Broadcast Stream Insertion Using Segmented Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tiered subscription systems for digital broadcasting services often require long continuous commercial breaks, which are unsatisfactory for listeners, as they typically involve dropping a 3-4 minute real-time broadcast segment and substituting it with 3-4 minutes of commercials, leading to dissatisfaction with prolonged commercial interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the insertion of shorter commercial breaks by buffering and selectively inserting cached content segments into the broadcast stream based on user subscription levels, using content index pointers to pause and resume playback, and managing buffer content to prevent infinite delays, enabling customizable commercial insertion points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time broadcast segments are dropped and substituted with commercial content, then commercial content can be inserted into the broadcast stream, but the commercial breaks become too long (3-4 minutes) causing listener dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broadcast stream into discrete segments with index pointers, allowing commercial content to be inserted at specific segment boundaries rather than requiring long continuous drops. This segmentation enables shorter, more frequent commercial breaks instead of single long interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-buffers broadcast segments and commercial content in advance, storing them in memory buffers. This preliminary buffering allows the system to quickly switch between broadcast and commercial content without real-time processing delays, enabling shorter commercial breaks while maintaining smooth transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast segments are dropped for commercial substitution, then commercial content can be inserted, but playback synchronization becomes complex requiring buffer management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer management logic as an intermediary layer between the broadcast receiver and playback output. This intermediary buffers both broadcast segments and commercial content, managing their insertion and playback timing to maintain synchronization without requiring complex real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical real-time switching with electronic buffer management and software-controlled playback. By using digital buffers and programmed insertion logic based on index pointers, the system achieves flexible commercial insertion with simplified control compared to real-time mechanical switching.
3Duration of action of moving object
If longer buffers are used to enable shorter commercial breaks, then commercial break duration is reduced, but playback delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial buffering - buffering only enough segments to enable the desired commercial break length rather than buffering entire programs. By buffering a limited number of segments at specific intervals with index pointers, the system achieves shorter commercial breaks without requiring excessive buffer sizes that would cause significant playback delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a broadcast comprising a plurality of program channels and generating a playback stream using at least one of a buffered program channel and stored indexed content (e.g., commercials, programs, songs) for insertion. Control data controls which receivers insert which indexed content and when the indexed content is inserted into a received program channel, allowing for playback of songs from playlists, tiered subscription services, and sponsorship of broadcast program channels to provide market-directed content to selected receivers and listeners. Buffer management operations prevent uncontrolled buffer growth and commercial content avoidance through rapid channel changes.