Mobile Device Server for TV Game State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive games on television systems using mobile devices are limited by the need for a specific set-top box console, creating barriers for game developers and TV network operators, as they must focus on specific mobile devices and lack motivation to address game development issues.
Innovation Solution
A first mobile device operates as an interactive application server, managing state and interacting with multiple mobile devices to render interactive applications on a main video display without requiring an intervening set-top box, using protocols like DIAL for communication and data correlation across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a set-top box console is used to manage interactive games on mobile devices, then the system can control and coordinate multiple devices, but the system becomes limited to specific mobile devices and creates barriers for game developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the server functionality from the traditional set-top box and relocates it to the mobile device itself. The mobile device runs a browser-based server application that manages interactive games and coordinates with other devices, eliminating the need for a separate set-top box console and enabling cross-platform compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal server application that can run on any mobile device with a web browser, regardless of the specific mobile device platform. This universal server manages interactive games across different mobile devices, providing adaptability and versatility without being locked to a single device type.
2Ease of manufacture
If a TV network operator develops second screen interactive game software and hardware, then they can provide interactive gaming services, but they lack the focus and financial motivation to address game development issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to serve themselves by running the server application directly on the device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for TV network operators to develop and maintain complex game infrastructure, allowing game developers to focus on creating games without needing to convince operators to invest in specialized hardware and software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by moving the server from a fixed set-top box to a flexible mobile device environment. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different mobile platforms and game requirements without requiring operators to develop specialized solutions for each scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are used for interactive games without a set-top box, then device availability and flexibility increase, but the mobile device must perform additional computational tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the mobile device perform only the necessary computational tasks for game management rather than requiring full-power processing. The server application is designed to run efficiently in the mobile device's existing processing environment, utilizing only the necessary computational resources without excessive energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A server version of an interactive application executed by a processing device of a first mobile device communicatively connected to a main video rendering device collects first data generated by a first client version of the interactive application executed by the processing device. The server version of the interactive application generates first displayable content relating to the first client version of the interactive application based on the first data, wherein the first displayable content is rendered on a display of the first mobile device. The server version of the interactive application generates second displayable content based in part on the first data and additional data relating to the server version of the interactive application, wherein the first displayable content is different from the second displayable content. The server version of the interactive application, transmits the second displayable content to the main video rendering device to be rendered on a main video display.