Dynamic Channel Mapping via Symbolic Names and Intermediary Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional broadcast video systems are limited by legacy channel numbering systems, restricting the number of channels and functionality, which are not extensible to newer platforms like Tru2way, limiting user control and channel customization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for application and server-based control of dynamic channel mapping, allowing users to add channels to a channel map through a user interface, creating a modified channel map individualized for the user, with no constraints on channel numbers or symbolic naming, using a headend and conditional access device with a profile services server and channel addition interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional legacy channel numbering systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but the number of channels is limited and extensibility to new platforms is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the channel identification system by transitioning from numeric channel numbers to symbolic channel names. This parameter change enables the system to overcome the 4096-channel limitation of traditional numeric systems and provides extensibility to new platforms like Tru2way while maintaining system stability through a structured mapping approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a channel map as an intermediary layer between the symbolic channel names and the actual broadcast channels. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain compatibility with traditional broadcast infrastructure while enabling extended functionality and platform adaptability through symbolic naming conventions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary methods are used to address channel limitations, then channel number constraints are overcome, but the solution is not extensible to other platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal channel mapping system that functions across multiple platforms including Tru2way and other standards-based platforms. The symbolic channel naming approach and channel map structure are designed to be platform-agnostic, enabling the same solution to be implemented across different systems without proprietary constraints.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic channel mapping is implemented, then user control and channel customization are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to dynamically add and remove channels from their personal channel maps through intuitive interfaces. The system automatically handles the complexity of channel mapping updates, subscription verification, and synchronization with the headend, allowing users to benefit from enhanced control without directly managing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer readable media for overcoming the inherent limitations on the number of possible channels in a channel map. An enhanced channel launch application is used for adding channels to a channel map. A network couples a headend to a conditional access device. The headend includes a profile services server and the conditional access device includes a channel addition interface. The channel addition interface is used by a user to add a channel to a channel map associated with the conditional access device, the channel addition interface adding the channel to the channel map when the channel addition interface receives user input to create the channel, the created channel being added to a channel map to create an modified channel map individualized for the user.