Media Handoff Protocol for Seamless Device Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media streaming technologies fail to provide a seamless viewing or playback experience when transferring content between devices, leading to decreased user enjoyment and productivity due to limitations in handling seamless transitions and synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Media Manager that facilitates the handoff of content between devices by generating a handoff protocol, transmitting notification messages with handoff parameters, and ensuring seamless transitions by managing content playback on both devices, including video, audio, and gaming content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media is played on a specific user device with traditional streaming methods, then the media can be delivered to the device, but the user cannot seamlessly view the media on another device without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handoff protocol and server as intermediaries between the content source and user devices. The server receives handoff requests, generates handoff protocols with unique identifiers, and coordinates the transfer of media playback between devices. This intermediary system enables seamless device switching without requiring manual user intervention to rejoin streams or synchronize playback states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing handoff protocols and registering device capabilities before actual media playback begins. The server pre-configures handoff parameters and maintains playback state information, so when a handoff is requested, the transition can occur seamlessly without requiring the user to manually rejoin or reconfigure the stream on the new device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user manually transfers media playback between devices by logging in and rejoining streams, then the media can be played on the second device, but the viewing experience is interrupted and not seamless
Solution Approach 1:
The handoff protocol ensures continuity of media playback across device transitions. The server maintains the playback stream active and uses the handoff protocol to redirect it to the new device without interruption. The unique identifier in the protocol allows the receiving device to immediately join the existing stream at the correct playback position, eliminating gaps or delays in the viewing experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a mediator that manages the continuous playback stream while devices transition. Instead of requiring the user to stop, log in, and rejoin on the new device, the server handles the redirection seamlessly in the background, maintaining continuous useful action (media playback) throughout the device transition.
3Reliability
If the system tracks playback position using cookies and device tracking, then the content provider can remember the paused position, but the solution is complex and requires multiple steps including logging in and navigating to the media item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the playback position tracking functionality from complex cookie-based systems and integrates it directly into the handoff protocol. The unique identifier in the handoff protocol carries the necessary playback state information, eliminating the need for separate cookie tracking, login procedures, and navigation steps. This extraction simplifies the system by consolidating multiple functions into a single streamlined protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The handoff protocol enables self-service device switching by automatically carrying all necessary playback state information (including position, stream identifier, and synchronization data) within the protocol itself. The receiving device can automatically join the stream at the correct position without requiring user intervention for logging in, searching for the media item, or manually resuming playback.
4Productivity
If the user wants to maintain continuous viewing of live content across devices, then the content must be forced to continue on the first device, but this limits flexibility and decreases user enjoyment
Solution Approach 1:
The handoff protocol creates a dynamic system where media playback can be actively transferred between devices based on user needs. Rather than forcing the content to remain on the first device, the system dynamically redirects the playback stream to the second device using the handoff protocol. This dynamic capability maintains viewing continuity while providing flexibility to switch devices, thereby increasing user enjoyment and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for streaming and nonstreaming media transfer between devices includes receiving, by a server, a request message for a handoff of content from a first device displaying the content to a second device. The method further includes generating a handoff protocol for the handoff in response to the handoff request message. The method further includes transmitting, to one of the first device and the second device, a first notification message that includes a plurality of handoff parameters, based on the handoff protocol, that identifies an algorithm for the handoff of the content. The content is displayed with the second device after the handoff is complete.