Dual Data Path System for Interactive TV Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Enhanced Television (ETV) systems face limitations in providing personalized and interactive experiences due to bandwidth and latency constraints in delivering interactive applications, particularly when using MPEG transport streams and EBIF formats, which restrict the ability to offer extensive interactive features and user-specific content.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual data path system, where the first path carries video content using MPEG streams and the second path employs IP over Ethernet for interactive applications, allowing for the delivery of extended interactive features and user-specific content with improved bandwidth and latency, enabling enhanced user interaction such as rating video programs and sending shows to friends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interactive applications are delivered through MPEG transport streams using EBIF format, then video content can be delivered, but bandwidth and latency constraints limit the ability to provide extensive interactive features and user-specific content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data delivery system into two separate paths: one for video content (MPEG transport stream) and one for interactive applications (IP over Ethernet). This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling extensive interactive features without compromising video delivery bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for data delivery by adding a second data path (IP over Ethernet) alongside the traditional single path (MPEG transport stream). This dimensional expansion allows interactive applications to be delivered through a dedicated channel with sufficient bandwidth and lower latency, resolving the constraint on interactive feature delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interactive applications are delivered through MPEG transport streams using EBIF format, then video content can be delivered, but latency constraints limit the ability to provide user-specific content
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the delivery system into separate paths, the patent isolates user-specific interactive content from the video stream. The IP over Ethernet path provides a dedicated, low-latency channel for delivering personalized content, while the MPEG transport stream maintains video delivery without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of a second data path dimension (IP over Ethernet) creates a specialized channel for time-sensitive interactive content. This new dimension enables low-latency delivery of user-specific content that would be impossible in the constrained single-path MPEG transport stream environment.
3Quantity of substance
If a single data path is used for both video and interactive content, then system complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and latency requirements cannot be simultaneously met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data delivery system into two independent segments: one handling video content and another handling interactive applications. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific bandwidth and latency requirements, achieving high performance despite increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving an enhanced television (ETV) application in a video client over a first data path and executing the ETV application in the video client. In one embodiment, the ETV application may include an enhanced television binary interchange format (EBIF) resource. The method may also include extracting, from the EBIF resource, an identifier of an extension application and requesting the identified extension application. The method may include receiving the extension application, over a second data path different than the first data path and executing the extension application.