Channel Searching System Bandwidth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital broadcasting experiences slow channel changing speeds and viewer frustration due to numerous channels, with conventional mosaic and mini electronic program guides (EPGs) causing bandwidth loss and difficulty in intuitively selecting channels while watching current broadcasts.
Innovation Solution
A channel searching system that edits a multi-channel video based on video configuration and searching screen configuration information, allowing viewers to intuitively select channels by rearranging and highlighting videos on a TV screen, reducing bandwidth loss and improving channel switching speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mosaic EPG is used to display multiple channels, then viewers can select desired channels, but bandwidth is considerably lost due to additional configuration information transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary video content from the multi-channel broadcast signal and transmits it to the receiver, eliminating the need to transmit separate configuration information for each channel. The receiver uses pre-stored configuration data to display the extracted video content, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining channel selection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a single multi-channel video stream that contains all channel content simultaneously, which can be displayed in various configurations (mosaic, linear, highlighted) without requiring separate transmission for each view type. This universal stream serves multiple display purposes, reducing overall bandwidth usage.
2Loss of information
If mini EPG is used to provide channel information, then viewers can access broadcasting video information, but it is difficult for viewers to notice the actual video content due to text-based interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the video content display with the program guide information by overlaying text metadata directly on top of the actual video feeds in the mosaic display. Viewers can see both the visual content and the program information simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between text-based EPG and video views.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate EPG views are transmitted for each channel, then each channel can have dedicated configuration information, but separate equipment is required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all video editing, configuration application, and display preparation in advance at the headend before transmission. The multi-channel video stream is pre-configured with all necessary display parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time processing equipment at the receiver end. This preliminary action simplifies the receiver device while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If digital broadcasting is used to provide numerous channels, then service choices are improved, but channel changing speed becomes slower compared to analogue broadcasting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous display of all channel video content simultaneously in the mosaic view, allowing viewers to switch between channels by simply changing the highlighted selection or viewing position without waiting for signal acquisition or frame reception. This continuous display enables instant channel changing while maintaining digital broadcasting's multi-channel capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel searching system includes a head end broadcasting a broadcasting signal over a broadcasting medium, and a receiver. The broadcasting signal includes a multi-channel video containing a plurality of videos and video configuration information on the videos. The receiver is capable of receiving the broadcasting signal over the broadcasting medium and showing a viewer a channel searching view edited from the multi-channel video based on the video configuration information and searching screen configuration information.