EPG Metadata Processing via Hierarchical Table Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TV systems, particularly IPTV, face challenges in quickly and efficiently searching and processing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) metadata, which hinders the delivery of real-time and on-demand content services.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that involves performing a service discovery procedure using multiple service discovery metadata components, including receiving a master SI table, virtual channel map table, and source table, to efficiently process EPG metadata, enabling faster processing of EPG services for both real-time and on-demand content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional TV systems transmit content via radio wave transfer medium, then content delivery is achieved, but EPG metadata processing speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments EPG metadata into multiple tables (master SI table, virtual channel map table, virtual channel description table, source table) organized in a hierarchical structure. This segmentation allows the network device to process only relevant portions of metadata rather than handling all EPG data uniformly, significantly improving processing speed and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing EPG metadata into a structured hierarchical format with location information stored in advance. The master SI table contains location pointers to virtual channel map tables, which in turn contain pointers to virtual channel description tables and source tables. This pre-organized structure enables rapid access and processing when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming searches during actual EPG retrieval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple service discovery metadata components are received and processed, then service discovery capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides service discovery metadata into distinct, well-defined tables with specific functions. Each table (master SI table, virtual channel map table, virtual channel description table, source table) has a clear purpose and contains only relevant information. This segmentation makes the complex service discovery process more manageable by breaking it into discrete, processable units with defined relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary tables that act as mediators between different metadata components. The master SI table serves as an intermediary that contains location information pointing to virtual channel map tables. These intermediary structures simplify the relationships between multiple metadata components, making the overall system easier to process despite the increased versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing EPG metadata in a network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider and processing an EPG metadata. Preferably, the performing step includes the steps of receiving a master SI table which locates in a master SI table location in provisioning information, wherein the provisioning information includes multiple elements, an EPG provider information element in the multiple elements having both a first target virtual channel map identifier element and an EPG data locator element, the first target virtual channel map identifier element indicating that services are covered by each of the EPG metadata provider's EPG data sources, receiving a virtual channel map table which locates in virtual channel map locations in the received master SI table, receiving a virtual channel description table which locates in virtual channel description table locations in the received virtual channel map table, and receiving a source table which locates in source table locations in the received virtual channel description table.