{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854012","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854012","title":"Apparatus and method for informing of available devices in contents sharing network","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-01-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04N"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"A contents sharing network is provided. An operating method of a control device includes determining a current state of possible states in a contents sharing process over a network; and displaying an icon indicating the current state among a plurality of predefined icons. The states are defined as a combination of at least one item of network connection, device discovery, a type of the discovered device, the number of the discovered devices, and existence of an available additional service."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent introduces a novel system for enhancing content sharing experiences by providing users with clear and intuitive status information. The core innovation lies in its ability to determine the current state of a content-sharing process over a network and display an icon indicating that state among a plurality of predefined icons. This addresses the problem of user frustration and inefficiency caused by a lack of transparency in content-sharing networks.\n\nThe technology works by monitoring various aspects of the network, including network connection, device discovery, device type, the number of discovered devices, and the availability of additional services. This information is then translated into a visual representation, allowing users to quickly understand the status of their sharing activities and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. The key technical approach involves the use of sophisticated algorithms and protocols to ensure accurate and reliable monitoring of the network environment.\n\nFrom a business perspective, this patent offers significant value by improving the user experience and reducing frustration, which can lead to increased user engagement and higher customer satisfaction. This can translate into greater revenue for content-sharing service providers and device manufacturers. The market opportunity is substantial, as content sharing continues to grow in importance across various industries, from personal entertainment to professional collaboration. The Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent positions its implementers as leaders in delivering seamless and efficient content-sharing experiences.","layman_explanation":"The Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent addresses a common problem in today's digital world: the frustration of sharing content across multiple devices and networks. Imagine trying to share a video from your phone to your TV, but you're not sure if they're properly connected, or if the TV is even discoverable on the network. This patent aims to solve that issue by providing a clear and intuitive way for users to understand the status of their content-sharing activities.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nThe core problem this patent solves is the lack of transparency in content-sharing networks. Existing solutions often leave users in the dark about the status of their devices and connections, leading to frustration and wasted time. Users may struggle to identify and resolve connectivity issues, resulting in a poor overall experience. This is especially problematic in environments where multiple devices and services are involved, such as homes with smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones, or offices with shared printers and storage devices. The existing solutions do not have a clear way to communicate to the user the status of the devices.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nThis patent proposes a system that monitors the network and the connected devices, providing users with visual cues about the current state of the content-sharing process. Think of it like a dashboard in a car. Instead of just guessing if your engine is running smoothly, you have gauges that tell you exactly what's going on. Similarly, this system displays icons that indicate whether devices are connected, whether they are discoverable, and whether additional services are available. This allows users to quickly understand the status of their sharing activities and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. It does this without requiring deep technical knowledge or complex configuration.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nThe market impact of this patent is significant. By improving the user experience and reducing frustration, it can drive increased adoption and usage of content-sharing platforms. Content-sharing platforms that incorporate this technology are likely to see higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, the patent's focus on network efficiency can translate into reduced operational costs and improved overall network performance. This can lead to a competitive advantage for companies that implement this technology. The commercial application of the patent is significant.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR). The market adoption timeline is likely to be driven by the increasing demand for seamless and intuitive content-sharing experiences. Investment implications include opportunities for venture capital firms and strategic investors to support companies that are developing and commercializing this technology.","technical_analysis":"The Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent outlines a system designed to enhance the user experience in content sharing networks through improved status communication. The technical architecture centers around a control device that monitors the state of the network and connected devices, translating this information into easily understandable visual cues. This involves several key technical components:\n\n1.  **Network Monitoring Module:** This module is responsible for continuously monitoring the network connection status, detecting available devices, and identifying their types. This requires the use of network scanning protocols and device identification techniques.\n\n2.  **State Determination Logic:** This component analyzes the data collected by the network monitoring module to determine the current state of the content-sharing process. The state is defined as a combination of factors such as network connectivity, device availability, and service status.\n\n3.  **Icon Display Engine:** This engine is responsible for displaying the appropriate icon based on the determined state. The icons are predefined and designed to be easily recognizable and intuitive to users. The implementation may involve the use of graphical user interface (GUI) libraries and display drivers.\n\n4.  **Communication Protocols:** The system relies on standard communication protocols such as TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to facilitate communication between the control device and the connected devices. The choice of protocol depends on the specific network environment and device types.\n\nThe implementation of this system requires careful consideration of performance characteristics. The network monitoring module must be efficient to avoid excessive network overhead. The state determination logic must be fast and accurate to provide timely status updates. The icon display engine must be optimized to ensure smooth and responsive user interface. Code-level implications include the need for well-structured and modular code to facilitate maintenance and future enhancements. Integration patterns may involve the use of APIs and SDKs to enable seamless integration with existing content-sharing platforms. This patent improves the function of content sharing systems.","business_analysis":"The Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent presents a significant business opportunity within the rapidly expanding market of content sharing and digital media consumption. The core value proposition lies in its ability to enhance user experience by providing clear and intuitive status information, which directly addresses a common pain point in content sharing networks.\n\n**Market Opportunity:** The market for content sharing and digital media consumption is vast and growing, driven by the increasing popularity of streaming services, social media platforms, and cloud storage solutions. This patent targets a specific need within this market: the need for seamless and frustration-free content sharing across various devices. The size of this market is substantial, encompassing both consumer and enterprise segments.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:** The key competitive advantage of this patent is its focus on improving user experience through clear status communication. Existing solutions often lack transparency, leaving users unsure about the status of their content sharing activities. This patent addresses this issue by providing a visual representation of the network's current state, allowing users to quickly understand and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.\n\n**Revenue Potential:** The revenue potential of this patent can be realized through various business models, including licensing agreements with content sharing platforms and device manufacturers, subscription-based services offering enhanced content sharing features, and direct sales of hardware or software products incorporating this technology.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:** This patent positions its implementers as leaders in delivering seamless and efficient content sharing experiences. By focusing on user experience and transparency, it can differentiate itself from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.\n\n**ROI Projections:** The ROI projections for this patent are highly dependent on the chosen business model and market penetration strategy. However, the potential for significant returns is substantial, given the large and growing market for content sharing and digital media consumption.","faqs":null,"topics":["content sharing network","device discovery","network connection","user experience","status icons"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Content Sharing Status: Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices","description":"Discover the Apparatus and Method for Informing of Available Devices in Contents Sharing Network patent. Clear device status, enhanced UX. Full analysis and claims.","keywords":["content sharing network","device discovery","network connection","user experience","status icons","patent","patent US-9854012"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854012","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854012","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Apparatus and method for informing of available devices in contents sharing network\" (US-9854012). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854012","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854012","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854012","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:12:35.601Z"}