Interactive Service Trigger Mechanism for Broadcast Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TV systems lack the capability to provide interactive services between content providers and viewers, as they are limited to unidirectional information delivery, and there is no method to execute applications related to broadcast content in real-time or provide supplementary information to viewers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for processing digital service signals that execute primary applications, transmit interactive services, and receive requests for descriptions of these services, allowing for the provision of interactive content through triggers, bytes, or URL information, using APIs and metadata to synchronize interactive elements with broadcast content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If TV systems use unidirectional information delivery from broadcast stations, then system simplicity is maintained, but interactivity and viewer engagement are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism between the broadcast station and viewer device. The system uses trigger signals embedded in broadcast data streams that act as mediators to activate interactive applications on viewer devices without requiring complex direct communication infrastructure. The trigger signal serves as the intermediary that bridges the unidirectional broadcast and bidirectional interaction needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring interactive applications and trigger signals before actual interaction is needed. The broadcast station pre-embeds trigger signals in the broadcast stream, and the viewer device pre-loads interactive applications. When the trigger condition is met during broadcast, the pre-configured application automatically activates, enabling interactivity without real-time complex processing.
2Productivity
If no method exists to execute applications related to broadcast content in real-time, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but real-time interactivity and supplementary information delivery are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the viewer device to automatically execute applications in response to trigger signals without requiring manual user intervention or complex centralized control. The system uses event-driven architecture where trigger signals automatically activate corresponding applications, and the viewer device autonomously processes and executes the interactive content based on pre-configured parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interactive services are provided through trigger signals and metadata, then service flexibility and content synchronization are improved, but message transmission and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interactive service into discrete, manageable components: trigger signals, metadata packets, and application modules. Each trigger signal is a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently processed. The metadata is segmented into structured fields (service identifier, trigger condition, application reference) that can be processed systematically. This modular segmentation reduces processing complexity while maintaining service flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing a digital service signal and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes executing a primary application for the digital service signal, wherein the primary application is a triggered application or a non-triggered application, transmitting messages of interactive services for a secondary application associated with the primary application, wherein the interactive services includes a first mode related to the triggered application or a second mode related to the non-triggered application, receiving a request for descriptions identifying the interactive services, transmitting the descriptions having service id information identifying each of the interactive services and service type information indicating a type of the each of the interactive services, and providing the interactive services by transmitting information for the interactive services.