Interactive Content Ordering System with Priority Queue Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite television systems face challenges in allowing users to conveniently record content, especially when the recording device is not located where the user is, leading to missed opportunities for recording due to the broadcasting of content to multiple users simultaneously and the limitations of satellite resources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables users to order and prioritize content through an interactive interface on a mobile device, communicating the selection and priority status to a content processing system, which updates the queue and sends a control word to the user device for content recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is broadcast to multiple users simultaneously via satellite, then content availability is improved, but satellite resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content delivery into two distinct paths: (1) live satellite broadcasting for simultaneous multi-user access, and (2) on-demand Internet delivery for individual user requests. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple users through satellite only when necessary, while routing individual requests through the Internet to reduce satellite resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary content delivery system that includes a server and database accessible via the Internet. This intermediary acts as a buffer between the satellite broadcast and end users, allowing users to download and store content locally without requiring continuous satellite transmission, thereby reducing satellite resource usage while maintaining content availability.
2Ease of operation
If users can order content remotely via mobile devices, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content ordering system where a single interface can handle multiple content types (live TV, on-demand videos, pay-per-view events) and multiple delivery methods (satellite, Internet download, USB transfer). This multi-functional interface consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity through unification rather than multiplication of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated queue management and priority handling where content requests are automatically processed, queued, and delivered based on user-specified priorities without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of coordinating between satellite broadcasts, Internet downloads, and local device storage through automated workflows.
3Ease of operation
If recording priority status is implemented for content selections, then user control is improved, but queue management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to pre-assign priority status to content requests before they are fulfilled. Users can mark certain content as high priority in advance, and the system pre-processes these requests by placing them at the front of the download queue before actual content delivery begins. This preliminary prioritization simplifies real-time queue management by establishing the order beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages queue complexity by changing the priority parameter of different content requests rather than creating complex scheduling algorithms. Each content request is assigned a priority parameter (high, medium, low), and the queue management system automatically adjusts processing order based on this parameter, transforming a complex scheduling problem into a simple parameter-based sorting operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface. The first device identifies a user account. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and generates a recording priority status. The first device communicates the content selection and the recording priority status to a content processing system. The content processing system forms a queue for the user account, inserts the content selection in the queue in response to the recording priority and communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.