Broadcast Receiver Integrating Personal Information via Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadcast programming receivers lack the capability to seamlessly integrate and display personal information, such as video surveillance, weather data, and other user-specific content alongside traditional broadcast programming, limiting the user's access to important information during entertainment consumption.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a broadcast programming receiver and an information node, connected via a communication network, where the receiver can issue commands to the information node to transfer relevant information based on specific conditions, allowing for the integration and presentation of personal information alongside broadcast programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If broadcast programming receivers only process traditional broadcast signals, then device complexity is minimized, but information completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast programming receiver is enhanced with multi-functionality to process both traditional broadcast programming and personal information from multiple sources (security cameras, weather stations, etc.). The receiver includes a broadcast programming interface for receiving broadcast signals and a communication network interface for receiving personal information, allowing it to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A communication network acts as an intermediary between personal information sources and the broadcast programming receiver. The receiver includes a communication network interface that receives personal information through this intermediary network, enabling integration of personal information without direct complex connections to each information source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If personal information sources are integrated into the broadcast receiver, then information accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle diverse information types including broadcast programming, security camera feeds, weather data, and other personal information sources. This allows users to access all information types through a single device interface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: a broadcast programming interface for traditional broadcast signals, a communication network interface for personal information, and control logic that manages information from both sources. This segmentation allows each component to handle its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If the receiver displays multiple information sources simultaneously, then user information access is enhanced, but information processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessVSAvoidinformation processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control logic monitors information from both the broadcast programming interface and communication network interface, and dynamically controls the output circuitry to display relevant information. The system provides feedback-based control where the control logic determines what information to display based on the current state of multiple information sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control logic selectively processes and displays only relevant portions of information from multiple sources rather than processing all information equally. This partial action approach reduces processing complexity by focusing on pertinent information while maintaining comprehensive information access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8949870B2Transfer of information from an information node to a broadcast programming receiver
Publication Date: 2015.02.03 DISH NETWORK LLC
  • US8949870B2 patent drawing
  • US8949870B2 patent drawing
  • US8949870B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for transferring information from an information node to a broadcast programming receiver, such as, for example, a satellite or cable set-top box receiving broadcast programming. The information node is coupled with the broadcast programming receiver by way of a communication network, and is configured to receive the information. A command issued from the broadcast programming receiver to the information node indicates a condition under which the information is to be transferred to the broadcast programming receiver. In response to the command, the portion of the information indicated by the condition is transferred to the broadcast programming receiver.