Proximity-Based Content Switching Between Portable and Reproducing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing N-screen services, such as mirroring and Chromecast, are limited to a restricted space within a Wi-Fi network and only allow content transmission from a mobile device to a smart TV, making it difficult to seamlessly reproduce content across multiple devices without complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable device and content reproducing device system that periodically transmit and receive signals containing content information and signal strength, allowing users to seamlessly reproduce content between devices based on proximity, enabling continuous playback without the need for complex setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mirroring or Chromecast functions are used for content transmission, then content can be transmitted from mobile device to smart TV, but the usage is limited to a restricted space within a Wi-Fi network and requires complex pairing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables content reproducing devices to perform multiple functions: they can both transmit content to portable devices and receive content from portable devices, in addition to traditional local reproduction. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate seamlessly across different spaces and network configurations without being limited to a single direction or environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic content reproduction by allowing the portable device to automatically switch between receiving content from the content reproducing device and transmitting content to it, based on proximity detection and user selection. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to changing usage scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If mirroring function is used for direct Wi-Fi communication between mobile device and TV, then content can be displayed on TV screen, but the usage is limited to a restricted space in home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable device as an intermediary that can communicate with content reproducing devices outside the traditional restricted space. The portable device receives content information signals from the content reproducing device and can transmit content back, enabling content sharing across broader spaces without requiring direct Wi-Fi connection between TV and mobile device.
3Ease of operation
If Chromecast function is used for transmitting video data via access point, then content can be output as HDMI, but Chromecast cannot be used outside a Wi-Fi network formed in home
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the network communication capability from a two-dimensional home Wi-Fi network to a three-dimensional spatial coverage area. By using portable devices with communication interfaces that can detect proximity and transmit content information signals, the system enables content reproduction beyond the traditional home network boundary, effectively adding a spatial dimension to network connectivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing N-screen services are used, then content can be provided to various devices, but it is difficult to use for displaying content of TV on mobile device screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unidirectional content flow by enabling the portable device to receive content information signals from the content reproducing device and display the content on its screen. This inversion allows content to flow in both directions between devices, transforming the system from a one-way content distribution model to a bidirectional content sharing model.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operation method of a portable device, an operation method of a content reproducing device, the portable device, and the content reproducing device are provided. The portable device includes a display, a communication interface configured to receive, from a content reproducing device, a signal comprising information about content being reproduced by the content reproducing device and signal intensity information of the signal; and a controller configured to determine a degree of proximity between the portable device and the content reproducing device based on the signal intensity information, and control the display to display a user interface (UI) for inquiring about whether to start continuously reproducing the content by the portable device in response to the degree of proximity satisfying a predefined condition.