Media Decoder Alarm Notification for Missed Broadcasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often forget to schedule recordings of programs of interest, and live events like sporting events may lose relevance if not watched at the time of broadcast, as others may disclose event details.
Innovation Solution
A media decoder identifies programs of interest and sends an alarm signal if the broadcast time is near, using sensors to detect and recognize users, and optionally records the program if no user action is taken after the alarm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user schedules recording in advance, then the recording function is achieved, but the user may forget to schedule it
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting programs of interest and sending alarm notifications before the broadcast time. This eliminates the need for users to manually schedule recordings in advance, as the system proactively identifies relevant programs and alerts users at the appropriate time.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoder automatically identifies programs of interest based on viewing history and user preferences, then autonomously sends alarm notifications without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by managing the scheduling process independently, only requiring user action when the alarm is triggered.
2Ease of operation
If the programme is played on a delayed basis, then the user can watch at convenience, but the programme loses its interest for live events
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensor detection to determine user presence and sends alarm notifications accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that users are alerted about upcoming live events before they occur, allowing them to watch at the broadcast time rather than delaying, thus preserving programme relevance while maintaining operational convenience.
3Reliability
If the alarm signal is emitted continuously, then the user is ensured to be notified, but energy is wasted and user annoyance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm signal is emitted periodically or at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system checks sensor status and sends alarms only when appropriate conditions are met (user presence detected, programme of interest identified), reducing energy consumption while maintaining notification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm emission is made dynamic by adjusting it based on real-time sensor detection of user presence. The system activates alarms only when a user is detected in the vicinity, rather than emitting alarms continuously regardless of user presence, thereby reducing energy waste and potential user annoyance.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor continuously detects user presence, then the alarm can be sent at the right time, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs periodic detection of user presence rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks for user presence at intervals or only when needed (e.g., when a programme of interest is identified), maintaining detection accuracy while reducing energy consumption from constant sensor operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including the following steps implemented by a media decoder, such as a digital television decoder: identifying a future programme playable via the decoder, constituting a programme of interest for a user of the decoder; making a comparison between a time until broadcast of the programme of interest and a predefined threshold; commanding the emission of an alarm signal perceptible by a person, provided that the time until broadcast is less than the predefined threshold.