Network Device for Controlling Media Capture Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for controlling webcams and other media capture devices require separate interfaces and devices, such as PCs or browsers, which are not user-friendly and often necessitate manual IP address entry, limiting interoperability with media players that operate under different protocols like DLNA.
Innovation Solution
A network device with dual interfaces, one for communicating with media capture devices using a first protocol (e.g., IP) and another for media players using a second protocol (e.g., DLNA/UPnP), allowing for seamless control and media transmission without the need for multiple interfaces or separate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to control webcams (requiring separate interfaces, PCs, or browsers), then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to manual IP address entry and multiple required components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the webcam control functionality with the media player device, merging previously separate components (webcam, control interface, media player) into a single integrated system. The media player now directly controls the webcam through integrated hardware and software, eliminating the need for separate PCs, browsers, or control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The media player is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a media playback device and as a webcam control device. The single device can perform multiple functions: playing media files, controlling the webcam, processing images, and managing both DLNA and USB protocols, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol-specific control methods are used (DLNA for media players, IP for webcams), then protocol compatibility is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates because webcams cannot be controlled by DLNA media players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-protocol interface system that acts as an intermediary between DLNA and IP protocols. The media player contains both DLNA protocol processing capability and IP protocol networking capability, enabling it to translate and communicate with webcams using IP while maintaining DLNA protocol compatibility for media playback functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes protocol parameters based on the communication target. When communicating with the webcam, the media player uses IP protocol parameters; when communicating with DLNA-compatible media servers or devices, it uses DLNA protocol parameters. This parameter switching enables universal compatibility across different device types.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate devices are used for media playback and webcam control, then functional specialization is achieved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple powered devices and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the webcam control functionality with the media player device, merging previously separate components (webcam, control interface, media player) into a single integrated system. The media player now directly controls the webcam through integrated hardware and software, eliminating the need for separate PCs, browsers, or control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The media player performs self-service by integrating all necessary control functions within itself. Instead of requiring external devices or interfaces to control the webcam, the media player contains all necessary hardware interfaces and software capabilities to directly control the webcam, reducing the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments allow media players and other electronic devices that operate under a first protocol to control the media capture devices that operate with a second protocol which may not be configurable to communicate with the first protocol. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a network device may store and/or render content within a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) network and/or assist in content delivery for a DLNA device on a network. In another embodiment of the disclosure, a media capture device uses the Internet Protocol.