Set Top Box Browser Control via Wireless Handset Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media systems have limited integration capabilities, preventing seamless interaction between wireless communications devices and set top boxes for accessing and controlling internet content on televisions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications device communicates with a set top box configured with a browser, allowing users to control the browser remotely and display internet content on a television, using a proxy server and middleware to facilitate communication and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless communications device is used to control a set top box browser, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for proxy servers and middleware
Solution Approach 1:
A proxy server is introduced as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the wireless communications device and the set top box. The proxy server receives commands from the wireless device, translates them into appropriate browser control signals, and relays them to the set top box, thereby enabling remote browser control without requiring direct integration between the wireless device and set top box.
2Adaptability or versatility
If media systems are integrated to allow wireless device control of set top box, then adaptability is improved, but the level of integration remains limited without proxy server infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various browser control operations, authentication processes, and communication protocols. It can interpret different types of commands from various wireless devices and translate them into universal browser control signals that the set top box can execute, thereby providing broad adaptability across different device types and operating scenarios.
3Productivity
If a browser is operated on the set top box to display website data, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates without wireless remote control capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to directly operate the browser on the set top box through its limited interface, the control interface is inverted and provided on the wireless communications device. The wireless device presents a user-friendly browser control interface, while the set top box executes the actual browsing operations, thereby combining ease of operation with productive browsing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing Internet access via a set top box may include operating, on the set top box, a browser configured to display data associated with a website. A command may be received from a wireless communications device via a communications network. The command may include a network address of the website. In response to receiving the command, the website data may be displayed on a television to which the set top box is in communication.