Media Asset Synchronization via Automatic Initiation and Segmented Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media synchronization methods between host devices and media devices are tedious, time-consuming, and inefficient, particularly due to manual initiation and slow data transfer over limited links, and lack consideration for multiple device types and data types.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing data between a host device and a media device that includes a data management application to synchronize and backup media assets, prioritizing data transfer based on importance and storage capacity, with graphical user interfaces for setting preferences and automatic initiation of synchronization upon device connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual drag and drop operation is used for file transfer, then user control over individual media assets is achieved, but synchronization becomes tedious and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic synchronization by detecting device connections and initiating data transfer without requiring manual user intervention. The media player automatically communicates with the host computer to synchronize media files, eliminating the need for users to manually drag and drop files while maintaining synchronization control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automatic synchronization is initiated upon device connection, then user effort is reduced, but synchronization speed remains limited by slow data link

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic initiationVSAvoidsynchronization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization process is divided into multiple segments or phases. The system first identifies and prioritizes media files that need synchronization, then transfers data in organized batches rather than attempting to transfer all files simultaneously, optimizing the use of the limited bandwidth available on the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional synchronization methods are used, then file transfer between devices is achieved, but multiple device types and data types are not adequately considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoiddevice and data type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to handle multiple types of media files (music, videos, photos, etc.) and work with different device configurations through a unified synchronization framework. The host computer automatically detects the media player type and adjusts the synchronization process accordingly, supporting various protocols and file formats through a single application interface.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1942424B1Background data transmission between media device and host device
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 APPLE INC
  • EP1942424B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP1942424B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP1942424B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Improved techniques and apparatus for managing data between a host device (e.g., host computer) and a media device are disclosed. The data being managed can, for example, pertain to media data for media assets. The managing of the media data thus can involve transfer of media assets between the host device and the media device. The transfer of media assets can, for example, take into consideration of potentially more important or time sensitive tasks that the media device is performing. In one embodiment, the transfer of media assets between a host device and a media device can be referred to as synchronization.