EAS Message Integration into Video Playlists for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-television networks, such as service provider networks, often fail to transmit Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages in a format that can be processed and displayed on user devices like mobile wireless handheld devices and tablet computers, which are capable of receiving broadcast television content.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows an origin server to generate and distribute a playlist with an EAS message converted to a video format, enabling user devices to receive and play the EAS message without changing channels, by integrating EAS segments into video content segments and transmitting them through a content distribution system associated with a geographic area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EAS messages are transmitted by non-television networks, then the coverage and accessibility of emergency alerts are improved, but the messages cannot be processed and displayed on user devices due to format incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content distribution system as an intermediary between non-television networks and user devices. This system receives EAS messages from various networks, converts them to video format, and distributes them through video streams to user devices. The intermediary handles the format conversion and compatibility issues, allowing EAS messages to be delivered across multiple network types while maintaining reliable display on user devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the format parameter of EAS messages by converting them from their original format (e.g., text or audio) to video format. This parameter change enables the messages to be compatible with user devices that are designed to receive and display video content. The conversion process transforms the message into a video stream that can be integrated with broadcast content and displayed on standard video playback devices.
2Ease of operation
If EAS messages are integrated into video content segments, then user devices can receive and play messages without channel changes, but the system complexity increases due to format conversion and playlist generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-converting EAS messages to video format and pre-integrating them into video content segments before distribution. The content distribution system prepares the messages in advance, creating playlists that include both video content and EAS message segments. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for real-time conversion and complex runtime operations, simplifying the playback process on user devices while maintaining systematic organization of the content.
3Loss of information
If video client devices automatically tune to channels for EAS messages, then complete emergency alert information is received, but user convenience is reduced due to automatic channel switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges EAS messages with video content segments into a unified video stream. Instead of separate channel tuning for EAS messages and video content, both are combined into a single integrated playlist that plays continuously on one channel. This merging allows users to receive complete emergency alert information embedded within the video content without requiring automatic channel switching, maintaining both information completeness and viewing convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content; obtain the video content in response to the request; process the video content to generate one or more first segments, where each of the first segments corresponds to a respective portion of the video content; receive an emergency alert system (EAS) message; process the EAS message to generate one or more second segments, where each of the second segments corresponds to a respective portion of the EAS message; and transmit, to the user device, a playlist, associated with the video content, that includes the first segments and the second segments, where the playlist allows the user device to play the video content on a particular channel based on the first segments, and allows the user device to play the EAS message, based on the second segments, without tuning to a channel different from the particular channel.