously performs device discovery, connection establishment, and communication setup, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on manual user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication module is pre-configured with the capability to discover and connect with other media devices before actual content sharing is needed. By establishing communication channels in advance and maintaining readiness to connect, the system eliminates the need for users to perform complex setup procedures when adding or removing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual device addition is required, then connection can be established, but user experience deteriorates due to intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of device communicationVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module autonomously manages device discovery, connection establishment, and communication maintenance without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable device communication while eliminating the need for users to manually configure connections or troubleshoot communication issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the communication module continuously monitors device availability and communication status. When devices are added or removed, the module receives feedback about the changed environment and automatically adjusts connections and communication paths to maintain reliability without user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If traditional device integration is used, then devices can communicate, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of device integrationVSAvoidcomplexity of communication establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module is pre-equipped with discovery and connection capabilities, allowing it to rapidly integrate new media devices into the system. By having the necessary communication infrastructure ready in advance, the system can quickly establish connections when devices are added, significantly reducing integration time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic device integration where the communication module independently handles device discovery, connection establishment, and communication setup. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration steps and reduces the time required to integrate new media devices into the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9848024B1Multiple media device infrastructure
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US9848024B1 patent drawing
  • US9848024B1 patent drawing
  • US9848024B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are techniques for establishing communication between media devices and enabling portions of content to be provided using one or more of the media devices. Data indicative of the transport functionality for the media devices and services available on the media devices may be used to determine one or more media devices suitable for the presentation of content. Control information may be provided to the media device(s) to control presentation of the portions of the content.