Assigning Channel Numbers to Web Media Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing internet-based media services is cumbersome due to the use of lengthy Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) or Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, which differ from the familiar major and minor channel combinations used in terrestrial, satellite, and cable television.
Innovation Solution
Assigning major and minor channel combinations to web-based media services, allowing users to access them using numerical identifiers similar to traditional television channels, with the option to overwrite pre-existing combinations and update content automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) or Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are used to access internet-based media services, then the services can be accessed, but the identifiers are lengthy and difficult to remember
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simplified numerical representation (channel number) that copies the essential identifying function of the complex URI or IP address. Instead of using the full lengthy identifier, the system assigns a short numerical channel number that users can easily remember and input, while the system internally maps this simple number back to the complete URI or IP address for actual service access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional major and minor channel combinations are used for terrestrial, satellite, and cable television, then access is simplified, but internet-based media services lack this familiar access method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making the channel number system multi-functional. The same major and minor channel combination format used traditionally for terrestrial, satellite, and cable television is now also applied to internet-based media services. This allows a single unified access method to serve multiple types of media services across different platforms, providing consistency and familiarity to users regardless of the service type.
3Ease of operation
If channel numbers are assigned to web-based media services, then user-friendly access is achieved, but conflicts may arise with pre-existing channel number assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing a system that monitors and detects conflicts between newly assigned channel numbers and pre-existing assignments. When a conflict is detected, the system provides feedback to the user, allowing them to review the conflict and make appropriate decisions about whether to proceed with the assignment, modify the channel number, or choose an alternative. This ensures reliable conflict management while maintaining user-friendly operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user assigns a major and minor channel number combination to a media service which does not have such a pre-existing combination (520), where such a media service is accessed by using such a channel combination without having tn resort to the typical means of accessing the media service, such as using a web site URL or radio frequency (540). Optionally, the invention will automatically update the minor numbers associated with a media service when older versions of the media service become unavailable.