The era of miniature devices presents a big problem. With the shifting trend towards wearable and smaller, compact devices like smartphones, a conundrum arises. These devices, while ergonomic and portable, often lack the ability to process and display streaming media due to their reduced size. They are heavily equipped to display a rendered media stream but often stall when tasked with rendering the media itself. In simpler terms, trying to watch a movie on these devices might come with annoying slowdowns and interruptions – it's like asking a bicycle to perform like a sports car. To make matters worse, these small devices can quickly run out of battery due to the heavy work required to display media. This is the puzzle that patent US11818207B1 - Methods and systems for ledger based content delivery using a mobile edge computing (MEC) server - aims to solve.
These pocket dynamos are grappling with it, and a unique method shows promise. The patent describes a system that breaks down videos or pictures (media content) into smaller packages. These media packages contain all the necessary data and files to display the media content correctly. It's similar to buying a flat pack furniture from IKEA – the box contains all the parts along with clear instructions. In this case, a blockchain, or a chain of digital blocks containing different instructions, guides the process. The first block provides information on how to unpack and recompile the media content, while the second block advises on correctly presenting it. The genius lies in the simplification, making it akin to a set of building instructions for a Lego set!
Picture a world where this patent becomes a reality. Streaming your favorite high-resolution movie or video on your smartwatch will no longer be a daunting task, but a portability dream come true. And not just that, even the rate at which your device's battery drains would slow down as processing power-demanding tasks would be shouldered by a powerful server elsewhere, leaving the device with the simpler task of displaying the processed media content.
Let's consider a scenario with T-Mobile Home Internet. The media content is hosted on T-Mobile's server, and you wish to watch a movie on your mobile device. Instead of downloading the files directly onto your device, which could slow it down or deplete the battery, the new method steps in. The server breaks down the movie into smaller, manageable media packages and sends instructions for reassembling and displaying the movie on your device, much like sending a downloadable puzzle that fits together perfectly on arrival. This efficient system can prolong the battery life of mobile devices and maintains streaming quality, even with smaller, lightweight devices.
However, it is crucial to remember that this advancement is not yet a guaranteed product in the market. It is a patent, an official document detailing a new invention and granting its exclusive right to the inventor, and not concrete proof of its successful implementation or future market availability. But if it does make it to our homes, it could be a game-changer. The rise of smaller devices will not destabilize our media consumption habits—watching movies, TV shows, or any streaming content will remain effortless and convenient. For once, we will not have to choose between the size of the device and quality of the content rendered.
Until this becomes a reality, it gives us a glimpse into a future where bigger isn't necessarily better. It elegantly ties together advanced technology with the simple pastime of enjoying our favorite media content, wherever and however we prefer. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this beautiful combination becomes a reality soon!
P.S. - It is important to note that this is a patent – an invention's blueprint, like an architect's design for a new building. But just as an architect's designs don't always become buildings, patents don't always become products we can buy. It's an exciting concept, but there's no guarantee it will become a reality.