Session Controller for Seamless Dual-Network Streaming Handoffs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-network mobile devices face complexity in seamlessly transitioning between telecommunications networks with incompatible protocols, requiring a connection session controller (CSC) and switching helper application (SHA) to manage IP address changes and ensure uninterrupted streaming services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a connection session controller (CSC) and switching helper application (SHA) to facilitate seamless handoffs between different telecommunications networks by generating session identifiers, pausing and resuming streaming media content, and redirecting it to a new IP address on the second network, ensuring continuous service without interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handoff between similar networks is performed, then the transition is straightforward, but the system cannot support dual-network protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Connection Session Controller (CSC) as an intermediary server that mediates between networks using different protocols. The CSC receives session establishment requests from mobile devices on one network, translates or adapts the session information, and establishes corresponding sessions on the target network using a different protocol. This intermediary approach enables seamless handoff between incompatible networks without requiring complex multi-protocol support in each mobile device, thus resolving the contradiction between protocol adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP address changes are implemented during handoff, then network flexibility is improved, but service continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a session on the target network before the mobile device actually switches networks. The CSC proactively creates the session context, allocates resources, and prepares the target network infrastructure in advance. When the handoff occurs, the session is already in place, allowing the mobile device to connect seamlessly without service interruption. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction between network flexibility (IP address changes) and service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring the streaming service continues uninterrupted during the handoff process. The CSC manages the session transition such that the media stream remains active and delievered without gaps. The system preserves the session state and ensures continuous data flow from the content source through the CSC to the mobile device, even as the underlying network connection changes. This approach maintains service reliability while enabling network flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If streaming service is paused during network switch, then protocol transition is enabled, but user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The CSC acts as an intermediary that buffers and forwards streaming data during the protocol transition. Instead of pausing the stream at the mobile device, the CSC receives continuous data from the content source, maintains the session state, and forwards it to the device through the new protocol connection. This mediation allows protocol transition in the background without requiring the user to experience a pause or interruption in the streaming service, thus resolving the contradiction between protocol transition capability and user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, media, and systems are provided for switching delivery of streaming services to dual-network mobile devices. Instances of streaming content can be first delivered by a network of a first protocol to the mobile device, then delivered by a network that uses a second protocol. This transition takes place seamlessly as the handoff changes the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the receiving device through a connection session controller (CSC) server and a switching helper application (SHA) on the mobile device. A session identifier ensures the appropriate streaming instance is paused, resumed, and redirected. The dual-network wireless device is configured to include an SHA configured to initiate and complete a switch of service in conjunction with the CSC.