Multi-device Streaming Session Sharing via Local Network Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies limit seamless access, control, and presentation of streaming content across multiple devices, requiring separate sessions and inefficient network resource usage, which hinders user mobility and introduces delays.

Innovation Solution

The system enables multiple devices to access, control, and present streaming content by establishing a multi-screen link between devices, allowing seamless swapping of content streams without interrupting active sessions, using protocols like DIAL and Bonjour for discovery and communication over local area networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate streaming sessions are established for each device, then each device can independently access content, but network resources are inefficiently used and user mobility is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent content accessVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple device sessions into a single shared streaming session. When a first device streams content from a content server, a second device can join the same session without initiating a separate connection. This is achieved through session sharing mechanisms where the content server maintains one active stream that can be accessed by multiple authorized devices, thereby improving network resource efficiency while maintaining reliable content access for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The streaming session is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple devices simultaneously. A single session established by one device can be universally accessed by other devices in the group, allowing the session to function as both a primary streaming channel and a shared content source. This multi-functionality enables seamless transitions between devices without requiring separate session management for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate streaming sessions are established for each device, then each device can access content independently, but content presentation delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent content accessVSAvoidcontent presentation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing session sharing relationships between devices before content transfer is needed. When devices are in proximity or connected to the same network, they proactively establish session linking mechanisms, so that when a user wants to switch devices, the content is already prepared for seamless transition without initiation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous content streaming by ensuring that when a user switches from one device to another, the streaming session continues uninterrupted. The content server maintains the active stream, and the second device joins the existing session rather than waiting for a new session to be established, thereby eliminating presentation delays and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the device transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate digital media player applications are executed on each device, then each device can access content, but seamless switching between devices is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific content accessVSAvoidseamless device switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary session management mechanism that bridges separate digital media player applications on different devices. This intermediary layer handles session coordination, allowing each device to run its own media player application while the intermediary ensures that streaming sessions can be shared and transferred between devices. The intermediary manages the session state and coordinates content delivery, enabling seamless switching without requiring changes to the fundamental device-specific application architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple streaming sessions are initiated, then each device can access content, but network resources are inefficiently used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent access availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11653063B2Multi-device access, control and presentation of streaming content

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 SLING MEDIA INC

AI summary

Devices, systems and processes for multi-device access, control and presentation of streaming content are described. A system may include a first content access device that includes a first storage component, a first communications component operable to receive first content, and a first hardware processor operable to access a second content access device, control the second content access device, provide a first content to the second content access device, and swap a presentation of the second content on the second presentation device with a presentation of the first content on the second presentation device. A first presentation device may present the first content. A second presentation device may present the second content. Second storage, communications, and hardware processor components are operable to execute the second set of computer instructions that are substantially similar to the first set of computer instructions may be used.