Remote Media Streaming via Network Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are unable to access media content stored on personal devices, such as PVRs or personal computers, from remote locations due to the immobility of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows mobile devices to request, authenticate, and stream media content from a personal media host device via network servers, enabling remote playback and control using protocols like RTP, RTSP, and RTCP, with conditioning based on the mobile device's capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If media content is stored on personal devices (PVRs, personal computers), then media content can be stored and organized at user premises, but users cannot access the media content from remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary between the personal media host device and the mobile device. The server receives requests from mobile devices, authenticates them, retrieves media content from the personal host device, and streams it to the mobile device. This intermediary enables remote access while maintaining the stationary nature of the personal media host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network communication dimension to the traditional local-only media access model. By implementing streaming protocols (RTP, RTSP, RTCP) over network infrastructure, the system transforms media content delivery from a local physical access model to a remote network-based access model, enabling users to access content from any location with network connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If media content is streamed to mobile devices, then users can access content remotely, but system complexity increases due to authentication and streaming protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into distinct functional modules: the personal media host device for storage, the network server for authentication and content delivery, and the mobile device for playback. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, managing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The network server is designed to handle multiple functions: authentication of mobile devices, retrieval of media content from various personal host devices, conditional formatting of content based on device capabilities, and streaming delivery. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single component rather than distributing it across multiple devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If content is streamed to various mobile devices, then users can access content on different devices, but content quality must be adapted to device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by conditioning and formatting media content specifically for each mobile device's capabilities. The server analyzes the requesting device's characteristics and delivers content in an optimized format suitable for that specific device, ensuring optimal playback quality tailored to local device requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile device playback and control of media content stored on a personal media host device is provided. The mobile device may communicate a request for media content to a network server, which may determine whether the mobile device is authorized to access the requested media content. If it is determined that the mobile device is authorized, the network server may access the media content from the host device. The network server may then initiate a media session with the mobile device, wherein the media content is streamed to the mobile device.