Network Device Content Queue and Storage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in accessing and managing video content across different rooms in a home network, as DVD players typically lack the capability to seamlessly transfer or play content from one room to another without copying, which is hindered by copy protection schemes like DRM.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a content requesting interface allows users to add desired content to a queue associated with a remote content provider, storing selected content in memory and managing its accessibility based on usage and storage status, enabling asynchronous receipt and hidden storage of content, and automatic erasure after a predetermined period or number of viewings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DVD content is copied to hard drive for playback in different rooms, then content accessibility is improved, but copy protection is violated and additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hard drive system as an intermediary device between the DVD player and multiple TVs. The hard drive receives protected content from the DVD player via a protected channel, stores it securely, and provides playback to multiple locations. This intermediary approach enables content accessibility across rooms while maintaining copy protection through controlled access mechanisms and protected communication channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DVD player is moved between rooms for content playback, then content accessibility is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content playback system into two independent functional components: a stationary DVD player that remains in one location and a mobile hard drive system that can be placed in different rooms. This segmentation allows the content source to stay fixed while the playback device moves, improving operational convenience by eliminating the need to physically move the DVD player between rooms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If decrypted content is output to external devices, then content accessibility is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a protected channel as a secure interface layer between the DVD player and hard drive system. This protected channel acts as a controlled gateway that allows content transfer while maintaining security boundaries. The channel uses authentication mechanisms and protected communication protocols to ensure that only authorized devices can access and transfer content, preventing unauthorized copying while enabling legitimate multi-room playback.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering content to a network device comprises a content requesting interface that allows a user to select desired content from available content. A queue stores identifiers of the desired selected content. A remote content provider is located remote from the network device, communicates with the queue and transmits the desired selected content to the network device based on a sequence of the identifiers of the desired selected content stored in the queue and on at least one of usage and storage status data associated with received selected content stored on the network device. The storage status data includes at least one of a hidden status, an erased status, and an amount of the received selected content stored in the memory.