Media Processing Device for Simultaneous Multi-Protocol Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media processing technologies, such as adaptor devices, limit users to connecting only one HDMI interface at a time and require manual switching between display devices, making it inconvenient for multiple media playback devices to be connected simultaneously and switched during playback.
Innovation Solution
A media processing method and device that determines multiple communications protocols, constructs media receiving clients for each protocol, and sends media data to corresponding playback devices, allowing for flexible and simultaneous connection of multiple media playback devices and seamless switching during playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adaptor device with only one HDMI interface is used, then the device structure remains simple, but only one display device can be connected at a time and switching requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual HDMI interface by copying the functionality of a physical HDMI interface through software. The virtual interface emulator runs on the mobile device and presents itself as a legitimate HDMI endpoint to the adaptor, allowing the single physical HDMI interface to serve multiple display devices through protocol translation and virtualization
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor device is designed to support multiple communication protocols (HDMI, DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast) simultaneously, making it universal in its ability to connect to different types of display devices. This multi-functionality allows one adaptor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized adaptors
2Ease of operation
If manual switching between display devices is required, then the adaptor device structure remains simple, but user convenience deteriorates during media playback
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic device switching through the switching module, which monitors playback status and automatically switches between display devices based on predefined conditions or user preferences. The system serves itself by automatically managing the complexity of multi-device coordination without requiring manual user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the status of connected display devices and automatically adjusts connections based on this feedback. The switching module receives information about device availability and playback state, then makes intelligent decisions about which device should receive the media output
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability to different display devices improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation layer that acts as an intermediary between different communication protocols. Instead of implementing complex multi-protocol support directly in the adaptor hardware, a virtual interface emulator translates various protocols (DLNA, AirPlay, Miracast) into standard HDMI protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
A media processing method, device, and system are provided. One or more media receiving clients that have a media processing capability of one or more media playback devices are separately constructed for multiple communications protocols; to-be-played media data that is sent by a media source device and that is to be played by a media receiving client specified by the media source device is received; and the to-be-played media data is sent to a media playback device that is corresponding to the specified media receiving client, for the media playback device to play. In this way, multiple media playback devices can be connected flexibly and simultaneously and a media playback device can be switched as desired during media playback.