Network-Registered Device Mediator for External Media Resource Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multimedia networks, such as IMS, lack a mechanism to register and access external media resources attached to devices, limiting the ability to utilize these resources over the network.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to determine and transform resource capability information into service capability information, which is then provided to the network, allowing access to media resources controllably attachable to network-registered devices via a multimedia-enabled network. This involves determining resource capability, transforming it into service capability, and providing this information to access-requesting entities, enabling network access to attached media resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external media resources are attached to network-registered devices, then the capabilities and functionality of the devices are enhanced, but the network cannot register or access these external resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidresource accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network-registered device acts as a mediator between the external media resource and the multimedia network. The device registers capability information about attached resources with the network, enabling indirect access without direct network registration of external resources. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining device functionality enhancement while preserving network access capability through the intermediary role of the registered device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual representation or copy of external media resources within the network registry. Instead of requiring physical or direct network registration of external resources, the system creates capability information copies that describe the resources' features and access methods. This allows the network to access and manage external resources through their informational representations, resolving the accessibility loss while maintaining functional enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Loss of information

If a registration mechanism for external media resources is implemented, then network access to resources is enabled, but the complexity of the network protocol increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal registration mechanism that leverages existing SIP protocol frameworks and capability information structures already used for device registration. By reusing established protocols and data formats for multiple purposes (both device registration and resource registration), the system enables resource accessibility without significantly increasing protocol complexity. The same SIP infrastructure serves multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends existing protocol parameters and capability information fields to include resource descriptions rather than creating entirely new protocol structures. By modifying and repurposing existing parameters to carry resource capability information, the system enables resource registration while minimizing increases in protocol complexity. The approach uses parameter extensions rather than structural overhauls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If capability information transformation is performed, then resource capabilities are made accessible to the network, but information processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability visibilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs capability information transformation in advance during the resource attachment phase, before network access is required. The network-registered device pre-processes and transforms external resource capability information into network-compatible formats during initial registration. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated transformation operations during actual resource access, reducing processing overhead and energy consumption during operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2044747B1Technique for providing access to a media resource attached to a network-registered device
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2044747B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2044747B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2044747B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A technique for accessing a media resource (114) controllably attachable to a network-registered device (104) via a multimedia-enabled network (102) is proposed. The technique comprises determining a resource capability information indicating a capability of the media resource; transforming the resource capability information into service capability information indicating a capability related to a service accessible at the network-registered device via the network; and providing the service capability information to an access-requesting entity (106).