Mobile App Media Control via Intermediary Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers lack an intuitive and electronic method to collect and organize media promotions, and their smart phones are not effectively integrated into their media viewing experiences, limiting interactivity and control over media consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application system that enables consumer connectivity and control of media by using a media management module on smartphones to interact with content presented on display devices, allowing for personalized preferences, targeted advertising, and TV-commerce opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If consumers use traditional TV viewing methods with infrared remote controls, then they can access media content, but they lack interactivity and cannot effectively control or organize media promotions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the mobile device to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a remote control for media playback, a guide for content selection, a promotional organizer, and a commerce interface. This single device replaces multiple traditional components (infrared remote, TV guide, promotional materials) and provides integrated media management capabilities that enhance both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device functions as an intermediary between the consumer and the media system. It mediates control signals to the set-top box, retrieves and displays content information, organizes promotional opportunities, and facilitates commerce transactions. This intermediary role enables enhanced interactivity and media management without requiring direct modification of the traditional TV infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumers adopt high-end televisions and cable set-top boxes, then they can access more content, but the cost increases significantly with limited additional benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by leveraging the consumer's existing mobile device, which they already own and use daily. Instead of requiring purchase of expensive new hardware, the system utilizes the mobile device's existing processing power, display, and communication capabilities to deliver enhanced media management and content access functions. This eliminates the need for costly additional equipment while providing advanced features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is utilized for multiple functions beyond its original purpose: it serves as a remote control, electronic program guide, promotional organizer, and commerce interface. This multi-functional use extracts maximum value from an existing asset, providing content access capabilities comparable to or exceeding high-end set-top boxes without the associated cost.
3Ease of operation
If consumers use smartphones for daily tasks, then they have portability and convenience, but they cannot connect them to entertainment media viewing experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that bridges the portable computing platform and the home entertainment system. It maintains its portability and existing functionality while adding media control capabilities through wireless communication with the set-top box. This intermediary role enables the device to serve both mobile and stationary media management purposes without sacrificing either portability or media integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the mobile device to function in multiple contexts: as a standalone portable device for mobile content consumption, and as a integrated control center for home entertainment. The same device provides both mobile media access and fixed-location TV control, maximizing versatility without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device for providing a mobile application across smart phone platforms to enable consumer connectivity and control of media. The viewing experience of the individual is improved by the added control and the advertising experience is enhanced by ensuring advertisements are relevant and actionable. A system for providing interactivity between a mobile device and content includes a content provider providing content for presentation on a display device and a mobile device configured with a media management module communicating to provide user interactivity with the content. The media management module enables individualized consumer media services for the mobile device.


