Geographic Video Distribution via GIS Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in accessing geographically restricted video content due to the limitations of traditional printed program guides, which often fail to provide comprehensive programming choices and are affected by broadcast blackouts, leading to an inability to view certain programs based on location.
Innovation Solution
An Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system that utilizes a geographical information system (GIS) to determine the spatial relationship between the client and restriction zones, allowing for the distribution of geographically restricted video data by sending electronic program guide (EPG) formatted data containing restriction information, including fees, to clients, enabling them to select and access available content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional printed program guides are used to display programming choices, then consumers can view programming options, but the guides fail to provide accurate geographically restricted content and show programs that are not available to particular customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical printed guide system with an electronic program guide (EPG) system that uses computer processors to automatically determine geographic restriction zones and filter programming content. The system substitutes manual guide compilation with automated electronic processing that dynamically generates accurate programming availability information based on the customer's location and applicable restriction zones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic program guides include all programming choices in a DMA, then comprehensive programming options are provided, but programs that are blacked out or not available in specific locations are also included, causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating geographically-specific programming availability information. The system determines the customer's location and identifies applicable restriction zones (such as blackout zones around sporting events) to provide locally-relevant programming information. This ensures that each customer receives programming options that are actually available in their specific geographic location, rather than a generic DMA-wide listing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the customer's geographic location and comparing it against stored restriction zone data. The EPG dynamically updates programming availability based on this feedback, automatically filtering out programs that are blacked out in the customer's area while maintaining comprehensive coverage of available content.
3Measurement precision
If geographic restriction zones are implemented to control program availability, then accurate location-based content delivery is achieved, but additional processing and data requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing geographic restriction zone data (including boundaries, coordinates, and associated programming restrictions) in the system's database before customers request programming information. When a customer accesses the EPG, the system quickly retrieves pre-defined restriction zones and compares the customer's location against these pre-established parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time geographic calculations and reducing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distributing geographically restricted video data in an internet protocol television system, the method including but not limited to determining at a television server computer at least three geographic restriction zones for the geographically restricted video data and instructions to determine at least three different duration time delays for each of at least three geographic restriction zones, wherein the at least three geographic restriction zones are based on physical proximity of a television client device to a geographic origin of the geographically restricted video data.