Multimedia Distribution Device for Multi-Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rich media applications deliver multimedia content to a single client for rendering, limiting the ability to simultaneously render content on multiple devices, such as watching video on a TV while displaying related information on a second screen or pushing interactive content to mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an interaction server, a rich media server, and a distribution device that generates configuration files to synchronize and distribute multimedia content across multiple rendering devices, allowing for simultaneous rendering of elementary content streams on different devices, with features like content adaptation and control instructions for playback management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multimedia content is delivered to a single client for rendering, then the rendering system is simple and easy to manage, but the ability to simultaneously render content on multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multimedia content into multiple elementary content streams (e.g., video, audio, subtitles) that can be independently distributed to different rendering devices. Each elementary stream is assigned to specific devices based on device capabilities and user preferences, enabling multi-device rendering while maintaining manageable complexity through modular content organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distribution device as an intermediary between the content source and multiple rendering devices. This mediator receives the multimedia content, processes it into appropriate elementary streams, and intelligently distributes them to target devices based on configuration information, thereby enabling multi-device support without requiring complex direct connections between each device pair
2Adaptability or versatility
If multimedia content is distributed to multiple rendering devices, then simultaneous rendering on different devices is enabled, but synchronization and control across devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where rendering devices report their playback status, device capabilities, and operational state back to the distribution device. The distribution device uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust content distribution, maintain synchronization across devices, and handle playback events, thereby simplifying multi-device coordination through automated closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring device information, capabilities, and preferences in a database before content distribution. The distribution device queries this pre-stored configuration information to automatically determine optimal content routing and synchronization parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time negotiations and simplifying operational control
3Reliability
If elementary contents are synchronized across multiple devices, then coherent multimedia experience is achieved, but the distribution and management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by embedding synchronization timestamps, sequence numbers, and timing metadata within each elementary content stream. The distribution device and rendering devices use these parameters to automatically align playback across multiple devices, achieving coherent synchronization through data parameter management rather than complex control logic
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for distributing a multimedia content to at least two rendering devices is provided, wherein, the multimedia content comprises at least two elementary contents. The method comprises the steps of distributing synchronization information for the multimedia content based on a relationship between the at least two rendering devices and the at least two elementary contents, wherein, the synchronization information indicates the synchronization relationship between the at least two elementary contents; receiving a multimedia stream carrying the multimedia content; and distributing said multimedia stream based on the relationship between the at lest two rendering devices and the at least two elementary contents.