Broadcast Database Carousel for iTV Query Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive television (iTV) systems face limitations due to the lack of support for relational databases in broadcast file systems, which restrict user query functionality and require expensive set-top boxes with large memory for data storage.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast database system that downloads data modules and computer-readable instructions from a broadcast carousel, allowing for query resolution and optimization, enabling dynamic queries and customized results, while optimizing bandwidth and memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If set-top boxes are equipped with large memory for data storage, then query functionality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the database storage function from the set-top box and relocates it to a centralized broadcast database system. The set-top box retains only minimal local storage for caching recently accessed data modules, while the majority of data is stored externally and delivered on-demand via broadcast channels. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive large-memory set-top boxes while maintaining full query functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a broadcast database system as an intermediary between the user and the data storage infrastructure. This intermediary handles data storage, retrieval, and delivery, allowing set-top boxes to access extensive databases without requiring large local memory. The broadcast database mediates between the centralized storage and the distributed set-top boxes, enabling cost-effective architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relational databases are supported in broadcast file systems, then user query functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the database system into distinct functional components: a centralized broadcast database management system that handles complex relational operations, and simplified set-top boxes that execute pre-compiled query instructions. This segmentation allows relational database capabilities to be provided without burdening the set-top box complexity, as the heavy lifting is performed by the centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by pre-compiling query instructions and data modules separately, then delivering them to set-top boxes. The set-top boxes receive and execute copied query instructions that reference data modules delivered via broadcast. This copying approach enables relational query functionality without requiring the full database engine to reside in each set-top box, thus managing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If data is delivered via broadcast channels, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but data access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and organizing data into modular units (data modules) that can be efficiently delivered via broadcast. Query instructions are pre-compiled to reference these modules, allowing the system to prepare data in advance for efficient broadcast delivery. This preliminary organization enables bandwidth-efficient transmission while maintaining acceptable access speeds through optimized module delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the broadcast carousel mechanism, which periodically delivers data modules to set-top boxes. The carousel continuously cycles through available data modules, allowing users to access data at regular intervals. This periodic delivery pattern optimizes bandwidth usage by delivering data in organized batches rather than on-demand individual requests, while still providing timely access through the continuous cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
A database is packed up for broadcast over an iTV system by packaging, compressing, and streaming the database via one or more carousels. The packing up process creates one or more data modules, each including record sets, and one or more modules containing computer-readable instructions for resolving queries using the record sets. These modules, along with a table of contents module that includes descriptions of how the data modules are composed and interfaces to the modules containing the computer-readable instructions, are downloaded at a set top box in order to resolve queries from television users and/or other applications. Thereafter, the computer-readable instructions are executed to resolve the queries. When available, the results produced by executing the query may be displayed on a television. Information regarding the queries may be used to modify the packing up and/or broadcast processes.