Interactive TV Financial Services via Set-Top Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Financial services companies face challenges in providing self-service access to users without internet access or the ability to travel, as some services cannot be adequately described or completed over the telephone.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing cable and satellite television systems, along with universal remotes and telephone connections, to deliver interactive financial services, allowing users to view and interact with content on their TVs, and optionally confer with service representatives via phone for authentication and assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If financial services are provided over telephone, then accessibility for users without internet or travel ability is improved, but service completeness and complexity handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines telephone audio communication with television visual display to create an integrated service delivery system. The set-top box receives both audio signals from the telephone and video signals from the financial services provider, allowing users to hear service representatives while viewing service options and information on their TV screens, thereby achieving both accessibility and service completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box acts as an intermediary device between the telephone network, television, and financial services provider. It processes and coordinates multiple communication channels (audio from phone, video from provider) and presents them in an integrated manner, enabling comprehensive financial services to be delivered through a simple telephone interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If financial services are provided via internet, then service completeness and interactivity are improved, but accessibility for users without internet access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internet-based electronic communication system with a television-based delivery system. Instead of requiring users to access services through computers and internet browsers, the system delivers financial services through traditional television sets, which are already present in most households and do not require internet connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The television set serves multiple functions in this system: it displays service information, shows visual content from the financial services provider, and works in conjunction with the set-top box to provide both visual and audio interfaces. This universal device replaces the need for specialized internet access devices
3Reliability
If in-person service is provided, then service completeness and authentication reliability are improved, but user convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the in-person service experience by delivering visual and audio content through television. The set-top box receives and displays video content from the financial services provider, allowing users to see service representatives and interact with them as if in person, while remaining in the comfort of their own homes
Data Source
AI summary
Cable and satellite television systems, televisions, and universal remotes are used to provide interactive financial self-services to users. The cable or satellite system provides a connection between a user and a financial services company. A television or other display device connects to the cable or satellite system and displays content from the financial services company to a user. The user may enter data and navigate through the content via a back channel using a universal remote or other input device. The user may thus complete the content, such as completing a loan application, opening a bank account, or purchasing insurance. The user may provide authentication information to receive personalized content.