Description:Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to multimedia data management method and multimedia data management devices.

Background of the Invention:
In today's world, storage and usage of multimedia content is a highly common practice. There are a wide variety of devices which can play multimedia content. Generally, such devices must have appropriate hardware features or appropriate software environment to play multimedia content. It is, however, noticed that all the types of devices may not be having capability in terms of hardware or software to play all types of multimedia content. Even if a particular device has capability in terms of hardware or software to play different types of multimedia content, the particular device may be more suited for playing a particular type of multimedia content as opposed to another types of multimedia content, which may be not known to a user.

Consider a scenario, wherein a 3-D television has stored thereon (or has access to) a 3-D video content, a 3-D picture content, a UHD video content, a QHD video content, a HD video content, a FHD video content, and an Audio content. While the 3-D television may be in a position to play all of the aforesaid types of contents, there exists a strong possibility that 3-D television is more suited to play the 3-D video content as compared to other types of contents. Although the above may be the case, the user does not generally have information about the same.

Also it has been observed over years with an exponential increase in an amount of multimedia content as well as an increased number of devices capable of playing multimedia content, a user may have many devices with different capabilities and the user may store the multimedia contents in different devices. The above circumstances may create a scenario, wherein the user is not aware as to which multimedia content is best suited for playing on which device. There is no file management system which could manage the multimedia content in different devices for the user and provide relevant information as described above, which would be beneficial for the user.

Thus, it can be seen that the user has to perform a lot of work, for example, in terms of selecting the device best suited for executing or playing the multimedia content and remembering the details of the device best suited for executing or playing the multimedia content for future playbacks. Further, in case of a networked environment, wherein multiple devices are available with different capabilities, it would be difficult for the user to select and remember as to which device is best suited for viewing the different types of multimedia content.

Thus, a need has been felt to provide an improved multimedia data management method and an improved multimedia data management device for solving the above problems.

Summary of the Invention:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for content listing comprising determining capability of a currently viewed device; predicting a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and displaying the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises predicting, based on the capability of the currently viewed device, a list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the currently viewed device; and displaying, on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises determining capability of a connected device in operational connection to the currently viewed device.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises preparing a database including a list of connected devices in mapped relationship with their corresponding capabilities.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises predicting, based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content best suited for playing on said connected device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises predicting, based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content corresponding to the connected device; and displaying, on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the connected device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device and the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device is further based on a content display preference as stored in the currently viewed device and the connected device, respectively.

In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the display of content is shown with icons of recommended devices on which the content can be played. In another embodiment of the invention, the icons of the recommended devices can be shown along with user defined star rating for each recommended device based on user preference. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the displayed recommended device icons may be modified by the user.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the displayed recommended device icons are colored to indicate the device availability status as ONLINE, OFFLINE OR BUSY.

In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, upon determination of content which cannot be predicted to be played on any of the devices, the method further comprises presenting a list of such content, and presenting options to resolve the playback of such content.

In an embodiment of the invention, display of predicted content list is shown using a Virtual Reality medium.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the capability of the content is based on one or more parameters corresponding to the device.

Implementing the aforesaid method, the invention provides a device for content listing, the device comprising a device manager module for determining capability of a currently viewed device; a prediction module for predicting a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and a display unit for displaying the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

The present invention further provides a method for informative device pairing, comprising initiating by a first device pairing with a second device; receiving by the first device from the second device, the second device’s capabilities; predicting, based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and displaying, on the first device, the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

In an embodiment of the invention, predicting the list of content best suited for playing on the second device includes analyzing at least one parameter other than second device’s capabilities, said at least one parameter being selected from a group comprising:
• Display characteristics of the first device;
• Display characteristics of the second device;
• Speaker capabilities of the first device;
• Speaker capabilities of the second device;
• Power capabilities of the first device;
• Power capabilities of the second device;
• Number of users currently viewing the content on the first device; and
• Number of users currently viewing the content on the second device.

Implementing the aforesaid method, the invention provides a device for providing informative device pairing, said device comprising a communication module for initiating pairing with a second device; a device manager module being in operational interrelationship with the communication module for receiving from the second device, the second device’s capabilities; a prediction module for predicting based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and a display unit for displaying the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

The present invention furthermore provides a method of content playing, comprising playing a content on a first device; determining availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the first device and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the first device; and presenting, on the first device, information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.

Implementing the aforesaid method, the invention provides a device for content playing, said device comprising a player module for playing a content on the device; a processing module for determining availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the device and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the device; and a presenting module for presenting information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of Figures:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method for content listing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a more detailed flow chart of the method of content listing of figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for informative device pairing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of playing content in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is adapted to implement the method for content listing as shown in figures 1 and 2 as well as the method for informative device pairing as shown in figure 3;
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is adapted to implement the method of content playing as shown in figure 4;
Figure 7 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a device after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 8 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2;
Figure 9 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on pairing of a device with a couple of devices after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2;
Figures 10-13 illustrate yet another sample screen shots of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2;
Figure 14 illustrates a sample screen shots of the method as illustrated in figure 4;
Figure 15 illustrates a block diagram of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 16 illustrates an exemplary home network environment capable of implementing the invention.
Figure 17 illustrates a flow chart for making entries in first database.
Figure 18 and 19 illustrate pop-up windows displayed on a 3D TV device in a home network environment.
Figure 20 and 21 illustrate pop-up windows displayed on a Tab in a home network environment.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method (100) for content listing according to one embodiment of the invention. In said embodiment, the method (100) comprises determining (101) capability of a currently viewed device; predicting (102) a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and displaying (103) the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

Figure 2 illustrates a more detailed flow chart of the method (100). In a further embodiment, the method (100) comprises predicting (201), based on the capability of the currently viewed device, a list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the currently viewed device; and displaying (202), on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device. In another embodiment, the method (100) comprises determining (203) capability of a connected device in operational connection to the currently viewed device. In yet another embodiment, the method (100) comprises preparing (204) a database including a list of connected devices in mapped relationship with their corresponding capabilities. In still another embodiment, the method (100) comprises predicting (205), based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content best suited for playing on said connected device.

In a further embodiment, the method (100) comprises predicting (206), based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content corresponding to the connected device; and displaying (207), on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the connected device.

In a further more embodiment, the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device and the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device is further based on a content display preference as stored in the currently viewed device and the connected device, respectively.

In another embodiment, the display of content is shown with icons of recommended devices on which the content can be played. In yet another embodiment, the icons of the recommended devices can be shown along with user defined star rating for each recommended device based on user preference. In still another embodiment, the displayed recommended device icons may be modified by the user. In a further embodiment, the displayed recommended device icons are colored to indicate the device availability status as ONLINE, OFFLINE OR BUSY.

In a further embodiment, the method (100) further comprises: on determination of content which cannot be predicted to be played on any of the devices, presenting (208) a list of such content, and presenting (209) options to resolve the playback of such content.

In a further more embodiment, the display of predicted content list is shown using a Virtual Reality medium.

In another embodiment, the capability of the content is based on one or more parameters corresponding to the device.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method (300) for informative device pairing according to an embodiment of the invention. In said embodiment, the method (300) comprises: initiating (301) by a first device pairing with a second device; receiving (302) by the first device from the second device, the second device’s capabilities; predicting (303), based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and displaying (304), on the first device, the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

In a further embodiment, the predicting the list of content best suited for playing on the second device includes analyzing at least one parameter other than second device’s capabilities, said at least one parameter comprises: Display characteristics of the first device; Display characteristics of the second device; Speaker capabilities of the first device; Speaker capabilities of the second device; Power capabilities of the first device; Power capabilities of the second device; Number of users currently viewing the content on the first device; and/or Number of users currently viewing the content on the second device.

Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method (400) of content playing according to one embodiment of the invention. In said embodiment, the method (400) comprises: playing (401) a content on a first device; determining (402) availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the first device and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the first device; and presenting (403), on the first device, information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a device (500) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is adapted to implement the method for content listing as shown in figures 1 and 2 as well as the method for informative device pairing as shown in figure 3.

In one embodiment, the device (500) for content display, comprises: a device manager module (501) for determining capability of a currently viewed device; a prediction module (502) for predicting a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and a display unit (503) for displaying the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

In another embodiment, said device (500) for providing informative device pairing, comprises: a communication module (504) for initiating pairing with a second device; a device manager module (501) being in operational interrelationship with the communication module (504) for receiving from the second device, the second device’s capabilities; a prediction module (502) for predicting based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and a display unit (503) for displaying the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a device (600) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is adapted to implement the method of content playing as shown in figure 4. In one embodiment, the device (600) comprises: a player module (601) for playing a content on the device; a processing module (602) for determining availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the device (600) and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the device (600); and a presenting module (603) for presenting information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.

Figure 7 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a 3-D TV device (700) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 1. In one example, the content listing may include different groups of multimedia content according the type of the multimedia content, which are sorted according to their suitability for playback on the 3-D TV device (700). As shown, the content listing includes 3D content at a first position indicating that the 3-D content, such as video 1 and video 3 are best suited for playback on the 3-D TV device (700). Next best suited content may be FHD content, such as video 2 and video 6, while the least suited content for playback on the 3-D TV device (700) may be HD content, such as video 4 and video 5.

Figure 8 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices (700, 800) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. As shown, the 3-D TV device (700) may be paired with a Tab (800). In continuation to the previous example, the FHD content, i.e., video 2 and video 6 as well as the HD content, i.e., video 4 and video 5 may be indicated as suitable for playback in the Tab (800). The Tab (800) may also have some 3-D content, say video 7, video 9, and video 11, stored in it. The 3-D content stored in the Tab (800) will be indicated as suitable for playback in the 3-D TV device (700).

Once a device is paired, a message can be provided to the user for example, in form or a dialogue box that may pop-up. Such a dialogue box may list the content(s) of the currently viewed device which will be best played on the paired device. Additionally, it can also list the content of the paired device which will be best played on that the currently viewed device. In this way, a user does not need to search for that content, but the content itself will be quickly accessible through the popped up dialogue box itself. To this end, the content of the Tab (800) which will be best played on the 3-D TV device (700) can be similarly seen in a message which can once again be in form of a dialogue box that may pop-up, once the tab (800) is paired. On the other hand, the content of 3-D TV device (700), which may be stored in local memory or extended memory using USB/Hard drive and which will be best played on the tab (800), can be seen in popup window once the 3-D TV is paired. Similarly other way is also possible, i.e., the content of other device which will play well in present device can be shown as additional information.

Figure 9 illustrates a sample screen shot of content listing as provided on pairing of a device (700) with a couple of devices (800, 900) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. As shown, the 3-D TV device (700) may be paired with the Tab (800) and a mobile device (900). In continuation to the previous example, the FHD content, i.e., video 2 and video 6 may be indicated as best suited for playback on the Tab (800), while the HD content, i.e., video 4 and video 5 may be indicated as best suitable for playback on the mobile device (900). The mobile device (900) may also have some 3-D content, say video 13, video 15, and video 17, stored in it. The 3-D content stored in the mobile device (900) will be indicated as suitable for playback in the 3-D TV device (700).

Figure 10 illustrates yet another sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices (700, 800, 900) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. In one example, the 3-D TV device (700), the Tab (800), and the mobile device (900) may be paired with each other. In such a case, the multimedia content in each device gets sorted automatically according to the invention. This sorting of the multimedia content is done based on suitability of the currently viewed device to play the multimedia content. Apart from that an icon of the best suited device to play a multimedia content may be indicated along with each of the multimedia content or each group of the multimedia content. For example, an icon of 3-D TV device (700), which may be best suited to play 3D content, may be indicated adjacent to 3D content, such as video 1 and video 3. Similarly, an icon of the Tab (800), which may be best suited to play FHD content, may be indicated adjacent to FHD content, such as video 2 and video 6. Likewise, an icon of the mobile device (900), which may be best suited to play HD content, may be indicated adjacent to HD content, such as video 4 and video 5. The additional information about the multimedia content of the paired devices which can be best seen on the currently viewed device can be obtained by following a link to the paired devices, which may be shown at bottom of the screen.

Figure 11 illustrates yet another sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices (700, 800, 900) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. In one example, the 3-D TV device (700), the Tab (800), and the mobile device (900) may be paired with each other. In such a case, an icon of best suited devices to play multimedia content may be indicated along with each of the multimedia content or each group of the multimedia content according to their suitability. For example, an icon of the 3-D TV device (700), which may be best suited to play 3D content, may be indicated adjacent to 3D content, such as video 1 and video 3, while an icon of the Tab (800) and an icon of the mobile device (900) may be positioned thereafter respectively. Similarly, an icon of the Tab (800), which may be best suited to play FHD content, may be indicated adjacent to FHD content, such as video 2 and video 6, while an icon of the mobile device (900) and an icon of the 3-D TV device (700) may be positioned thereafter in any order. In one implementation, icons may be positioned in a specific order, for example, based on ranking of the devices. Similarly, an icon of the mobile device (900), which may be best suited to play HD content, may be indicated adjacent to HD content, such as video 4 and video 5, while an icon of the Tab (800) and an icon of the 3-D TV device (700) may be positioned thereafter respectively. However, the user may override the suggestions given by the system at any point of time. To this end, one or more user inputs may be received in order to modify the suggested icons. As shown in the Figure, the user may give, for example, a left swipe input on the second icon to swap it with the first icon. Based on the user inputs, one or more actions may be performed. Examples of such actions include, but are not limited to removing an icon of a recommended device, changing the order of icons, marking an icon as default option, etc.

Figure 12 illustrates yet another sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices (700, 800, 900) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. As shown in the figure, an option to receive user feedback may be provided adjacent to icon of each of the suggested devices. In one example, user may provide star rating in at least one of such options.

Figure 13 illustrates yet another sample screen shot of content listing as provided on a set of paired devices (700, 800, 900) after implementing the method as illustrated in figure 2. As shown in the figure, some of the preferred devices may be marked as unavailable, for example, due to use by other people. In such a case, user may choose ignore the unavailable device and may opt for another device, which is available for playback.

Figure 14 illustrates a scenario wherein the user proceeds to play the content on a currently viewed device (700) as indicated above (for example, due to un-availability of a particular device (900)), then the device (700) can monitor the status of such un-available device (900). Once the un-available device (900) becomes available, a notification (1401) informing the user about the availability of a previously non-available device (900) can be presented on the currently viewed device (700) thereby allowing allow the user to switch watching of the content from the currently viewed device (700) to the device (900) which has now become available. By way of a non-limiting example, such an operation may be performed preferably only when the previously un-available device (900), which is now becoming available, is better suited for viewing the content as compared to the currently viewed device (700). In yet another example, the such an operation may be based on one or more other parameters including but not limited to size of the devices, power consumed by the devices, power available in the devices (especially when at least one of the devices among the currently viewed device and the device which is becoming available is running on battery), distance between the devices, a remaining portion of the content, a previous choice of the user, an overall rating of the devices, etc.

Figure 15 illustrates a block diagram of the system (1500) as per the invention. The system (1500) includes a media scanner module (1501), which provides a first database DB1 (1502). The first database DB1 (1502) comprises the list of content present in all the devices in the environment including paired devices. The first database DB1 (1502) also comprises all the information about the content characteristics, such as 3D content, VR content, file format, resolution, channels, duration, bit-rate, frame rate, etc. The media scanner module (1501) scans the file systems (1507) of the currently viewed device and other paired devices as well to extract media information. The media scanner module (1501) keeps the information of all the media content present in local file system of the currently viewed device and the file system of the paired devices in the first database DB1 (1502). The media scanner module (1501) streams the part of content present in paired devices based on the capability of multimedia support of the device. Further, it creates the data entries and stores it in the first database DB1 (1502). There may be some content in the file system in local device as well as paired device which may be beyond the scope of multimedia capability of the present device in which the media scanning module (1501) is running. In such a case, the device will not be able recognize those contents and will not be able to extract the information and characteristics of such files. For those files, the media scanning module (1501) needs to search the same file in other device’s first database (created by their own media scanning modules) and pick right entry. The present device may not be familiar with the parse characteristics supported by other device, the media scanning module (1501) therefore needs to take help from an output device capability sharing module (1503), to know the capability of the device from which the particular entry of the file was found. Once the media scanning module (1501) knows the capability of the remote device, then media scanning module (1501) will validate the same in database entry it picked from device and then append the same in its own first database DB1 (1502). There could be contents which could play on multiple devices; such content entries in database can be tagged with multiple device names.

On the other hand, the output device capability module (1503) creates a second database DB2 (1504) having a list of devices in an environment with all the capability present in each device, capability sharing will be happening at the time of pairing the device. The output device capability module (1503) is triggered whenever a new device is paired; output device capability module (1503) can be involved in getting the multimedia capability of the device during pairing negotiation and make a database entry of the device along with its multimedia capabilities in the second database DB2 (1504). So the output device capability module (1503) seeks the capabilities such as VR support, 3D support, display resolution, Audio channels, bitrate etc. from a device manager (1508) and stores the same in the second database DB2 (1504). At the time of pairing, the other device also has to share the preferred priority and content format list with other devices, so each device knows other device’s priority to play the content. In case the list is not shared, output device capability module (1503) searches local storage to understand the model no. of the paired device and hence make prediction of its capabilities using the model number. The capability list may also be searched on an online database. So this module will take care to record all the capability information of paired devices in second database DB2 (1504).

The system (1500) further comprises a prediction and sorting module (1505). The prediction and sorting module (1505) is responsible for comparing the present device capability and first database DB1 (1502), which will predict and sort the list of content which is best suited as per the device capability and create a third database DB3 (1506) as shown in Table 1 having the list of best suited content for the device. So whenever user switches on the particular device in a home network, device will pick the list from the third database DB3 (1506) and show to the user, the list of content which will play best on that particular device automatically. User need not to search anything. As the capability information is available for other device as well, the prediction and storing module (1505) will also sort the content based on their capability which would be beneficial for user, as they get all the information at one place. The prediction and storing module (1505) has access to the icons library (1509). Further, it is responsible for receiving any input information from the input means (1510) and displaying output information on a display (1511). The prediction and sorting module (1505) can be made more meaningful by using the priority list of preferred content of each device to sort the content. Each device will take the priority list by manufacturer in consideration to sort the best content to play on device. The prediction and storing module (1505) may also take following things into consideration to predict and sort the best content for the device: duration of file, user preference or mostly played content, audio channel support, down sampling depending on codec capability and display capability, other multimedia parameters, etc.

ID Path VR 3D Resolution Audio Channels Bitrate Device 1 Device 2 Device 3
AAA ../sdcard/Movies/ABCD_VR_Content.mp4 1 0 1980*1080 2 20
Mbps 1 1 0
BBB http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies/ABCD2_3D_CONTENT.mp4 0 1 1980*1080 6 20
Mbps 0 1 0
CCC http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/XYZ_QuadHD_CONTENT.mp4 0 0 3840*2160 2 20
Mbps 1 0 1
DDD http://107.180.201.99/sdcard/Movies/XYZ_VR _Content.mp4 1 0 3840*2160 2 20
Mbps 0 1 1
EEE
Table 1: Exemplary Third Database, DB3 (1406)

Figure 16 illustrates a home network environment having a 3D TV (1601) with Full HD support Display, a Tab (1602) with Quad HD support Display, and a VR device (1603). Every Device is paired with each other as shown and has a unique IP. The content stored in the QHD Tab and 3D TV are indicated in the table 2 and table 3 respectively:

Video_1.mp4 3D Video_7.mp4 Full HD
Video_2.mp4 Full HD Video_8.mp4 QHD
Video_3.mp4 3D Video_9.mp4 3D
Video_4.mp4 QHD Video_10.mp4 HD
Video_5.mp4 HD Video_11.mp4 3D
Video_6.mp4 VR Video_12.mp4 VR
Table 2: Content of Tab Table 3: Content of 3DTV

There are multiple types of content present in each device, while content like VR content are supported neither in TAB nor in TV. There are content in individual devices which will play better in other devices. There is a possibility that user may never know about that, or to find out user need to explicitly try playing the content on other devices. Further, QHD content can’t be played in 3D TV. So, even though user has other devices which are capable enough to play such content, but there is a possibility user may not know about it automatically. User needs to try on his own playing such content in different devices to know about it. Further, the user will always need to remember at least some details to play it next time. The invention helps in solving such problems. As per the invention, once the device is paired, certain modules, such as the Media scanner module (1501) and the Device Capability module (1503), are triggered in each device which will start filling entries in their respective databases (1502, 1504). For example, in case of 3D TV, its media scanning module needs to scan and parse the following list of TV content plus TAB content:

Video_7.mp4 Full HD
Video_8.mp4 QHD
Video_9.mp4 3D
Video_10.mp4 HD
Video_11.mp4 3D
Video_12.mp4 VR
Video_1.mp4 3D
Video_2.mp4 Full HD
Video_3.mp4 3D
Video_4.mp4 QHD
Video_5.mp4 HD
Video_6.mp4 VR
Table 4: List to be scanned and parsed for 3D TV

As the 3D TV has the 3D support and can play the clips with full HD resolution, it could only parse the files which are under its multimedia capability, i.e., the capability of parse to detect different kind of contents. It is quite possible that the 3D TV may not have the capability to detect the VR content. 3D TV has the list of all of its content. So after scanning and parsing by its own multimedia capability, it will search in other devices their first databases DB1 for the same VR file. There are 2 possibilities in Media scanning. First, a device is capable of playing the file, so searching other first databases will provide the information if some other device in environment could also play the file, so entry of that file in database will be updated with multiple device information, which signifies that more than one device is able to play this file. Second, a device does not have a capability to play or recognize the file, so searching in other database will help to know if any other device in environment can play the file or not, if the entry is found in any database then the device will get to know that which other device has the capability to play this particular file. Device will also fetch the information and characteristics of that file from that remote device and store such information in its own first database DB1. This will be helpful where there is unsupported content in the device and user will automatically know which device the content could be played, so no effort from user. Everything will be done by system. But as the currently viewed device is not familiar with the parse characteristics supported by other devices, media scanning module need to query the Output Device Capability sharing module, to know the capability of the device from which the particular entry of the file found. Once the media scanning module knows the capability of the remote device, then scanning module will validate the same in database entry it picked from the remote device and then append the same in its first database DB1. Figure 17 illustrates a detailed flow chart for making database entries in first database. The flow chart starts at step 1701. At step 1702, the media scanner module collects the list of files from local file system as well as the remote file system. At step 1703, the media scanner module scans and parses the collected files. At step 1704, the media scanner module accordingly makes an entry in its first database DB1. At step 1705, the media scanner module searches the relevant file in first database DB1 of paired devices. At step 1706, it is established whether the entry is found or not. If not, then the entry is dropped at step 1707. If entry is found, then the multimedia capability of the device is checked at step 1708. At the same time, the entry is fetched from second database DB2 of said device and then the entry is validated. At step 1709, database update request is sent to the other devices and scanning and parsing of files is continued thereafter.

In continuation with previous example, sample entries in the first database DB1 are listed in the table 5 below:

ID Path Media Info and characteristics Devices
VR 3D Resolution Audio Channels Bitrate TV TAB VR Glass
1 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_7..mp4 0 0 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 1 1 0
2 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_8..mp4 0 0 3840*2160 2 20Mbps 0 1 0
3 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_9..mp4 0 1 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 1 0 0
4 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_10..mp4 0 0 1280*720 2 20Mbps 1 1 0
5 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_11.mp4 0 1 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 1 0 0
6 ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_12.mp4 1 0 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 0 0 1
7 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/Video_1.mp4 0 1 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 1 0 0
8 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_2.mp4 0 0 1980*1080 6 20mbps 1 1 0
9 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_3.mp4 0 1 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 1 0 0
10 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_4.mp4 0 0 3840*2160 2 20mbps 0 1 0
11 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_5.mp4 0 0 1280*720 2 20mbps 1 1 0
12 http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_6.mp4 1 0 1980*1080 2 20Mbps 0 0 1
Table 5: DB1 output of Media scanning module of 3D TV

Bold rows in above database table signify that even though these content were not supported in the local device, still the system automatically detects the capable device so that user can easily know about where to play the particular content. Underlined cells in the table signify that the content could play in multiple devices. The content that could be played on multiple devices is all tagged for multiple devices using the Icon Library 1509.

Media Device Capability module will trigger whenever a new device is paired with the local device. The Media Device Capability module captures the capability of the device and each paired device. The preferred priority list for format based playback is fetched and stored in the second database DB2 as indicated in the Table 6 below. In the second database DB2, each device will be having a unique ID and all the possible media capability record in database.

ID VR 3D Resolution Audio channels Bitrate etc. Preferred priority list
UUUAAAA(3D TV) 0 1 1920*1080 2 20Mbps 3D, FHD, HD, etc.
XXXBBBBB(TAB) 0 0 3840*2160 2 20Mbps QHD, FHD, HD, etc.
RRRRXXXX(VR) 1 0 1980*1080 2 20Mbps VR
Table 6: DB2, output of Multimedia Capability module

Prediction and Sorting Module will trigger once the first database DB1 and second database DB2 is updated, i.e. media scanning and media capability is completed. This module will sort the content based on device capability and media content characteristics. Further, it predicts which content to be best played on particular device. In case preferred priority format list exists for the 3DTV, the prediction and sorting module keeps the 3D content of the entire device at the top of the list, and then give the preference to FHD videos and then HD videos as per the priority list. Same will be done for other device as per their content format priority list.

Third database DB3 also keeps the entries of the content which will be best played in other devices even though the present device does not support them, which may be very beneficial for user as user will get all the information at one place and also user can select the content to be played on recommended device. For example, Quad HD support is not present in TV, but TAB supports the Quad HD content, so in the third database DB3 for QHD videos, suggested device is TAB, and same for VR glasses are suggested for VR content. In the previous example, the third database DB3 for the 3D TV device will be updated as indicated in the Table 7 below:

Device Content Type Other device tags
UUUAAAA(3D TV) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_9.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) ../sdcard/Movies / Video_11.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_1.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http://107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_3.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_7.mp4 FHD TV,TAB
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http:// 107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_2.mp4 FHD TV,TAB
UUUAAAA(3D TV) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_10.mp4 HD TV,TAB
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http:// 107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies / Video_5.mp4 HD TV,TAB
XXXBBBBB(TAB) ../sdcard/Movies / Video_8.mp4 QHD TAB
XXXBBBBB(TAB) http:// 107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_4.mp4 QHD TAB
RRRRXXXX(VR) ../sdcard/Movies / Video_12.mp4 VR VR Glasses
RRRRXXXX(VR) http:// 107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies/ Video_6.mp4 VR VR Glasses
Table 7: DB3 for 3DTV

Once the third database DB3 is updated with all the information, the information will be shown on Display of the 3D TV according to Figures 18 and 19. More specifically, the 3D TV will be recommended for playing 3D videos, while FHD/HD content could be played on 3DTV as well as the Tab. When one clicks on a link to the paired devices, addition information of content playable only at the paired devices can be seen.

Similarly the database for other devices will also get created as per there capability. For example, a TAB may have Quad HD support, while it may not support 3D and VR content. Accordingly, in the third database DB3 for the Tab, as indicated in Table 8 below, Quad HD content will be on top followed by the FHD and HD content respectively.

Device Content Type Other device tags
XXXBBBBB(TAB) http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies / Video_8.mp4 QHD TAB
XXXBBBBB(TAB) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_4.mp4 QHD TAB
XXXBBBBB(TAB) http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies/ Video_7.mp4 FHD TAB,TV
XXXBBBBB(TAB) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_2.mp4 FHD TAB,TV
XXXBBBBB(TAB) http:// 107.180.119.220/sdcard/Movies / Video_10.mp4 HD TAB,TV
XXXBBBBB(TAB) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_5.mp4 HD TAB,TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies/ Video_9.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA(3D TV) http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies / Video_11.mp4 3D TV
UUUAAAA (3DTV) ../sdcard/Movies / Video_1.pm4 3D TV
UUUAAAA (3DTV) ../sdcard/Movies / Video_3.mp4 3D TV
RRRRXXXX(VR) http://107.108.109.100/sdcard/Movies / Video_12.mp4 VR VR Glasses
RRRRXXXX(VR) ../sdcard/Movies/ Video_6.p4 VR VR Glasses
Table 8: DB3 of TAB

Once the third database DB3 of Tab is updated with all the information, the information will be shown on Display of the Tab according to Figures 20 and 21. More specifically, the Tab will be recommended for playing QHD videos, while FHD/HD content could be played on the Tab as well as the 3D TV. When one clicks on a link to the paired devices, the addition information of content playable only at the paired devices can be seen.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Claims:We Claim:

1. A method (100) for content listing, comprising:
determining (101) capability of a currently viewed device;
predicting (102) a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and
displaying (103) the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
predicting (201), based on the capability of the currently viewed device, a list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the currently viewed device; and
displaying (202), on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising determining (203) capability of a connected device in operational connection to the currently viewed device.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, further comprising preparing (204) a database including a list of connected devices in mapped relationship with their corresponding capabilities.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3 further comprising:
predicting (205), based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content best suited for playing on said connected device.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:
predicting (206), based on the capability of said connected device, a list of content corresponding to the connected device; and
displaying (207), on the currently viewed device, the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device,
wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device is arranged based on the prediction of a chronological order of playing the content in a matched relation with the connected device.

7. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the predicted list of content corresponding to the currently viewed device and the predicted list of content corresponding to the connected device is further based on a content display preference as stored in the currently viewed device and the connected device, respectively.

8. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the display of content is shown with icons of recommended devices on which the content can be played.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the icons of the recommended devices can be shown along with user defined star rating for each recommended device based on user preference.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the displayed recommended device icons may be modified by the user.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the displayed recommended device icons are colored to indicate the device availability status as ONLINE, OFFLINE OR BUSY.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein on determination of content which cannot be predicted to be played on any of the devices, presenting (208) a list of such content, and presenting (209) options to resolve the playback of such content.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display of predicted content list is shown using a Virtual Reality medium.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capability of the content is based on one or more parameters corresponding to the device.

15. A (300) method for informative device pairing, comprising:
initiating (301) by a first device pairing with a second device;
receiving (302) by the first device from the second device, the second device’s capabilities;
predicting (303), based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and
displaying (304), on the first device, the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the predicting the list of content best suited for playing on the second device includes analyzing at least one parameter other than second device’s capabilities, said at least one parameter comprises:
• Display characteristics of the first device;
• Display characteristics of the second device;
• Speaker capabilities of the first device;
• Speaker capabilities of the second device;
• Power capabilities of the first device;
• Power capabilities of the second device;
• Number of users currently viewing the content on the first device; and/or
• Number of users currently viewing the content on the second device.

17. A method (400) of content playing, comprising:
playing (401) a content on a first device;
determining (402) availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the first device and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the first device; and
presenting (403), on the first device, information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.

18. A device (500) for content display, comprising:
a device manager module (501) for determining capability of a currently viewed device;
a prediction module (502) for predicting a list of content best suited for playing on the currently viewed device; and
a display unit (503) for displaying the predicted list of content on the currently viewed device.

19. A device (500) for providing informative device pairing, comprising:
a communication module (504) for initiating pairing with a second device;
a device manager module (501) being in operational interrelationship with the communication module (504) for receiving from the second device, the second device’s capabilities;
a prediction module (502) for predicting based on the capability of the second device, a list of content best suited for playing on the second device; and
a display unit (503) for displaying the predicted list of content best suited for playing on the second device.

20. A device (600) for content playing, comprising:
a player module (601) for playing a content on the device;
a processing module (602) for determining availability of a second device for playing the content, the second device being in operational connection with the device (600) and the second device being more suited for playing the content as compared to the device (600); and
a presenting module (603) for presenting information about the availability of the second device for playing the content.