IPTV Emergency Alert Server Embedding EAS Data in Video Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency alert systems (EAS) in IPTV networks face challenges in delivering EAS data across multiple video formats and do not effectively utilize the connectivity of IP networks for distributing EAS data, requiring repeated transmission for different formats and lacking efficient use of IP network functions for reception, formatting, streaming, and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for distributing EAS data over IPTV networks, involving a content source, an emergency alert server, a video streaming server, and client devices configured to receive and display alert data, including temporary tuning for video streams, and using existing infrastructure to preempt audio and display emergency alerts in a format suitable for packet-switched networks, ensuring minimal changes to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EAS data is transmitted separately for each video format in IPTV networks, then all video formats can receive emergency alerts, but the network bandwidth consumption increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges EAS data transmission with existing video stream transmission by embedding EAS data within the video stream packet structure. This allows single transmission of EAS data to serve multiple video format decoders simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate transmissions for each format and reducing network bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal EAS data transmission mechanism that serves multiple functions: it delivers emergency alerts to clients decoding various video formats (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, etc.) through a single transmission channel, while also maintaining compatibility with existing video streaming infrastructure.
2Productivity
If new EAS delivery infrastructure is deployed for IPTV networks, then efficient IP-based EAS data distribution is achieved, but system complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing video streaming infrastructure to serve EAS data delivery functions automatically. Video streaming servers and clients that already support standard video formats can self-configure to receive and process EAS data embedded in video streams without requiring separate dedicated EAS infrastructure or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing video streaming infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to handle both video content delivery and EAS data distribution through the same network channels and protocol structures, eliminating the need for separate EAS infrastructure deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If client devices are forced to tune to specific video channels for EAS alerts, then video format compatibility is ensured, but user viewing experience is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts EAS data from traditional channel-based transmission and embeds it directly within the video stream packet structure. This allows EAS data to be delivered alongside video content without requiring clients to switch channels or interrupt viewing, as the data is seamlessly integrated into the existing stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the video stream packet structure as an intermediary carrier to transport EAS data. This intermediary mechanism allows EAS information to be conveyed without requiring direct channel tuning or disrupting the video playback flow, as the data is embedded within the normal stream packets.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing emergency alert data (e.g., EAS messages) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data (which may comprise audio, video, and/or text), transport of the EAS data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display/present the EAS data in a manner which effectively guarantees that it will be perceived by the viewer. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for EAS data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed.