Multimedia Playback Coordination via Secondary Device Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multimedia playback systems lack the ability to seamlessly coordinate between primary and secondary devices, limiting the enhancement of playback experiences and interactive functionalities, especially in accessing and displaying additional content relevant to the primary device's media playback.

Innovation Solution

The system coordinates primary and secondary devices by establishing a virtual connection through a content package that includes multimedia content and instructions, allowing the primary device to broadcast relevant information to the secondary device, which can then access additional content and initiate applications, thereby extending the playback experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a primary device plays back multimedia content locally, then the playback function is achieved, but the ability to access additional content and interactive features is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to additional contentVSAvoidsystem coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary device as an intermediary that the primary device communicates with to access additional content and features. The secondary device receives broadcast information from the primary device, uses it to access additional content from remote sources, and sends control inputs back to the primary device, thereby extending functionality without complicating the primary device's core playback function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary device serves multiple functions: it receives broadcast information from the primary device, accesses additional content from remote sources, processes user interactions, and sends control inputs back to the primary device. This multi-functional approach enables the system to provide enhanced capabilities without requiring the primary device to handle all functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the primary device broadcasts information to the secondary device, then interactive functionality is enhanced, but the device coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteractive functionalityVSAvoiddevice coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary device acts as a mediator that simplifies coordination by receiving broadcast information from the primary device, accessing additional content from remote sources, and sending control inputs back to the primary device. This intermediary approach enables interactive functionality while managing coordination complexity through a dedicated communication partner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the primary device broadcasts information to the secondary device, the secondary device processes this information and sends control inputs back to the primary device. This feedback mechanism enables interactive functionality by allowing the secondary device to respond to and influence the primary device's playback based on user interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses secondary devices to access additional content, then the playback experience is enhanced, but the information exchange requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback experienceVSAvoidinformation exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary device serves as an information exchange intermediary that receives broadcast information from the primary device, uses this information to access additional content from remote sources, and sends control inputs back to the primary device. This intermediary approach enhances the playback experience by enabling access to additional content while managing information exchange through a dedicated communication channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the primary device broadcasts information to the secondary device, the secondary device processes this information and sends control inputs back to the primary device. This feedback mechanism reduces information loss by ensuring that relevant information is transmitted bidirectionally, allowing the secondary device to access additional content and send control inputs based on user interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9788048B2Method and system for use in coordinating multimedia devices

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 DELUXE MEDIA

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods for use in playing back content. Some of these methods access a content package comprising media content to be locally played back; detect, as defined by the content package, whether a remote secondary device is available with which a connection can be established; determine whether an authorization to establish the connection has been confirmed; establish, when the authorization is confirmed, a communication connection; determine, as instructed by the content package and when the communication with the secondary device is established, whether one or more commands are received from the secondary device; and implement, as instructed by the content package and when it is determined that the one or more commands are received from the secondary device, the one or more commands in controlling playback experience of the media content.