Broadcast Receiver Content Data Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in effectively transmitting content data from a broadcast receiver to an information processing apparatus, such as smartphones and tablets, for synchronized viewing experiences during terrestrial digital television broadcasts.

Innovation Solution

A broadcast receiver system that includes a storage unit and a controller to manage content data transmission, using DDB messages for data and event messages for commands, allowing for controlled data synchronization and operation modes to facilitate seamless data transfer between the broadcast receiver and connected information processing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If content data is transmitted from broadcast receiver to information processing apparatus, then user experience is improved through synchronized viewing, but data transmission efficiency and synchronization control become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized viewing experienceVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast receiver pre-loads content data into storage before the information processing apparatus requests it. The controller monitors broadcast data reception and proactively stores content data in advance, so when the apparatus requests data via acquisition request signals, the receiver can immediately transmit from storage without waiting for broadcast reception, significantly improving transmission efficiency and synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If content data is stored in broadcast receiver for later transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidstorage and control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast receiver's storage unit serves multiple functions: it stores content data for fast transmission to information processing apparatus, stores EPG data for guide information, and acts as a buffer between broadcast reception and transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated storage systems, managing complexity while enabling fast data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically manages the storage unit based on real-time conditions. It monitors whether content data is currently being received from broadcast, checks storage availability, and decides whether to pre-load data or transmit immediately. This dynamic control adapts to varying broadcast conditions and user requests, optimizing transmission speed without requiring overly complex fixed architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the broadcast receiver proactively sends content data, then synchronization with information processing apparatus is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for continuous monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring and transmission, the controller uses periodic acquisition request signals from the information processing apparatus to trigger data transmission. The receiver periodically checks for these requests and transmits data at these discrete intervals. This periodic action maintains synchronization reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3748979B1Broadcast receiver, broadcast receiving method
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3748979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748979B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748979B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A broadcast receiver (20) comprising an interface (213) connectable to an information processing apparatus (30); and a first controller (22) configured to acquire a command transmitted through a broadcast path, and send the acquired command to the information processing apparatus (30) through the interface (213) if the command is a command for causing the information processing apparatus (30) to launch an application, wherein the acquired command is an instruction for causing the information processing apparatus (30) to acquire content data.