Real-Time Broadcast Notification System for TV Program Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic program guides (EPGs) fail to provide precise notifications for television program start times due to lack of real-time updates and do not account for program changes or advertising slots, leading to users potentially missing the start of their chosen programs.
Innovation Solution
A method for receiving notifications about the start or end of a broadcasted content on a television channel, which involves a communication device requesting and receiving real-time information on the occurrence of events within a predetermined time interval, allowing for precise synchronization and notification of the user about the broadcast events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If EPG-based alert signals are used for program notifications, then users can be notified in advance of scheduled programs, but the notification timing becomes inaccurate due to program changes, time drifts, and advertising slots not being reflected in the EPG
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of program signatures and prepares occurrence information in advance. The broadcast signal is continuously monitored and compared against a database of program signatures, allowing the system to detect program occurrences as they happen rather than relying on pre-scheduled EPG data. This preliminary action enables accurate real-time notification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the actual broadcast signal is continuously monitored and compared against expected program signatures. The detection results feed back into the notification system, allowing dynamic adjustment of notification timing based on actual program occurrences rather than scheduled times. This closed-loop feedback ensures accuracy despite program changes or drifts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EPG data is used to determine program schedules, then program information can be provided in advance, but the system cannot adapt to program changes or time drifts that occur during actual broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static EPG scheduling to dynamic real-time detection. Program signatures are continuously extracted from the actual broadcast signal and compared against a database, allowing the system to adapt to program changes, insertions, or deletions. The detection process dynamically adjusts to actual broadcast conditions rather than relying on fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being monitored from scheduled program times to actual program signal characteristics. By detecting program signatures directly from the broadcast signal and measuring timing based on actual occurrences rather than EPG data, the system achieves precise timing measurement that adapts to real-world variations in program scheduling.
3Reliability
If alert signals are sent based on scheduled times, then users receive notifications, but users may miss program starts due to inaccurate timing information
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical EPG scheduling system with an electronic signal detection system. Instead of relying on pre-programmed timing data, the system electronically monitors the actual broadcast signal, extracts program signatures, and detects occurrences in real-time. This substitution of detection mechanism dramatically improves notification reliability and timing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for receiving a notification, or to a method for transmitting a notification, concerning a stream in progress. According to the invention, the method for receiving a notification is adapted to receive, at a current time point, a response to a user request for an event corresponding to the beginning or end of the transmission of a portion of content in the stream. The response indicates an occurrence of the event within a time interval shorter than a predetermined threshold and including the time of receipt of the response. This occurrence has been verified using information about the stream. The method for transmitting a notification is adapted to obtain the request, verify, using information about the stream, an occurrence of the event within the specified time interval, and transmit a response to the request indicating said occurrence of the event.The invention relates to a communication device (TM) and a notification server (S) implementing the methods of receiving, respectively transmitting, a notification.