Network Software Application Indexing via UPnP Metadata

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no simple mechanism for distributing and executing software applications, such as interactive video game applications, across different devices on a network, similar to how multimedia content is shared using UPnP/DLNA standards.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where software applications are indexed and managed using metadata, allowing them to be transmitted and executed like conventional multimedia content, utilizing UPnP/DLNA protocols, enabling flexible resource management and distribution across network devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software applications are distributed and executed across different network devices, then adaptability and resource utilization are improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling playback devices to execute multiple types of content (both traditional multimedia and software applications) through a unified execution engine. The device can dynamically determine content type and execute accordingly, making the device versatile without requiring separate specialized hardware for each content type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The execution engine acts as an intermediary layer between the content delivery system and the device hardware. It receives content from the content server, determines whether the content is a software application or traditional multimedia, and orchestrates the appropriate execution path, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If software applications are indexed and managed like multimedia content, then ease of operation and content management are improved, but loss of information about application-specific requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter structure of content metadata by introducing type discrimination fields that differentiate between multimedia content and software applications. The execution parameters include content type identification, required execution environment specifications, and dependency information, allowing the system to manage diverse content types through a unified interface while preserving critical application-specific information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If playback devices execute software applications locally, then productivity and response time are improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by allowing playback devices to execute only the necessary portions of software applications locally when required, rather than requiring full local execution capabilities for all applications. The system can stream application code from the content server and execute only the needed components, reducing the burden on device resources while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2633440B1Indexing and execution of software applications in a network
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 ORANGE SA
  • EP2633440B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2633440B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2633440B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing the indexing of a software application (50), implemented by a multimedia content server (DMS). According to the invention, the method comprises the following phases: the indexing (51) of at least one software application as content in a content indexing database, by recording metadata indicating that the thus indexed content is a software application and recording a location address of a data file comprising a software module designed to execute said at least one software application; and the transmission (52) of the metadata and the location address to a drive device (DMC), serving to select an indexed content to be delivered and to drive the delivery of a selected content.