Space-Shifting Media Streaming System for Seamless Device Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current space-shifting technologies require inconvenient steps to switch media broadcasts between devices, such as changing TV settings and navigating menus, especially when multiple users want to watch different content on different devices.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to select a device to space-shift media broadcasts, remembering the user's last viewing settings and allowing seamless continuation across devices through a network of media servers, user managers, and device managers, using a remote control with individual buttons for easy identification and profile management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If real-time space-shifting streaming is used to transfer media between devices, then media can be watched on different devices, but the process requires multiple inconvenient steps including changing TV settings and navigating menus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to watch media on different devicesVSAvoidconvenience of switching between devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically selecting and switching to the desired device before the user needs to watch media. The media center application proactively identifies the target device and initiates the space-shifting process without requiring the user to manually navigate through menus or change device settings, thus resolving the contradiction between device adaptability and operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual device switching is required to change viewing location, then media can be moved between devices, but time is lost navigating menus and selecting content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia transfer between devicesVSAvoidtime to switch devices and select content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically performing the device switching and content selection processes. The media center application autonomously identifies the target device, retrieves the media broadcast information, and initiates the space-shifting operation without requiring user intervention for menu navigation or content selection, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining device adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If current space-shifting technology is used, then media can be streamed between devices, but additional steps are required if switching from one media device to another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia streaming between devicesVSAvoidnumber of steps to switch media devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple separate operations into a single integrated process. The device switching, content identification, and media broadcast initiation are combined into one automated space-shifting operation. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete steps the user must perform while maintaining the ability to stream media between different devices, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8683532B2Space-shifting media streaming system

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

A system for space-shifting media broadcasts is provided. A request to space-shift a media broadcast is received. A device, out of a network of devices is selected to space-shift the media broadcast to. The media broadcast is then space-shifted to the selected device.