Synchronized Digital Content Stream Trick Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital content stream distribution models, such as one-to-one and one-to-many, fail to support trick mode commands while maintaining synchronized rendering across multiple receivers, particularly in scenarios like e-learning applications where students need to intervene in the playback of shared content.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the transmission of a common time reference, reception and notification of trick mode commands, and synchronized sending of digital content streams to multiple receivers, allowing for precise identification and synchronization of points within the stream, including sending scheduling messages and 'top ok' notifications to ensure all receivers are ready to render the content at the same time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-to-many distribution model is used to deliver the same digital content stream to multiple receivers, then synchronization of content rendering is achieved, but trick mode commands cannot be supported for all receivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization of content renderingVSAvoidsupport of trick mode commands

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control function from the content distribution function. The distribution server handles content delivery and synchronization, while a separate trick mode controller manages trick mode commands. This segmentation allows the one-to-many distribution model to maintain synchronization while enabling individual receivers to issue trick mode commands that are then coordinated across all receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A trick mode controller acts as an intermediary between receivers and the distribution server. When a receiver issues a trick mode command, the controller receives it, determines the corresponding point in the digital content stream, and sends scheduling messages to all receivers to coordinate their playback. This intermediary enables trick mode support without breaking the synchronized distribution model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a one-to-one distribution model is used to allow trick mode commands from receivers, then individual receiver control is achieved, but synchronization between receivers cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport of trick mode commandsVSAvoidsynchronization of content rendering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the advantages of both distribution models by combining one-to-many content distribution with one-to-one command control. Content is distributed using IP multicast to multiple receivers simultaneously, maintaining synchronization. Trick mode commands are handled individually through separate control connections, allowing each receiver to issue commands while the trick mode controller ensures all receivers stay synchronized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If digital content is downloaded locally to each receiver before playback, then trick mode commands can be supported, but the complexity of managing local copies and synchronization increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport of trick mode commandsVSAvoidmanagement of local content copies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of downloading entire content files locally before playback, the system performs preliminary buffering of only the necessary content segments. When a trick mode command is received, the system buffers the specific portion of the stream needed to reach the target point, then plays back from there. This approach provides trick mode functionality without requiring full local copies of content, reducing storage and management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9300709B2Method of transmission of a digital content stream and corresponding method of reception

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG

AI summary

The invention concerns a method of transmission of a digital content stream to receivers and a corresponding method of reception. In order to synchronize digital content rendering over these receivers, while supporting trick mode commands, the method of transmission comprises a step of sending of a common time reference to the receivers, a step of reception of a trick mode command message, the received trick mode command message comprising information allowing identification of a point in the digital content stream, a step of sending of notification messages to all of the at least two receivers notifying them of the received trick mode command message and a step of sending of at least part of the digital content stream to all receivers in accordance with the received trick mode command message, the digital content stream comprising information allowing to identify a point in the digital content stream.