Network Media Device Detection via Cached Details and SSDP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the presence of media playback devices on a network are often time-consuming, unreliable, and limited to proprietary discovery processes, making it difficult to efficiently identify devices across various brands and types.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses a hardware processor to detect the presence of media playback devices by combining cached device details, Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) searches, device type identification databases, and unicast messages via HTTP, allowing for efficient and reliable detection across different device types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary discovery processes are used to detect device presence on a network, then device detection may be reliable for certain brands, but the process is limited to specific device types and brands only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified device discovery system that can detect multiple types of digital media devices (televisions, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, tablet computers, etc.) using a single standardized protocol rather than requiring separate proprietary protocols for each device type or brand. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to various device types while maintaining reliable detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional device discovery methods are used on a network, then device presence can be detected, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a local cache of device details from previously associated devices. When a device presence detection is needed, the system first checks this cached information before initiating full discovery protocols, significantly reducing the time required for device detection while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If comprehensive device discovery is performed across the network, then all devices can be identified, but the detection process becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device discovery process into distinct phases: checking local cache for previously known devices, performing targeted SSDP searches for specific device types, and querying device type identification databases. This segmentation reduces overall process complexity while maintaining comprehensive device identification by handling different device types through appropriate specialized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and media for detecting the presence of a digital media device on a network are provided. In some embodiments, methods for detecting a presence of a particular type of digital media device is provided, the methods comprising: identifying cached device details for devices previously associated with the network; performing a simple device discovery protocol (SSDP) on the network, and substantially concurrently sending a unicast message to an address associated with the identified cached digital media device using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP); and indicating the presence of a digital media device on the network in response to either (i) receiving a response to the unicast message, or (ii) determining that a type of a device discovered using SSDP is the same as the particular device type.