Network Transcoding System for UPnP Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compatibility issue between content codecs and rendering devices, as defined by the UPnP/DLNA standard, often results in devices being unable to read and render content due to limited mandatory codecs, and existing transcoding solutions are limited in scope and functionality, particularly when content is stored on Network Attached Storage (NAS) equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transcoding content, where a transcoding system announces the presence of a substitution device capable of supporting additional codecs, allowing content to be transcoded and rendered by devices that lack native support, thereby enabling seamless rendering across network-connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UPnP/DLNA standard mandates only a small number of codecs, then device compatibility is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but content accessibility deteriorates because rendering devices cannot read and restore content encoded in non-mandatory codecs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transcoding system as an intermediary component in the network between content servers and rendering devices. This mediator performs format conversion of content from non-supported codecs to supported codecs, enabling rendering devices to access content in various formats without requiring the devices themselves to support multiple codecs. The transcoding system acts as a bridge that resolves the incompatibility between diverse content formats and limited device codec support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transcoding functions are integrated into personal computer DMS, then content format compatibility is improved, but device accessibility deteriorates because users cannot access transcoding functions when content is stored on NAS equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements transcoding functionality within the UPnP/DLNA network architecture itself, making it a universal service accessible to all rendering devices regardless of where content is stored. The transcoding system can process content from any content server (whether on personal computers or NAS equipment) and deliver it in formats suitable for any rendering device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the limitation of PC-specific transcoding and provides network-wide format compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each rendering device is equipped with multiple codecs to support various formats, then content accessibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rendering devices to access content in their supported formats through the transcoding system without requiring the devices to possess multiple codecs themselves. The transcoding system serves itself by providing format conversion services to the network, allowing simple rendering devices to benefit from format compatibility while maintaining their own simplicity. Each device only needs to support its native codecs while the network provides universal access to all formats.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transcoding content to be played back by a first device for playing back content (DMR1) connected to a network, including: a step of transmitting, following the transmission over said network of a first message notifying the disappearance of the first playback device (DMR1) from the network, a notification message indicating the presence, in said network, of another device declared to be a playback device supporting at least one encoding format not supported by the first playback device; a step of receiving a first set of one or more parameters for playing back content which is to be played back and which is encoded in a first encoding format not supported by the first playback device; a step of sending the first playback device (DMR1) a second set of one or more playback parameters to be used in order to obtain, from a transcoding system (SYST), said content in a second encoding format supported by the first playback device (DMR1).