Webpage Media Control via Intermediary Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing and controlling various sources of media content across different electronic devices, as current technologies require separate interfaces for each device, making it cumbersome to access and control media content remotely.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows media presentation control via a webpage displayed on one device, enabling users to control media playback on other devices such as home stereos or Wi-Fi-enabled speakers by sending commands to a media server associated with a media content provider, using media controls like 'play', 'pause', and 'skip' buttons, and lists of media content items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users access media content on multiple electronic devices, then media accessibility is improved, but device complexity and control interface requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that can control media playback across multiple different electronic devices through a single webpage. The media controls in the webpage can initiate playback and control media presentation on various devices including home stereos, Wi-Fi-enabled speakers, and other media presentation devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary between the webpage and the media presentation devices. The webpage sends media control requests to the media server, which then effectuates the control commands on the appropriate media presentation devices. This intermediary architecture simplifies the control interface by providing a single point of control while managing complexity behind the scenes.
2Quantity of substance
If users stream media content over networks, then storage requirements are reduced, but control and management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control mechanism that works regardless of whether media content is stored locally or streamed remotely. The media controls in the webpage can control playback of streamed content on various devices without requiring separate control interfaces, making content management as easy as content storage.
3Measurement precision
If separate dedicated interfaces are used for each device, then device-specific control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The media server acts as an intelligent intermediary that receives control requests from the webpage and translates them into device-specific commands. This allows the user interface to remain simple and universal while maintaining precise control over each specific device's media playback functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling media presentation is disclosed. In some implementations, the method is performed at a first electronic device having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The first electronic device displays a webpage including a control element, such as a “play” button. The webpage originates from a webpage server. The first electronic device receives a user input, such as a mouse click, selecting the control element. In response to the user input, the first electronic device sends a media control request to a media server. The media control request is configured to cause the media server to control presentation of first media content at a second electronic device associated with the user, wherein the second electronic device is different from the first electronic device, and wherein the media server is different from the webpage server.