Broadcast Receiving Device EPG Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcast receiving devices are limited in providing rich and accurate broadcast-related information due to the capacity constraints of over-the-air electronic program guides (EPGs), necessitating a method to combine air interface-based and Internet-based EPGs to offer comprehensive information to users.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast receiving device that receives and combines first and second EPGs from a broadcasting network and the Internet, respectively, to generate and output third broadcast-related information, incorporating richer details such as program thumbnails, descriptions, and schedules, while prioritizing reliability and data availability based on user requests and network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If air interface-based EPG is used, then broadcast signals can be received, but the capacity to provide various types of broadcast-related information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air interface-based EPG and Internet-based EPG into a unified EPG system. The controller receives first EPG information from the broadcast signal via air interface and second EPG information from the Internet, then merges them to generate comprehensive EPG information that includes both basic broadcast data and rich additional information such as program descriptions, thumbnails, and related content.
2Quantity of substance
If Internet-based EPG is used, then richer broadcast-related information can be provided, but network connectivity dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores both air interface-based EPG information and Internet-based EPG information locally in the broadcast receiving device. When Internet connectivity is unavailable, the controller can still provide rich EPG information using the previously downloaded Internet-based EPG data, thus cushioning against network failures and ensuring continuous service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages multiple EPG information sources. It selectively combines air interface-based EPG and Internet-based EPG based on availability and reliability, ensuring that the most appropriate information is used under different network conditions while maintaining service continuity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple EPG sources are combined, then comprehensive information can be provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs EPG information merging without requiring manual intervention. It autonomously receives first EPG information from the air interface, second EPG information from the Internet, matches them based on broadcast channel and time information, and generates the final comprehensive EPG information, thereby simplifying the user's interaction despite the complex backend processing.
4Measurement precision
If EPG information is updated frequently, then information accuracy improves, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates EPG information selectively rather than completely. The controller updates only the portions of EPG information that have changed or are relevant, comparing new Internet-based EPG data with existing stored data to determine what needs updating, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission while maintaining information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a broadcast receiving device includes receiving a first electronic program guide (EPG) via a broadcasting network via and a second EPG via the Internet, and combining first broadcast-related information generated from the first EPG and second broadcast-related information generated from the second EPG to generate and output third broadcast-related information.