Media Asset Voting via Portable Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viewer interaction with controllable media devices, such as televisions and gaming consoles, often requires a single viewer to control the media device, leading to difficulties when multiple viewers want to watch different programming, and the process of selecting new programming can interrupt the current viewing experience for others.
Innovation Solution
A voting application is executed on a controllable device to interface with portable devices via a wireless network, allowing multiple viewers to vote on media asset selection without interrupting the current program, with tiebreaker votes used when multiple assets receive the same number of votes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single viewer controls the media device with a remote control, then the control operation is simple and direct, but other viewers cannot participate in the selection process and may be interrupted when browsing programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by separating the voting interface from the main media playback device. Each portable device receives a segment of the voting interface, allowing multiple viewers to independently cast votes without interfering with each other or the current program playback on the main display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces portable devices as intermediary components between viewers and the media player. These portable devices serve as mediators that collect votes from multiple viewers and transmit them to the media player, enabling group decision-making without requiring direct control of the main playback device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one viewer browses through available programming on the display screen, then programming selection is possible, but the current programming being watched by others is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The voting interface is segmented and distributed to multiple portable devices rather than displayed on the main screen. This allows programming selection to occur on portable devices while the main display continues showing current programming without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
Portable devices act as intermediaries for programming selection, allowing viewers to browse and vote for new programs on their portable devices while the main media player continues playing current content. The selection process occurs in parallel without interrupting the viewing experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewers want to watch different programming, then individual viewing preferences are respected, but consensus-based selection becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by distributing the voting interface to all portable devices before the voting period begins. Each viewer can immediately start voting without waiting for sequential turn-taking, and votes are collected simultaneously, reducing the overall time required for consensus selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portable device independently presents the voting interface and collects votes from individual viewers. The system automates the aggregation of votes and determination of the selected program, eliminating the need for manual counting or complex coordination among viewers.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of media asset voting, a voting application is executed at a controllable device to interface the controllable device with portable devices via a wireless network. The voting application may be initiated at the controllable device by one of the portable devices. A request can be communicated from the controllable device to the portable devices to initiate each of the portable devices sending a user-selected vote for media asset selection at the controllable device. The controllable device receives the user-selected votes from one or more of the portable devices, and the voting application can aggregate each received vote to determine voting results. A media asset can then be selected at the controllable device based on the voting results. Alternatively or in addition, the voting results can be displayed for viewing on a display device that corresponds to the controllable device.