Wireless Digital Content Synchronization via Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot easily transfer and synchronize digital content, such as music and metadata, from a personal computer to a mobile handset over a wireless network, limiting their access to stored content on remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enables users to download digital content from a personal computer to a mobile handset via a wireless network, allowing synchronization of content, metadata, and file structure, using a server that communicates over the Internet, and employing buffering techniques for seamless playback on devices without progressive downloading capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital content is transferred from PC to mobile handset over wireless network, then user access to stored content is improved, but transfer complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the PC and mobile handset. The server receives content from the PC over the Internet and makes it available for wireless download to the mobile handset. This mediator simplifies the transfer process by handling the complex synchronization and file structure management centrally, while allowing simple wireless access for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content transfer process into distinct phases: (1) PC uploads content to server over Internet, (2) server stores and manages content with metadata, (3) mobile handset downloads content wirelessly when needed. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If complete digital content library is downloaded to mobile handset, then content catalog size is improved, but wireless network energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial downloading where the mobile handset downloads only the metadata and file structure information first, allowing the user to see the complete content catalog. Full content files are downloaded on-demand when specific items are selected for playback, rather than downloading the entire library at once. This reduces initial energy consumption while maintaining access to the full catalog.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary download of metadata and content information to the mobile handset before the actual content files. This preliminary action allows the user to browse and select content offline, and only downloads the specific content needed for playback, optimizing energy usage based on actual user needs.
3Device complexity
If content is streamed over wireless network without buffering, then device simplicity is improved, but playback continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements buffering by pre-downloading and storing content files locally on the mobile handset before playback. The content is downloaded in advance when network conditions allow, and stored in a buffer on the device. During playback, the device plays from the local buffer without requiring continuous network connection, ensuring stable and continuous playback even without complex streaming infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for synchronizing digital content stored on a user's mobile device with digital content stored on the user's computer is disclosed.