Persistent Media Playlist Management on Host Computer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media management systems do not allow users to manage media assets on a media player independently of the host computer, limiting media asset management to only when the media player is connected.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a persistent media device playlist on the host computer that can be managed and updated regardless of the media player's connection status, with capacity limits and a graphical user interface for selecting media items, enabling users to add or remove media items from the playlist and update the media player when connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the media player is disconnected from the host computer, then the media player can be used independently, but the host computer cannot manage media assets on the media player
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a persistent visual representation of the media player on the host computer that allows media asset management to be performed in advance while the player is connected. Users can prepare playlists and manage media assets before disconnecting, so the management capability is effectively extended beyond the connection period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (copy) of the media player's media assets on the host computer. This copy allows users to manage media assets on the host computer interface while the actual media remains on the disconnected media player, enabling management without direct connection.
2Ease of operation
If the host computer manages all media assets, then centralized control is achieved, but the media player cannot store local media independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments media assets into two categories: those managed through the persistent visual representation on the host computer and those stored locally on the media player. This allows simultaneous centralized management for synced assets and local independence for player-specific assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The persistent visual representation serves multiple functions: it acts as a interface for managing media assets on the host computer while also representing the disconnected media player's media library. This multi-functionality enables both centralized management and local storage capabilities to coexist.
3Reliability
If media assets are copied to the media player, then playback capability is ensured, but storage capacity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to selectively copy only certain media assets to the media player based on playlist selections, rather than copying all available media. This partial action approach ensures playback availability for selected items while conserving storage capacity by not duplicating unnecessary assets.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved techniques to utilize and manage a group of media items (or media assets) on a computing device are disclosed. The group of media items can be utilized and managed at a host computer for the host computer as well as a media device (e.g., media player) that can couple to the host computer. One popular example of a group of media items is know as a playlist, which can pertain to a group of audio tracks. One aspect pertains to providing a persistent media device playlist at a host computer. Another aspect pertains to imposing capacity limits to a playlist, such as a media device playlist. Still another aspect pertains to a graphical user interface that enables a user to trade-off storage capacity of a media device between media asset storage and data storage. Yet still another aspect pertains to a graphical user interface that assists a user with selecting media items to fill a group of media items.