EPG Metadata Processing in Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TV systems, including IPTV, face challenges in quickly and efficiently searching and processing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) metadata, which hinders the provision of real-time and on-demand content services.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing EPG metadata in network devices involves performing a service discovery procedure using multiple service discovery metadata components, receiving and processing EPG metadata with super group information elements, and utilizing master SI tables, virtual channel map tables, and source tables to facilitate efficient metadata processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional EPG metadata processing methods are used, then the system can handle basic EPG data, but the processing speed and efficiency are insufficient for real-time and on-demand content services
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG metadata is segmented into hierarchical levels using super group information elements. Each level contains member elements that reference other super group elements at higher levels, allowing the system to process only relevant portions of the metadata rather than the entire dataset, thereby improving processing speed and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs service discovery procedures in advance to obtain and organize EPG metadata structures before actual content service delivery. Master SI tables, virtual channel map tables, and source tables are prepared beforehand, enabling faster retrieval and processing when real-time or on-demand content services are requested.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive EPG metadata is processed to ensure complete information, then service completeness is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to EPG metadata organization through super group information elements with multiple levels. This dimensional structure allows the system to manage comprehensive metadata by organizing it into manageable layers, where each level can be processed independently, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining service completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
Super group information elements act as intermediaries between different levels of EPG metadata. The member elements within super group elements reference other super group elements at higher levels, creating a structured mediation layer that simplifies the processing of comprehensive metadata by breaking it into referenceable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing EPG (Electronic Program Guide) metadata in a network device includes performing a service discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, receiving EPG metadata corresponding to a super group information element comprising both of a member element giving a group ID of another super group information element that has a higher level than a level of the super group information element and a level attribute giving a level of super group represented by the super group information element, wherein the member element is used to reference the other super group information element at a higher level, and processing the EPG metadata.