Server-Side Shortcut Key Analysis for Extended Media Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices with limited key inputs restrict user control functions, particularly in media streaming services, as users can only perform basic operations like forward, backward, pause, and stop with fixed intervals, and extended functions like double rate forward/backward require additional keys and software modifications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that processes control messages using a timer-based approach to determine when to trigger shortcut key analysis, allowing extended control operations without modifying existing terminal software or hardware, by enabling a first timer after each control message and triggering analysis if it does not expire, enabling interpretation of control messages according to predetermined rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional dedicated keys are added to the terminal to provide extended control functions (double rate forward/backward), then the service control functions are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice control functionsVSAvoidkey arrangement and control software
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling existing navigation keys to perform multiple functions. The server analyzes sequences of control messages from the limited keys to recognize extended operations such as double rate forward/backward, program switching, and fast seeking, allowing the terminal to achieve enhanced control capabilities without adding physical keys or modifying terminal software.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the server as an intermediary that performs shortcut key analysis. Instead of requiring the terminal to have complex local processing capabilities, the server receives control messages and analyzes their sequences to determine the user's intended extended operations, thereby providing enhanced functionality through server-side intelligence rather than client-side hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If shortcut key analysis is triggered frequently to recognize extended operations, then the service control functions are enhanced, but the processing overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextended control operationsVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using a timer mechanism to trigger shortcut key analysis only at appropriate intervals. When a control message is received, a timer is started; if another message arrives before the timer expires, the analysis is triggered. This periodic triggering approach balances the need for recognizing extended operations with the need to avoid excessive processing overhead and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2094021B1Processing method, device and system of control message
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2094021B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2094021B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2094021B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A method for processing a control message sent by a terminal is provided according to the present invention. The method includes determining whether or not to trigger a shortcut key analysis when the control message is sent from the terminal and accomplishing various extended control operations by a shortcut key analysis. A message processor, a media server, and a media service system are also provided. With the method of the present invention, the terminal may utilize the existing keys to send a series of control messages in accordance with a transmission sequence mechanism recognized by the server. The server may interpret the control message according to a predetermined rule and thus the purpose of extending the service control functions at the terminal side can be accomplished. Accordingly, no modification is needed to the software or hardware of the existing terminal, which bring convenience to the users.