DVB Stream Update Descriptors for Off-Schedule MPD Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional television receivers update meta-programming data (MPD) on a predefined schedule, leading to delayed updates when unforeseen changes occur, such as rescheduled events, causing mismatched information in electronic program guides (EPGs).
Innovation Solution
Implement a 'stream update descriptor' in digital video broadcast (DVB) service information (SI) to trigger off-schedule updates of MPD, allowing immediate updates when changes are detected within a relevant timeframe (TOI) using a local MPD engine, and optionally with provider-side intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If television receivers update MPD on a predefined schedule, then tuner availability is maintained and content viewing is uninterrupted, but update timeliness deteriorates when unforeseen changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the service information contains a stream update descriptor that notifies the television receiver of changes in the broadcast schedule. The receiver detects this descriptor and automatically triggers an off-schedule MPD update, creating a closed-loop feedback system that responds to real-time changes without requiring predefined update schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The television receiver performs self-service by autonomously detecting the stream update descriptor in the service information and automatically initiating the MPD update process without external intervention. The receiver monitors its own service information, identifies changes, and executes updates independently, eliminating the need for scheduled updates or manual configuration.
2Reliability
If off-schedule MPD updates are implemented, then update timeliness improves for unforeseen changes, but device complexity increases due to additional update mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the schedule change detection function with the existing service information processing mechanism. The stream update descriptor is integrated into the service information that the receiver already retrieves and processes, combining multiple functions (schedule monitoring, change detection, and update triggering) into a unified process rather than adding separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The service information is updated in advance by the broadcast service to include the stream update descriptor before the actual schedule change occurs. This preliminary action allows the television receiver to detect and respond to changes proactively, preparing the necessary update parameters ahead of time and reducing the complexity of real-time processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments detect updates to digital video broadcast (DVB) service information (SI), and forcing off-schedule updates to local meta-programming data (MPD) of a customer premises appliance in response to the update, where appropriate. For example, embodiments detect an SI update for at least one DVB content service being provided via a DVB network and determine whether a stream update descriptor in the SI is asserted. Detected assertion triggers an automatic off-schedule MPD update, including assigning a tuner to obtain updated provider MPD via an MPD service, and rebuilding local MPD based on the updated provider MPD. The local MPD is usable by the customer premises appliance to populate a meta-programming user interface (e.g., an electronic program guide) by which to display descriptive information about at least some of the plurality of DVB content services.