Media Device Settings Synchronization via Network Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
In managed video systems, service providers face challenges in providing a smooth transition mechanism when replacing a media device, such as a set top box, as user-customized settings and stored content are not effectively transferred to the new device, leading to a frustrating customer experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to store and synchronize configuration settings and data across devices, allowing new devices to retrieve settings and content from a network, thereby enabling seamless replacement and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media device is replaced with new device, then device functionality is restored, but user settings and stored content are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that stores user settings and content data. When a media device is replaced, the new device communicates with the network server to retrieve the stored data, ensuring seamless transition without data loss. The network server acts as the mediator between the old and new devices, preserving information across device replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing user settings and content data on the network server before the media device is replaced. This advance preparation ensures that when the new device is deployed, the data is already available for retrieval, eliminating data loss and ensuring service continuity without requiring manual data transfer.
2Loss of information
If manual data transfer is implemented, then some content can be preserved, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically handling data transfer between devices through the network server. When a new media device is deployed, it autonomously retrieves user settings and content data from the network server without requiring manual intervention. This automated process eliminates the complexity and time-consuming nature of manual data transfer while ensuring complete content preservation.
3Speed
If configuration data is stored locally on media device, then data access is fast, but data is lost when device is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions data storage from a single dimension (local device storage) to multiple dimensions by implementing both local caching and network server storage. Configuration data is stored on the network server for persistence across device replacements, while local devices maintain cached copies for fast access. This multi-dimensional storage approach resolves the contradiction between access speed and data preservation.
4Ease of operation
If seamless device replacement is implemented, then customer experience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network server is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a data storage repository and a synchronization coordinator. It handles data storage, retrieval, and device registration in a single unified system, reducing overall system complexity despite enabling seamless device replacement. The server's universal functionality consolidates multiple operations into one component.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for storing and synchronizing data using Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or any other protocol that provides for authentication, presence and messaging. One such method is performed in a digital media device, such as a set top. Device and user-configured settings associated with a digital media device may be saved to a network. The settings may be synchronized with other devices of a user, or used to configure a newly provisioned replacement digital media device. The settings may include pointers to network resources where content is stored such that content need not be transferred from an old or failed digital media device to the newly provisioned digital media device.