Wireless Device Segments Media Guidance from Set-Top Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive applications running on user equipment, such as set-top boxes, typically prevent other users from accessing media content and limit access to application features when users are away from the stationary platform, restricting remote viewing and usage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications device with a display, such as a touch-screen remote or smartphone, provides access to interactive application functionality remotely, allowing users to view media content and access application features without interrupting the primary display, using communication interfaces like infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, and enabling features like subtitle support, content streaming, and synchronized interaction with other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If interactive applications are run on user equipment (set-top box), then media content can be displayed on a large screen, but other users cannot access media content and application features are unavailable when users are away from the stationary platform
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the media content delivery into two segments: the primary display function remains on the user equipment (television/set-top box) while the interactive application functionality is segmented and made available on wireless communications devices. This allows the television to continue displaying content while the guide and interactive features are accessible remotely through smartphones or tablets.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communications device acts as an intermediary between the user and the media content. The wireless device receives media guidance information and content from the user equipment and presents it to the user remotely, enabling access to media guidance and content without requiring the user to be physically present at the television.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interactive applications are run on user equipment, then comprehensive media guidance features are available, but the system becomes less flexible for users who need to access content remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communications device is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays media guidance information, streams media content, provides interactive application access, and can display content from the primary device. This multi-functionality ensures that users can access comprehensive media guidance features remotely regardless of their location.
3Ease of operation
If content is displayed on a single device, then the display experience is focused, but users cannot access application features from multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-location display to a multi-dimensional access model where media guidance and content are available across multiple devices and locations. Users can access the same application features whether they are at the television or using a wireless device in a different room or location.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications device provides users with opportunities to access interactive media guidance or other applications and to control user equipment and interactive media guidance applications. In an exemplary embodiment, if the wireless communications device goes outside of a predetermined range from the user equipment, content that was playing on user equipment may automatically be streamed to the wireless communications device.