Coordinated Multimedia Playback via IMS and SMS Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multimedia distribution systems, such as podcasting, are inefficient in utilizing the capabilities of sophisticated mobile terminals and often require excessive network resources, especially in wireless networks, and do not allow for coordinated playback or simultaneous delivery of multimedia programs to multiple users.
Innovation Solution
The system coordinates playback of multimedia programs across multiple subscriber mobile terminals using IMS and SMS messaging for playback commands, allowing for synchronized playback and control, including start, stop, rewind, and skip functions, while utilizing different networks for program distribution and command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point communication is used for multimedia distribution, then each user can receive the program individually, but excessive network resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication approaches by enabling terminals to receive multimedia programs through multicast transmission while maintaining individual playback control capabilities. This merging allows efficient network resource utilization through single program transmission to multiple users while preserving individual reception reliability
2Quantity of substance
If multicast transmission is used to distribute multimedia programs, then network bandwidth is efficiently utilized, but subscribers may miss the program if their terminal is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling terminals to download and store multimedia programs before the scheduled playback time. The system allows users to pre-download programs during off-peak hours or when network conditions are favorable, ensuring program availability even if the terminal is off during the actual multicast transmission or scheduled playback
3Ease of operation
If conventional podcasting is used, then users can download and play programs at their convenience, but coordinated playback across multiple terminals is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible playback control system that can adapt to different operational modes. The system dynamically adjusts between individual flexible playback (when terminals operate independently) and coordinated synchronized playback (when multiple terminals need to play together). Playback commands can be issued to individual terminals or groups, and the system adapts its behavior based on the current operational context and user requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of coordinating playback of a multimedia program by a plurality of subscriber mobile terminals include providing a multimedia program to the plurality of subscriber mobile terminals, and providing a command to the plurality of subscriber mobile terminals, after providing the multimedia program, to control the playback of the provided program by the plurality of subscriber mobile terminals. The program may be encrypted, and some methods may include transmitting an encryption key to the plurality of subscriber mobile terminals. A communication system includes a subscriber mobile terminal configured to play a multimedia program, an originating terminal configured to provide the multimedia program to subscriber mobile terminal and to provide a playback command to the plurality of subscriber mobile terminals to control the playback of the provided program by the subscriber mobile terminal. Computer program products are also disclosed.