Network Controller for Seamless Internet Content Takeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

In home networks using the DLNA standard, controlling and reproducing content from global addresses on the Internet is challenging, and content transmission via wired high-speed interfaces like HDMI may not ensure optimal display quality due to resolution adjustments needed between devices.

Innovation Solution

A network system and method where an information processing apparatus receives user instructions to take over content reproduction from another apparatus, transmitting a reproduction-takeover-command with necessary content-access-information via HDMI-CEC or UPnP protocols, allowing seamless control and display of Internet content on local devices like TVs and mobile terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If content is transmitted via wired high-speed interfaces like HDMI between devices, then transmission speed is improved, but display quality deteriorates due to resolution adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary device between the content source and the display device. It receives content from the server via the home network, performs necessary processing and resolution adjustment, then transmits the processed content to the display device. This intermediary approach allows the display device to receive content at its optimal resolution without requiring direct high-speed connection for quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If DLNA standard is used for home network construction, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to control global network content deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidability to control global network content
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a DLNA-compliant device for local network operation and as an Internet gateway for accessing global network content. It can function as both a content player within the home network and as a content acquisition device from external networks, bridging the gap between DLNA's local focus and global content accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If controller reproduces content by itself, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different content types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability to different content types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines whether the controller or an external player should reproduce the content based on the controller's capabilities and the content requirements. The controller can switch between self-reproduction mode for simple content and external player delegation mode for complex content types, optimizing both device complexity and adaptability to different content formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2469767B1Network System, Information Processing Apparatus, Content-Reproduction-Takeover Method, and Program
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2469767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2469767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2469767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an illustrative embodiment, an information processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an input section configured to receive an instruction from a user to cause an other information processing apparatus to take over reproduction of content provided through a global network; and a sending section configured to transmit to the other information processing apparatus, when the instruction is received by the input section, a reproduction-takeover-command including content-access-information necessary to obtain the content from the global network.