Video Relay Architecture for Shared Viewing in Virtual Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video distribution systems face challenges in managing large user groups effectively, leading to diminished shared viewing experiences and increased setup and management burdens, while failing to replicate real-world commercial activities that enhance user engagement and commercial opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A video distribution system with a relay unit and distribution base setup unit that allows for controlled distribution to user terminal devices, along with a virtual space setup unit that defines specifications based on setter instructions, enabling targeted user groups to view videos together in customizable virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of users viewing video together is expanded limitlessly, then the total number of views increases, but the feeling of sharing a place for viewing is diminished and communication between users becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the user base into multiple small-scale distribution bases, each serving a limited number of users (e.g., 2-10 users per base). This segmentation maintains intimate user interaction within each base while collectively serving a large total user base across multiple bases, thus preserving the feeling of shared viewing experience even as total user count increases.
2Ease of operation
If the distribution destination is limited to a small-scale group, then user communication is ensured, but a large number of distribution destinations must be set up on the distribution source end, increasing setup and management burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate relay layer (distribution bases) between the distribution source and end users. Instead of the distribution source directly managing all user connections, it only needs to relay to a smaller number of distribution bases, which then handle individual user connections. This dimensional change in the distribution architecture reduces the management burden on the distribution source while maintaining small-scale user groups.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional video distribution systems are used, then video can be distributed to users, but the systems are not suited for commercial activities that provide places for viewers to watch videos together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distribution bases that serve multiple functions: they act as video distribution relays, create virtual shared viewing spaces, enable user communication, and support commercial activities. This multi-functionality allows the same system infrastructure to support both technical video distribution and commercial social viewing experiences, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a video distribution system comprising a relay server that relays and distributes video to be viewed distributed from a predetermined distribution source to a user terminal device used by each of a plurality of users, a distribution base is set in the relay server as a unit for relaying and distributing video to the user terminal device after obtaining permission from the distribution source, and the video from the distribution source is relayed and distributed to the user terminal device of a user via the distribution base used by the user.