Streaming Device Role Reversal for Bidirectional Content Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital media streaming technologies are limited to one-way transmission and reception between computing devices, lacking the ability for seamless role reversal between source and destination devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that enables both source and destination computing devices to support role reversal, allowing them to switch between receiving and transmitting digital media content over a communication channel, with modules for capability negotiation, role management, and content processing determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If one-way transmission/reception is used in streaming devices, then device setup and operation is simplified, but flexibility and adaptability in content processing are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverole reversal capabilityVSAvoidstreaming protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements role reversal capability where source and destination devices can dynamically exchange their functional roles during content streaming. The destination device can become the source device and vice versa, allowing flexible content processing and transmission paths. This inversion capability resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through established protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The streaming system dynamically adjusts device roles based on content processing requirements, network conditions, and device capabilities. The system transitions from static one-way transmission to dynamic bidirectional role switching, allowing devices to adapt their functionality in real-time while using standardized protocols to manage the complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If fixed source-destination roles are assigned, then communication protocol implementation is simpler, but resource utilization efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent processing efficiencyVSAvoidrole management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables role reversal where destination devices can become source devices and source devices can become destination devices. This inversion allows the system to optimize content processing by selecting the most suitable device for specific tasks based on real-time conditions, improving productivity while managing complexity through protocol standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Both source and destination devices are equipped with universal functionality to perform either role in the streaming system. This multi-functionality allows any device to handle content processing, transmission, or reception based on system needs, improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through role-based protocol implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturer-specific streaming solutions are used, then device compatibility within the same manufacturer is improved, but cross-manufacturer interoperability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-device compatibilityVSAvoidprotocol integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal role reversal mechanism that works across different manufacturers' devices. Both source and destination devices support the same role switching protocol, enabling cross-manufacturer interoperability. This universality allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate and exchange roles effectively, improving compatibility while managing protocol complexity through standardized implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The role reversal protocol acts as an intermediary layer that enables communication between devices of different manufacturers. By establishing a common role-switching framework, the system mediates between different manufacturer-specific implementations, allowing cross-device compatibility without requiring deep integration of proprietary protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12382267B2Technologies for streaming device role reversal

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Technologies for streaming device role reversal include a source computing device and a destination computing device coupled via a communication channel. The source computing device and destination computing device are each configured to support role reversal. In other words, the source computing device and the destination computing device are each capable of switching between receiving and transmitting digital media content over the established communication channel. The source computing device is configured to initiate the role reversal, pause transmit functionality of the source computing device, and enable receive functionality of the source computing device. The destination computing device is configured to receive a role reversal indication from the source computing device, locally process the content, transmit a content stream to the source computing device, and display the content stream on an output device of the source computing device. Other embodiments are described and claimed herein.