Media Device Coordination via Distributed Control Strategies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media devices face challenges in coordinating the operation of multiple devices to follow a common schedule and in programming these devices after deployment in a network, making it difficult to synchronize their actions and adjust their operations accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a control strategy for media devices to execute operations according to a common schedule, along with a communications strategy for distributing this control strategy across the devices via a network, allowing for coordination and dynamic addition of new devices without prior registration or authentication, using wireless communication and a network integrity strategy for monitoring and maintaining system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple media devices are deployed in a network to output signals to surrounding areas, then the coverage area and system capability are improved, but the difficulty of coordinating their operation and programming them after deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where media devices automatically discover and register themselves with the system upon deployment. The devices autonomously obtain control strategies and communications strategies without requiring manual programming or authentication, enabling them to integrate into the network automatically and reducing coordination complexity while expanding coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The control strategies and communications strategies are prepared in advance and made available for distribution to media devices. This preliminary preparation allows devices to immediately upon deployment receive pre-configured instructions for coordinated operation, eliminating the need for complex post-deployment programming and enabling seamless integration into the network
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming is used to configure media devices after deployment, then device operation can be customized, but the time and effort required for programming increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Media devices automatically receive and implement control strategies without requiring manual programming. The system enables devices to self-configure and self-program upon deployment, eliminating time-consuming manual programming while maintaining the ability to customize device operations through automated strategy distribution
Solution Approach 2:
Control strategies are prepared in advance before device deployment. These pre-configured strategies contain all necessary operational parameters and customization settings, allowing devices to be deployed immediately with full operational customization capabilities without requiring time-consuming on-site programming
3Ease of operation
If a centralized control system is used to manage media devices, then coordination is simplified, but the system requires continuous communication with the central administrator which reduces operational independence
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed components where each media device operates independently using locally stored control strategies. The communications strategy enables devices to coordinate with each other autonomously without requiring continuous centralized control, reducing communication infrastructure complexity while maintaining coordination ease through distributed decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static centralized control to dynamic distributed control. Media devices dynamically adapt their operations based on locally received control strategies and can autonomously coordinate with other devices in the network, enabling operational independence while maintaining coordination flexibility without requiring continuous central administrator communication
Data Source
AI summary
A system of controlling media devices configured for outputting signals to a surrounding area. The system including a control strategy for controlling operation of the media devices to execute operations according to a common schedule and a communications strategy for use in communicating the control strategy between the media devices in such a manner as to facilitate distribution of the control strategy to the media devices desired to operate according to the common timeline.