Channel Map Server Dynamic Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current broadcast file server systems are limited in storage capacity and bandwidth, making it impractical to provide customized channel maps on a national or multi-regional basis, especially for businesses with a small number of locations, as they require significant resources and human intervention to manage and distribute customized channel maps.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a channel map server that dynamically generates base channel map enhancement information based on business policy rules, allowing for customized channel maps to be provided to set-top boxes on a national or multi-regional basis without the need for each regional headend to broadcast customized maps, enabling greater customization and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If broadcast file servers are used to distribute customized channel maps, then channel map distribution is achieved, but storage capacity and bandwidth resources are insufficient for national-scale customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides channel map distribution into two segments: a base channel map distributed broadcastly to all set top boxes, and customization enhancement information distributed selectively to specific devices. This segmentation allows the broadcast server to maintain limited resources while enabling extensive customization capability through the enhancement layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A channel map server acts as an intermediary between the broadcast file server and set top boxes. This intermediary dynamically generates and distributes customized enhancement information based on device-specific entitlements, relieving the broadcast server of the burden of storing and distributing every possible customized channel map.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If regional headends broadcast customized channel maps for each location, then local customization is achieved, but resource requirements and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal customizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base channel map serves multiple functions: it provides the common channel lineup for all locations while allowing localized customization through enhancement information. This universal base map eliminates the need for separate broadcast infrastructure at each regional headend while maintaining local customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating entirely new channel map files for each location, the system copies the base channel map and applies selective enhancements. This copying approach reduces the number of unique files that need to be managed and distributed, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized channel maps are provided to businesses with few locations, then business-specific customization is achieved, but cost-effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebusiness customizationVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides partial customization through enhancement information rather than complete custom channel maps for every business. This partial action approach allows businesses with few locations to receive tailored channel lineups without the full cost and complexity of completely custom maps, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining customization benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8752119B2Methods and apparatus for creating customized service related information for customer devices

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for generating and distributing customized channel map information used by set top boxes to access program channels and provide access to content delivery services are described. One or more regional headends broadcast base channel maps. Set top boxes request base channel map enhancement information from a server which may service multiple regions, e.g., regions corresponding to different head ends. The channel map server dynamically generates base channel map enhancement information, or identifies previously generated base channel map enhancement information, based on one or more business policy rules applicable to the individual set top box requesting the update channel map enhancement information. The channel map server may be implemented nationally or covering multiple regions, and customization of channel maps for set top boxes can be implemented on customer, business or even an individual set top box basis based on business policy rules.