IPTV Bandwidth Control via Dynamic Program Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IPTV systems, multiple Set Top Boxes sharing the same user bandwidth cannot access services effectively without expanding physical bandwidth, leading to high costs and inefficient use of bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an Electronic Program Guide Server and a Management Platform that determine the remaining user bandwidth and generate a program list of media contents with bandwidths less than or equal to the available bandwidth, allowing multiple Set Top Boxes to share the same bandwidth efficiently by selecting and playing media contents that match the available bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Set Top Boxes share the same user bandwidth in IPTV system, then the physical bandwidth does not need to expand, but the remaining bandwidth of the original line will not be utilized effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the bandwidth allocation and program selection based on real-time bandwidth availability. The EPG server dynamically generates program lists according to the remaining bandwidth, and the Set Top Box dynamically selects programs that match the available bandwidth, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that optimizes bandwidth utilization across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of program bandwidth selection based on the remaining user bandwidth. By filtering programs according to their bandwidth requirements and comparing them with the available bandwidth, the system adapts the service delivery parameters to match the actual network capacity, ensuring efficient bandwidth usage
2Reliability
If a new indoors line is added for each Set Top Box, then each device can access services independently, but the cost for users increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single user bandwidth to serve multiple Set Top Boxes by implementing universal access control. The EPG server acts as a mediator that manages program distribution to multiple devices sharing the same bandwidth, allowing one bandwidth resource to perform multiple service access functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG server serves as an intermediary between the bandwidth provider and multiple Set Top Boxes. It receives bandwidth information, generates appropriate program lists, and coordinates program distribution to ensure reliable service access for all devices without requiring separate dedicated bandwidth for each
3Ease of manufacture
If the original physical bandwidth is not expanded, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but multiple Set Top Boxes cannot access services simultaneously effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a new dimension of program selection and bandwidth matching between the Set Top Box and available content. By adding the dimension of program bandwidth classification and selective filtering, the system enables multiple devices to access services simultaneously through intelligent program selection rather than requiring additional physical bandwidth infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for controlling bandwidth of multiple Set Top Boxes of a single user in an IPTV system, the method comprises: saving content bandwidth of every media content by the EPG of the IPTV system (101); when receiving a start-up and log-in request or a request for switching programs of the present Set Top Box operating currently in multiple Set Top Boxes sharing an identical user bandwidth transmitted by the EPG, a Management Platform of the IPTV system sending the remaining user bandwidth corresponding to the present Set Top Box to the EPG (102); the EPG comparing the remaining user bandwidth with content bandwidth of every media content saved by itself, and generating a program list of media contents whose content bandwidths are less than or equal to the remaining user bandwidth for the present Set Top Box to select and use (103). The embodiment of the present invention can make multiple Set Top Boxes sharing an identical user bandwidth utilize the identical user bandwidth effectively.