EPG Data Fragmentation for Receiver Cache Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering electronic program guide (EPG) data to receivers are inefficient, as they do not account for the varying capabilities and cache sizes of different receivers, leading to suboptimal display of program information and inefficient data usage.
Innovation Solution
A data modeling method that groups receivers based on characteristics such as cache size and HD capability, assigns bit-numbers to these groups, and broadcasts tailored EPG data fragments with metadata, ensuring that receivers with larger caches or HD capabilities receive richer program descriptions and that data is updated efficiently through a cycle of partial and complete updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EPG data is delivered to all receivers without differentiation, then all receivers can access program information, but receivers with limited cache or processing capability waste bandwidth and memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments EPG data into multiple groups based on receiver capabilities. Different data groups contain different levels of detail (e.g., basic program information vs. extended descriptions, artwork, and metadata). Each receiver type receives only the data group appropriate to its cache size and processing capability, eliminating waste of bandwidth and memory resources while maintaining adaptability across diverse receiver implementations.
2Loss of information
If detailed EPG data is provided to all receivers, then rich program descriptions are available, but receivers with limited cache cannot store and display the information effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the information content to match the specific capabilities of each receiver type. High-capability receivers with large caches receive complete EPG data including extended program descriptions, multiple artwork images, and detailed metadata. Lower-capability receivers receive streamlined data sets containing only essential program information. This ensures each receiver displays the maximum appropriate level of detail without exceeding its storage or processing limitations.
3Reliability
If EPG data is updated frequently to maintain current information, then program guide accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through structured update cycles where EPG data is refreshed at intervals appropriate to the receiver type and data importance. Critical program information is updated more frequently, while less time-sensitive metadata and extended descriptions are updated on longer cycles. This periodic update strategy maintains program guide accuracy for time-sensitive information while reducing overall bandwidth consumption compared to continuous or uniform frequent updates of all data elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described. The method includes grouping receiver types according to a first set of characteristics associated with a receiver type, thereby producing a plurality of groups of receivers, assigning a bit-number to each group of receivers, providing EPG data, the EPG data including data for display at an EPG, the EPG data being included in a data fragment, evaluating the data fragment and the EPG data included therein according to at least one characteristic from a second set of characteristics, thereby producing a result, adding metadata to the data fragment, the metadata including a bit field including the assigned bit number, the bit number being determined in accordance with the result, the metadata being indicative of at least one characteristic from the first set of characteristics with which a data container and EPG data included therein are associated, and broadcasting the data fragment in the data container. Related methods and apparatus are also described.