UPnP Backup Device for Seamless Playback Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In UPnP networks, the playback of multimedia content is disrupted when the UPnP control device becomes inoperative, such as during device failure or when portable terminals go into standby, as it is responsible for managing the playback list and transitioning between multimedia files.
Innovation Solution
A backup device is introduced to discover and take over the control of the playback list, synchronizing with the primary control device to ensure continuous playback by sending a notification message and replacing the primary device in case of unavailability, using SSDP protocol for device discovery and UPnP protocol for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a UPnP control device is used to manage playback lists and control multimedia restitution, then the system achieves centralized control and coordination of playback, but the system reliability deteriorates when the control device becomes unavailable (device failure, standby mode, battery depletion)
Solution Approach 1:
The backup device is pre-configured with the capability to take over control functions. Before the primary control device fails, the system establishes a backup mechanism where the backup device monitors and prepares to assume control of the playback list, ensuring seamless continuity without interruption to the multimedia restitution.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup device acts as an intermediary that can replace the primary control device when it becomes unavailable. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the playback control function is maintained through a substitute entity, preserving system reliability while allowing the primary device to perform its centralized control function without reliability constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the UPnP control device is integrated into ultra-light multifunction portable terminals, then the device portability and multifunctionality are improved, but the control device frequently leaves the network when the terminal enters standby or battery depletes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a backup control device that is ready to take over when the portable terminal's control device leaves the network. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the frequent standby transitions of portable devices do not interrupt the playback service, as the backup device is already positioned to assume control immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup device creates a functional copy of the control device's role and responsibilities. Instead of relying on the original control device that frequently disappears due to portable terminal constraints, the system maintains a replicated control function in the backup device, ensuring continuous operation despite the original device's intermittent network presence.
3Manufacturing precision
If the control device is responsible for driving the rendering device at each transition, then the playback quality and control precision are improved, but the system complexity increases when implementing backup and failover mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The backup mechanism is established in advance with pre-configured capabilities to assume control. This preliminary setup simplifies the overall system architecture compared to implementing complex real-time failover detection and handover protocols, as the backup device is already prepared to take over control functions immediately when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup device serves as a simple intermediary that mirrors the control functions of the primary device. This intermediary approach maintains playback control precision through a straightforward replacement mechanism rather than complex coordinated control, reducing system complexity while preserving the ability to drive the rendering device with the required precision.
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a backup device (BCP) of a UPnP controller (DMC), which can be used in a network. Said backup device comprises: means (24) for obtaining a playlist (LDMC) from the UPnP controller, said playlist comprising at least one multimedia content that can be accessed by a renderer (DMR) via a server (DMS); means (21) for discovering the server (DMS); means (21) for discovering the renderer (DMR); and means (24) for sending a control message to the renderer (DMR) upon detection of an event in order for the renderer to render said multimedia content.