Backchannel Content Retrieval for Satellite Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based content delivery systems face service interruptions due to precipitation or component failures, and users miss program content if they are not recorded or accessed in real-time, with prior art systems lacking a solution for complete signal loss or delayed viewing.
Innovation Solution
A program content retrieval system that detects service interruptions and establishes a backchannel to retrieve recoverable program content from a program content device, allowing seamless reassembly and presentation of interrupted content, using a media device and program content device communicatively coupled via a communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data redundancy schemes are employed to improve reliability, then program content delivery reliability is improved, but complete signal loss cannot be remedied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a backchannel communication system as an intermediary mechanism between the media device and the content delivery network. When the primary satellite signal is lost, the backchannel enables the media device to request and retrieve missed program content from alternative sources, thereby mediating the complete signal loss situation and restoring content availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring signal quality and detecting service interruptions before complete signal loss occurs. The media device proactively establishes backup communication channels and prepares content retrieval requests, so when signal loss happens, the recovery process can begin immediately without waiting for degradation to become apparent.
2Loss of information
If recording systems are used to save program content, then viewers can access missed content, but the system requires pre-specified viewer input before streaming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the media device automatically detects service interruptions and initiates content retrieval without requiring manual user intervention. The system monitors its own reception quality, identifies when content is lost, and autonomously establishes backchannel communications to retrieve the missed content, eliminating the need for users to pre-specify recording preferences or manually report signal losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the media device continuously monitors program content reception and provides real-time status information about signal quality and content availability. When interruptions are detected, the system uses this feedback to trigger appropriate recovery actions, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing reception conditions without requiring external user input.
3Loss of time
If viewers leave the room or start viewing late, then they miss portions of the program, but no automatic retrieval mechanism exists
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically retrieving and buffering program content even when the viewer is unavailable. The media device continues to monitor and retrieve content through the backchannel, ensuring that when the viewer returns, the program can be seamlessly continued from the exact point of interruption without requiring the viewer to re-watch or search for missed content.
Data Source
AI summary
Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.