A Web-based distributed architecture for multi-device adaptation in media applications

Abstract

HTML5 is driving a strong trend towards interoperable Web-based applications, enabling a wider range of devices to run this kind of applications. The key challenge of next-generation media applications is to federate cooperative devices to provide multi-device experiences overcoming current second screen solutions within the connected TV industry. There is a gap on the experience of users, since they perceive devices as isolated pieces of applications when they would prefer to have a single experience through multiple devices at the same time. This paper proposes a unified methodology and a common specification over Web Components for the adaptation of a single application, seamlessly running different instances on one or more devices simultaneously, according to the multi-device context of the user and the specific features of the devices. The solution presented in this paper extends current Web standards towards an interoperable architecture and offers broadcasters and media application developers the possibility to easily design applications that will automatically provide a unique consistent experience across the connected devices. The architectural design is targeted to be included in the roadmap of the standards.

HbbTV-Compliant Platform for Hybrid Media Delivery and Synchronization on Single- and Multi-Device Scenarios

“…In [44] a web-based distributed adaptation architecture for multi-device applications driven by media content is presented. It has been developed under the umbrella of the aforementioned MEDIASCAPE project.…”

Cross-device media: a review of second screening and multi-device television

“…This work provides a standardised, frame-accurate, method to enable synchronisation between the TV and any personal device on the home network. Such endeavours, along with work such as that by Zorrilla et al [90], which also looks at a method for synchronous cross-device experiences, may allow for seamless simultaneous multi-screen video experiences -such as alternate angles of live footage -with no perception of lag in the near future.…”

A multi-screen refactoring system for video-centric web applications

“…Zorrilla et al [60] proposed an architecture for distributing a single-screen application over multiple devices while oering users coherent experiences across devices.…”

“…The common point for the above works in addition to [57] is that they require a single development environment that facilitates the creation of multi-screen applications. But this means that each single-screen application should be either designed in a modular way [60], or analyzed by the developer to identify the dierent modules or blocks that form it. There is no an automatic and generic analysis method that can be applied to a large set of existing applications for the application analysis and distribution.…”

“…Zorrilla et al [60] use a set of rules to distribute application user interfaces based on device features. The main rules are as follows.…”