Cross-Device Media Playback Resumption via Cloud Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for resuming media content playback across multiple devices require shutdown procedures to save or bookmark the last known position, which can be inconvenient and may not function correctly in cases of crashes or internet connectivity loss.
Innovation Solution
A system that periodically updates media statistics, including user account information and playback time position, allowing seamless resumption of media content across devices by storing this data in the cloud and using a combination of periodic pings and cookies to ensure accurate playback position retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shutdown procedures are used to save or bookmark the last known position, then playback position can be preserved, but the system becomes more complex and may fail in cases of crashes or connectivity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously updating playback position information in the cloud before actual shutdown or crash occurs. The periodic pings and cookies are sent in advance to ensure the last known position is recorded, eliminating the need for complex shutdown procedures to preserve playback state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary service that mediates between the media player and the playback position storage. Instead of directly saving position during shutdown, the system uses periodic pings to the cloud service, which acts as an intermediary to record and retrieve playback positions, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If periodic pings are used to update playback position in the cloud, then playback position accuracy is maintained across devices, but network bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by sending playback position updates at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic ping approach maintains accurate playback position tracking across multiple devices while significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption compared to continuous real-time updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by sending only the necessary playback position information in each periodic ping, rather than transmitting complete media state data. This selective transmission maintains position accuracy while minimizing network bandwidth usage.
3Reliability
If manual bookmarking is required to resume playback, then playback position can be saved, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically tracking and saving playback positions without requiring any manual user intervention. The media player autonomously sends periodic pings with position information to the cloud service, and automatically retrieves the correct position when resuming playback on any device, eliminating the need for manual bookmarking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal playback resumption system that works across multiple devices and platforms. The cloud-based service provides multi-functional capability to track, store, and retrieve playback positions regardless of which device is used, making the system universally applicable and completely hands-free for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating cross device resumable media content consumption. In an aspect, a system includes an update component that receives a media statistics update where the media statistics update includes information identifying an account, media content identification information, and a first playback time position associated with media content. A monitoring component is also included that identifies when the account accesses the media content associated with the media content identification information. A resume component is also included that plays back the media content at the first playback time position in response to identifying an access of the media content associated with the account.