Mobile Device Dynamic Room Control via Cast Media Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cast devices, such as Chromecast or Airplay, primarily focus on streaming media content to TVs without integrating dynamic control of room environments based on media content analysis, limiting the ability to adjust operational parameters of devices like lights or air conditioning units.

Innovation Solution

A network environment where a mobile device dynamically controls room devices by analyzing media content and sending control signals via wireless communication, allowing for adjustments in operational parameters of devices such as lights, air conditioning, or speakers during media playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cast devices stream media content to TV, then media playback functionality is achieved, but dynamic control of room environment based on media content is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic control capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the cast device and room devices. The mobile device receives media content from the cast device, analyzes the content to extract contextual information, and then sends control signals to appropriate room devices based on that analysis. This mediator approach enables dynamic room control without requiring direct integration between the cast device and room devices, thus achieving versatility while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mobile device controls room devices dynamically, then user experience is enhanced, but additional processing and communication overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device performs media content analysis in real-time as content is being streamed, extracting contextual information proactively before control decisions are needed. By preliminarily analyzing the media content and identifying control opportunities ahead of time, the system can quickly execute control actions without significant delays, thus enhancing user experience while minimizing processing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If media content is analyzed to control room devices, then contextual synchronization is achieved, but additional computational requirements are imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontextual synchronization capabilityVSAvoidmobile device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device performs partial media content analysis by focusing on extracting only the specific contextual information needed for room control (such as scene type, time of day, or activity context) rather than analyzing all aspects of the media content. This selective approach achieves sufficient contextual synchronization while significantly reducing computational requirements and energy consumption compared to comprehensive media analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10390078B2Mobile device controlled dynamic room environment using a cast device

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A mobile device analyzes data associated with media handled by a cast device connected to a display device. The mobile device causes control signals to be sent, via the one or more communication interfaces, to one of multiple different devices in a room to change an operational parameter associated with the one of the multiple different devices.