Multi-Device Playback Pause and Resume via Network Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content delivery systems do not allow users to pause broadcast content on one device and resume playback on another device, limiting flexibility and freedom in watching paused content across multiple devices associated with a user's account.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where paused broadcast content is recorded and stored in network storage, allowing users to resume playback on the same or different devices, with the option to switch back to real-time content on the original device, and managing storage independently of user-controlled recordings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If local content buffer is used for pause operation, then playback can be resumed on the same device, but the buffer is not accessible to other devices and the user cannot switch channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that mediates between the playback device's local buffer and remote devices. The server receives pause commands, stores the buffered content temporarily, and manages redistribution to other devices, enabling multi-device access without requiring each device to maintain its own buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where the paused content from the local buffer is copied to network storage on the server. This allows the same content to be accessed by multiple devices simultaneously without duplicating the buffer on each device, resolving the contradiction between multi-device access and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If pause function is implemented with local buffer, then playback can be paused and resumed, but the device cannot be freed for normal playback and channel switching is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The network server acts as an intermediary that takes over the responsibility of holding paused content. When a device pauses content, the buffer is transferred to or replicated on the server, freeing the local device to switch channels or be used for normal playback while the paused content remains accessible through the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pause functionality into two independent parts: the playback control interface remains on the user's device for ease of operation, while the content storage and management is separated to the network server. This segmentation allows the device to be freed for other uses while maintaining pause/resume capability through the server.
3Adaptability or versatility
If paused content is stored in network storage, then multi-device access is enabled, but storage management becomes more complex and requires independent retention policies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage management system on the network server that handles multiple functions: storing paused content, managing retention periods, handling multiple device requests, and coordinating with user recording limits. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server monitors storage usage, tracks which devices have paused content, and automatically manages retention and deletion based on predefined policies. This feedback loop simplifies storage management by making it automatic rather than requiring manual coordination between devices and users.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus that support implementing a pause, e.g., of a broadcast, on a device, recording the paused program and resuming playback of the paused program on a device associated with a user's account, are described. The pause function allows a user to pause a broadcast on a device and initiate recording of the paused program, e.g., to network storage. The pause initiating device displays a pause indicator indicating that the program output has been paused. A user logging into the user's account from a device other than the device from which the pause was initiated is presented an opportunity to resume the paused playback. Playback is resumed from the pause point on the playback device from which a resume signal is received. Upon resumption of playback on a device other than the device from which the pause was initiated, the pause indicator on the pause initiating device is removed.