Partial Media Transfer via Viewing Point Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring stored media content files from set-top boxes/digital video recorders lack features desired by consumers, particularly in continuing to view partially watched content on mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transferring a partially viewed media content file from a digital video recorder to a mobile device, determining the current viewing point and transferring only the remaining unviewed portion, or the entire file with an indicator to enable seamless continuation of playback on the mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire media content file is transferred from the digital video recorder to the mobile device, then the user can continue viewing the content on the mobile device, but unnecessary data transfer occurs including already viewed portions
Solution Approach 1:
The media content file is segmented into viewed and unviewed portions based on the current viewing point. Only the unviewed portion is transferred to the mobile device, separating the necessary data from the redundant already-viewed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The already viewed portion of the media content file is extracted and excluded from the transfer process. Only the remaining unviewed portion is transferred, removing unnecessary data from the transfer operation.
2Loss of substance
If only the remaining portion of the media content file is transferred, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but the user loses the ability to resume from the exact viewing point without additional metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The current viewing point is determined and recorded before the transfer process begins. This preliminary identification of the viewing point ensures that playback can resume exactly where it left off without loss of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback about the current viewing point to the transfer process. This information is used to calculate the exact starting point for the remaining portion, ensuring seamless continuation of playback.
3Loss of time
If the system determines and transfers only the remaining portion of the media content file, then transfer time is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to viewing point tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The digital video recorder automatically tracks its own viewing point without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring playback progress and maintaining the current position information, reducing the need for complex external tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing point information is maintained continuously during playback before transfer is needed. This preliminary tracking eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during the transfer process, simplifying the overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for transferring a partially viewed media content file from a digital video recorder to a mobile device. In one embodiment, the method transfers only a remaining portion of a partially viewed media content file to the mobile device. In other embodiments, the method may transfer the entire partially viewed media content file with an indicator of the current viewing point of the partially viewed media content file. The indicator enables the mobile device to begin playing of the partially viewed media content file starting at the current viewing point.