Interactive System Control via Distributed Set-Top Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for interactive control of digital signage and devices are limited by the need for software downloads, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatibility, and centralized server overload, making them inaccessible to all mobile devices and difficult to scale.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that receive input data from mobile devices through a network, convert it into commands for local applications, and send these commands through a separate network connection to control interactive systems, using a scalable architecture with call servers, data converters, and a command server to distribute and manage user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a centralized content server is used to manage all user interactions and display control, then the system can provide centralized control and content management, but the server load becomes enormous and scaling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized server into multiple distributed components: local set-top boxes or set-top modules are deployed at each display location, and a head-end server provides centralized management. This segmentation distributes the processing load from a single server to multiple local units, reducing the burden on any single server while maintaining centralized control capabilities through the head-end server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces set-top boxes as intermediary devices between users and the centralized content server. These intermediaries handle local user interactions and display control, acting as mediators that reduce the direct load on the centralized server while maintaining system-wide coordination through the head-end server.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software downloads are required for mobile devices to interact with the system, then the system can provide customized functionality, but it excludes devices without download capability and requires continuous software updates for each device variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software download mechanism with a hardware-based solution: set-top boxes or set-top modules are physically deployed at display locations. These hardware devices provide the necessary functionality without requiring software downloads to mobile devices, thus including all mobile devices regardless of their capabilities while eliminating the need for continuous software customization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatibility is required for data transmission, then the system can provide wireless communication capability, but it excludes mobile devices without these capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication interface through the set-top box that can receive various types of inputs from different mobile devices through multiple channels (SMS, voice calls, email, web forms). This universal approach allows any mobile device regardless of its specific communication capabilities to interact with the system, eliminating the need for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi requirements.
4Ease of operation
If SMS capability is required in mobile devices for interaction, then the system can provide text-based communication, but it excludes older non-SMS capable devices and users who cannot send SMS messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input interface that accepts multiple types of user inputs through various channels: SMS messages, voice calls, email, and web forms. This multi-channel approach ensures that users with any mobile device capability can interact with the system, eliminating the SMS requirement while maintaining ease of text-based interaction for those who prefer it.
Data Source
AI summary
A scalable system is provided for managing the interaction of cell phone users and users of other communication devices with public and private digital display systems and other interactive digital devices and systems.