Dynamic Streaming Media Redirection via Topology Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for streaming media lack the ability to dynamically redirect media between computing devices, requiring users to manually navigate and select hardware and software components, leading to interruptions and inefficiencies in media playback.
Innovation Solution
A method that listens for notifications to reconfigure the topology of streaming media software components, allowing seamless redirection of media streams between devices by initializing a new execution state, enabling dynamic switching between local and remote rendering scenarios without interrupting the media playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to transfer television program between devices, then the media can be transferred, but the user experience is degraded due to manual navigation and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the media stream topology and monitoring device availability before the user needs to switch devices. The topology management system proactively prepares for potential device changes by maintaining awareness of all connected devices and their capabilities, so when a switch is needed, the transition can occur seamlessly without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a topology management system as an intermediary between the media source and rendering devices. This intermediary automatically manages the media stream redirection, handling device discovery, capability matching, and stream rerouting without requiring user involvement in the complex navigation process between devices.
2Reliability
If manual hardware and software component selection is required, then device compatibility can be ensured, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic device discovery and capability-based matching. Devices automatically advertise their capabilities (rendering formats, resolution support, audio capabilities) and the topology management system autonomously selects compatible components without requiring manual user configuration or selection, thereby ensuring compatibility while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting media stream parameters (format, resolution, bitrate) based on the capabilities of available devices. The system automatically modifies these parameters to match the target device's capabilities, ensuring compatibility during device switching without requiring manual intervention to configure technical parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the media stream is redirected between devices, then user flexibility is improved, but the streaming continuity may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by maintaining the media stream in a persistent state on the source device while allowing the rendering destination to change. The topology management system ensures that the media encoding and streaming process continues uninterrupted, while only the output path is dynamically reconfigured, thereby preserving playback continuity during device transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-buffering media data and pre-establishing connection pathways to potential target devices before switching occurs. This allows the media stream to be seamlessly redirected without interruption, as the target device is already prepared to receive and render the stream immediately upon connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic redirection of streaming media between computing devices is described. In an implementation, a method listening at an application programming interface for a notification indicating that a change is to be made in a topology of streaming media software components. When the notification is received, a media engine that is capable of reconfiguring the topology in accordance with the indicated change is notified. At least one of the topology or the reconfigured topology have one of the streaming media software components located on a comprising device and another one of the streaming media software components located on another computing device.