Gateway-Based Dynamic Information Transmission for Broadcast Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enriching audio and video programs with additional information are limited by bandwidth constraints and require user-initiated actions, such as connecting to external websites or using specific buttons on remote controls, which restrict interactivity and the diversity of information that can be provided.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically transmitting additional information data related to a broadcast channel by using a gateway to connect telecommunications networks and a digital decoder, allowing for real-time, automatic delivery of diverse information to terminals without the need for user interaction, leveraging existing devices and networks for enhanced flexibility and interactivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If teletext is transmitted along with broadcast signals, then additional information is provided to viewers, but the bandwidth available for transmission is restricted, limiting the content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation contentVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the transmission of additional information from the broadcast signal itself and separates it into a different communication channel. The set-top box receives broadcast signals on one channel and additional information on another channel, allowing both to coexist without competing for the same bandwidth resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box acts as an intermediary device that receives both the broadcast signal and additional information, then combines them for display. This mediator enables the integration of multiple information sources without requiring increased broadcast bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If viewers connect to the station's website to access additional information, then content-rich information is available, but users must take initiative to connect, reducing ease of access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation contentVSAvoidaccess convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically provides additional information to viewers without requiring them to take any action. The set-top box autonomously receives and processes additional information from the server and displays it alongside the broadcast content, making the service self-activating from the user's perspective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares and transmits additional information in advance, so that when viewers tune in to a broadcast, the complementary information is already available and automatically displayed. This eliminates the need for viewers to subsequently search for or request additional content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated button on remote control is used to request additional information, then personalized information can be provided, but the type of information remains limited by bandwidth and interaction possibilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation personalizationVSAvoidinformation diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multiple types of additional information simultaneously through different channels - program-related information, station information, and interactive content are all transmitted together via the set-top box, eliminating the need to choose between different information types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple information streams (broadcast signal, program information, station information, and interactive content) into a single integrated display system. This merging allows diverse information types to be presented together without being constrained by separate bandwidth limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Duration of action of moving object

If additional information is transmitted through the broadcast channel, then information is provided in real-time, but the bandwidth constraints limit the quantity and diversity of information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time transmissionVSAvoidinformation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments information transmission into separate channels: the broadcast channel carries the primary audio/video content while a separate communication channel transmits additional information. This segmentation allows both channels to operate independently without competing for bandwidth, enabling real-time delivery of both types of content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2854415B1Method for dynamic transmission of information data relating to an audio and/or video programme
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ORANGE SA
  • EP2854415B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The method according to the invention is intended to be implemented by a digital decoder and/or by a gateway capable of connecting a first network to a second network, connected to an audio and/or video playback device and to a terminal equipped with a communication module on the first network. It comprises: - the detection (E10) of a broadcast channel transmitting an audio and/or video program being played back simultaneously by the playback device; - the sending (E30) via the second network, to a server having access to information data relating at least to the broadcast channel, of a message identifying this channel; - the reception from the server of information data relating to: o at least one program broadcast by the broadcast channel identified in the message; and/or o at least one other broadcast channel associated with the broadcast channel identified in the message; - the transmission (E50) via the first network of this information data to the terminal.