Decoupling Digital Content Browsing from Television Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

The ergonomics of using remote controls for browsing and paying for digital content on televisions are cumbersome, making it difficult to efficiently select and view digital content.

Innovation Solution

A method that decouples the search and payment functions from the viewing function by allowing users to access digital content using a navigation device, such as a tablet or computer, which is then transmitted to a display device like a television, utilizing HbbTV applications for improved ergonomics and compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote control is used to browse and pay for digital content on a television, then the viewing function is integrated with the navigation function, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome controls and time-consuming interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of viewing and navigation functionsVSAvoidease of browsing and payment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into two separate devices: a television dedicated to displaying digital content and a navigation device (such as a smartphone or tablet) dedicated to browsing, searching, and making payments. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between functional integration and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates communication between the navigation device and the television. The server receives browsing requests and payment information from the navigation device, processes them, and delivers the selected digital content to the television, enabling seamless interaction between the two devices without requiring complex controls on the television itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a remote control is used for browsing and payment, then device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to considerable time required for user interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of television setupVSAvoidtime for browsing and payment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation device allows users to perform browsing, searching, and payment actions in advance before the actual viewing begins. Users can select content and complete transactions on their navigation devices, and the system automatically prepares and delivers the content to the television, eliminating the need for time-consuming remote control operations during viewing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical remote control system with an electronic communication system based on network connectivity. Instead of using infrared signals and sequential button presses, users interact through a graphical interface on their navigation devices, with commands transmitted electronically to the server and television, dramatically reducing interaction time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If digital content is accessed directly on the television through network access point, then the television serves as both display and navigation device, but the ease of operation worsens due to restricted ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelevision as integrated deviceVSAvoidergonomics of interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) serves as a universal access point that can be used for browsing, searching, making payments, and controlling multiple televisions. This multi-functional device replaces the specialized remote control, providing ergonomic benefits while maintaining the television's role as a dedicated display device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2815583B1Browsing from an additional device
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 TDF
  • EP2815583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2815583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2815583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for processing digital content, implemented in a server (4) of a communication network. The method comprises: - on receipt of a request from a navigation device (2) comprising a first content identifier and a first user identifier, storing the first content identifier in association with the first user identifier in a database (42); - on receipt of a query request from a display device (1) and comprising a user identifier, comparing the user identifier with the first user identifier; - if the user identifier matches the first user identifier, transmitting the digital content associated with the first content identifier to the display device, in order for the digital content to be displayed by the display device; the query request being received regularly, according to a first given frequency, by the server from the display device.