Control Matrix Automating Video Blackout Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual scheduling of conditional access events, such as blackouts, in media service providers is labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially for picture-in-picture video services.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automate the scheduling and updating of blackout events by using a control matrix to send control streams to set-top boxes, which include scheduling information for both full-screen and picture-in-picture content, allowing for efficient and accurate management of access restrictions across geographical areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual scheduling of conditional access events is used, then flexibility in scheduling is maintained, but labor intensity increases and errors are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling accuracyVSAvoidmanual scheduling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service scheduling by allowing content providers to automatically provide blackout information through control streams, which the media service provider's system automatically processes and applies without manual intervention. The control matrix automatically updates and distributes blackout schedules to set-top boxes, eliminating the need for manual scheduling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual scheduling process with an automated electronic system. Control streams containing blackout information are automatically received, processed, and applied through a control matrix that manages the distribution to multiple set-top boxes, substituting manual administrative tasks with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual scheduling is used for picture-in-picture services, then scheduling can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling efficiencyVSAvoidtime for scheduling operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by automatically receiving control streams with blackout information, continuously updating the control matrix, and continuously distributing updated schedules to set-top boxes. This continuous automated process eliminates interruptions and delays associated with manual scheduling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs self-service by automatically processing blackout information from content providers, maintaining the control matrix without human intervention, and distributing updates to all affected set-top boxes, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual scheduling tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automated scheduling using control matrix is implemented, then labor is reduced and errors are minimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling operation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control matrix serves multiple functions: it stores blackout schedule information, processes control streams from content providers, updates scheduling data, and distributes control information to multiple set-top boxes simultaneously. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single centralized system rather than requiring multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control matrix acts as an intermediary between content providers and set-top boxes. It receives automated control streams from content providers, processes the blackout information, and distributes the updated schedules to affected set-top boxes, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a centralized coordination point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8813114B2Video service blackout events

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method includes receiving, at a component of a multimedia content distribution system, a command including blackout information related to a first version of content. The blackout information includes scheduling information. The method includes updating a first entry within a control matrix based on the blackout information in response to the command. The first entry includes information related to when the first version of the content in a first stream is to be blacked out based on the scheduling information. The method also includes updating a second entry within the control matrix based on the blackout information in response to the command. The second entry includes information related to when the second version of the content in a second stream is to be blacked out based on the scheduling information. The method also includes sending a control stream based on the control matrix to one or more set top boxes.