EPG Codec Position Display for Digital Broadcasting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital broadcasting systems lack the ability to effectively inform users about available codec information, limiting the support for various codecs and preventing the provision of high-quality services due to the dominance of MPEG-2 codecs in current TVs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a receiving unit for EPG data, a codec-management unit to check and manage codec position information, and a display unit to provide this information on the EPG screen, allowing users to easily recognize available codecs by displaying position information using different colors and symbols, enabling the identification of codec location and facilitating codec downloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If various types of codecs are used for high-quality broadcasting, then service quality is improved, but user recognition of available codec information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to different codec types in the EPG display. Each codec type (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, etc.) is represented by a distinct color, allowing users to quickly identify available codec information without complex text descriptions. This visual differentiation resolves the contradiction by making codec information immediately recognizable while supporting multiple codec types for high-quality service.
2Ease of operation
If codec position information is displayed on EPG screen, then user recognition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG screen serves multiple functions: it displays program information, codec availability, and codec position indicators simultaneously. By making the EPG a multi-functional interface, the patent avoids adding separate display devices or complex user interfaces, thus improving user recognition without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different colors and symbols are used to indicate codec position information (e.g., downloaded, available, required) directly on the EPG screen. This visual encoding method conveys multiple pieces of information efficiently without requiring additional physical components or complex interaction mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If codec information is provided in detail, then service capability is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Codec information is segmented into distinct categories (codec type, position status, availability) and represented using different visual elements (colors, symbols, icons). This segmentation allows the system to process and display detailed codec information without overwhelming the user interface or requiring complex information processing, as each element can be handled independently.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing available codec information, includes a receiving unit that receives electronic program guide (EPG) data transmitted by a broadcasting operator; a codec-management unit that checks the position information of the codec based on the received EPG data, and manages the point of downloading time of the codec; an interface-generation unit that generates the position information of the checked codec, and provides the information to the EPG screen; and a display unit that displays the EPG screen including the position information of the codec.