IPTV Decoder Burst Zapping Request Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In IP protocol-based television systems, rapid successive channel change requests lead to network overloading and saturation, while existing solutions like virtual zapping introduce delays, reducing system reactivity and service quality.
Innovation Solution
A method where the digital decoder transmits a physical channel change request immediately upon receiving a channel change request and restarts a timeout period if another request is received, transmitting only the first and last requests in bursts and each request in simple zapping scenarios, along with control messages to inform the subscriber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the decoder transmits a physical channel change request for each channel change request received from the subscriber, then the system reactivity is improved, but the access network becomes overloaded and saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel change requests into a single physical transmission when they occur in rapid succession (burst zapping). The decoder transmits only the first and last requests of a burst sequence, combining the effect of multiple requests into fewer transmissions to the access network, thereby reducing network overload while maintaining the appearance of rapid response.
2Quantity of substance
If the decoder uses virtual zapping with a timeout period to reduce request transmissions, then the access network overload is reduced, but the system reactivity and service quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic timeout mechanism where the timeout period is adjusted based on the timing of received channel change requests. When requests arrive in rapid succession (burst zapping), the timeout is effectively reduced or reset, allowing faster transmission. When requests are spaced out (simple zapping), the full timeout period applies, reducing unnecessary transmissions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reducing network load and maintaining fast response.
3Speed
If the decoder transmits all channel change requests immediately, then the system reactivity is maximized, but network saturation occurs reducing overall service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameter (timeout duration) based on the operational mode detected. In burst zapping mode, the effective timeout is minimized by transmitting the last request immediately, preserving fast response. In simple zapping mode, the full timeout is applied to reduce redundant transmissions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high reactivity when needed while preventing network saturation, thereby preserving overall service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a channel change request in a television system operating according to the IP protocol. This method is implemented in a digital decoder of the subscriber and its purpose is to avoid overloading the access network in the case of burst zapping and avoid penalizing the reactivity time of the system in the case of simple zapping. In the case of reception of a burst of channel change requests separated by a time interval less than the duration of the predetermined timeout (Ttempo), the digital decoder transmits, to the access network of the system, two physical channel change requests, one for the first channel change request and the other for the last channel change request of the burst.