Channel Proxy Mechanism for Adaptive Stream Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of television channels, including both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) versions, leads to user confusion and redundant listings in electronic program guides, as users may not realize HD versions are available, resulting in missed opportunities to utilize HD capabilities of their TVs.
Innovation Solution
A channel proxy mechanism intercepts channel change requests and selects the best available multimedia stream based on available bandwidth, output settings of the display device, and DVR storage capacity, ensuring users receive the most suitable version of a channel, such as selecting an SD stream if bandwidth is limited or an HD stream if available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SD and HD channel versions are provided, then content variety and quality options are improved, but user confusion and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that sits between the user and the multiple channel versions. This intermediary automatically detects the user's display capabilities and bandwidth conditions, then transparently selects and delivers the appropriate channel version (SD or HD) without requiring the user to understand or navigate the complexity of multiple channel mappings. The intermediary handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting the user's display device capabilities and bandwidth conditions, then autonomously selecting the most appropriate channel version. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about which version to deliver without human intervention, eliminating the need for users to manually choose between SD and HD versions or understand the underlying complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually select between SD and HD versions, then viewing quality is improved, but user time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-detecting the user's display device capabilities and bandwidth conditions before the user needs to select a channel version. The system is already prepared with the appropriate channel version ready to deliver, eliminating the need for users to spend time manually selecting between SD and HD options. The intelligent selection happens automatically in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously handles the task of selecting the appropriate channel version based on detected display capabilities and bandwidth conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for user intervention in the channel selection process, saving users time and operational effort while ensuring optimal viewing quality is delivered automatically.
3Manufacturing precision
If HD streams are prioritized, then viewing quality is improved, but bandwidth consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by continuously monitoring bandwidth conditions and display device capabilities, then dynamically adjusting which channel version (SD or HD) to deliver. Rather than statically prioritizing HD streams, the system adapts in real-time to current conditions, selecting HD when bandwidth is abundant and SD when bandwidth is constrained. This dynamic approach optimizes viewing quality while efficiently managing bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by detecting variations in bandwidth availability and display device capabilities, then adjusting the selected channel version accordingly. When bandwidth conditions change or when a different display device is detected, the system parameter changes its selection between SD and HD versions. This parameter-based adaptation ensures optimal video quality is delivered while efficiently utilizing available bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving, at a server, channel change request data from a media device. The channel change request data specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams. Each multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams has a corresponding content format. The method includes determining, at the server, an available bandwidth of a service to a premises associated with the media device. The method includes selecting, at the server, a particular content format based on the available bandwidth and a multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams that has the particular content format. The method also includes sending an identification of the multimedia stream from the server to the media device.