Presence-Based Remote Media Control via Instant Messaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users are typically required to be physically present to interact with media devices such as televisions or gaming systems, limiting their ability to control, review, or manage content remotely.
Innovation Solution
A real-time instant messaging or presence-based communications system is used to remotely control and interact with media devices, enabling users to access and manage their devices through a presence-based network, which also facilitates social networking by sharing viewing habits and recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user wants to interact with a media device, then the user must be physically present at the device, but this limits the user's ability to control the device remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an instant messaging server as an intermediary between the user's remote computing device and the media device. The server receives control commands from the user via instant messaging protocols and relays them to the media device, enabling remote operation without physical presence. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by allowing users to control devices from any location without traveling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a presence-based communication system is used for remote control, then remote access is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing instant messaging infrastructure and protocols that users are already familiar with, making the system universally accessible. By building upon established communication standards rather than creating a proprietary system from scratch, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining remote control functionality. The instant messaging server can handle multiple functions including control commands, presence information, and social networking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages presence information and control command routing without requiring complex user configuration. The instant messaging server handles authentication, message routing, and device state management autonomously, reducing the complexity burden on users while enabling versatile remote access capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users share viewing habits and information through the system, then social networking capabilities are enhanced, but information privacy concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements permission-based access control where users pre-authorize which contacts can view their presence information and viewing habits before any data sharing occurs. This preliminary authorization step ensures that personal information is only shared with trusted individuals, enhancing social networking capabilities while maintaining privacy security. The system checks these permissions before displaying any shared information.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments utilize a real-time instant messaging or presence based communications system as a mechanism to remotely control the operation, programming, and/or review of media content on a device or system such as a television, media center, gaming device, digital video recorder and the like. In addition, the use of the instant messaging or presence based communication system opens up various social networking options for users. For example, users can, if allowed, gain access to the viewing habits of individuals in their contact list and exchange information with one another to provide a rich, robust sharing environment.