IPTV EPG Linking Broadcast Channels to Internet Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Uncontrolled Internet access through TVs poses risks of exposure to inappropriate content and lowers quality standards, failing to meet viewer expectations for selective screening, and does not provide benefits to TV-related entities.

Innovation Solution

A user interface listing broadcast TV programs with hyperlinks to Internet sources allows users to select and access TV programs from either broadcast or Internet sources, enabling flexible access to past, present, and future content, with an option to choose between TV and Internet sources for viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If uncontrolled Internet access is provided through TV, then flexibility and accessibility of content are improved, but content quality control and viewer safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and accessibility of contentVSAvoidexposure to inappropriate content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a controlled browser application and EPG-based link mechanism that mediates between the TV and Internet. This intermediary provides structured access to Internet content through broadcast program links, maintaining quality control while enabling Internet accessibility. The browser is restricted to accessing only URLs obtained through the EPG system, preventing uncontrolled access while preserving beneficial content access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If uncontrolled Internet access is provided through TV, then content accessibility is improved, but quality screening standards deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent accessibilityVSAvoidquality screening standards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the EPG system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional function of displaying broadcast program schedules and an additional function of providing controlled Internet content access. The EPG links are embedded within the broadcast program guide structure, allowing users to access Internet content through the same interface used for traditional TV programming, thereby maintaining quality standards while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If TV is programmed as a computer executing a browser, then Internet access capability is improved, but control and safety mechanisms deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet access capabilityVSAvoidcontrol and safety mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the browser functionality into a restricted, controlled application rather than allowing full browser capabilities. The browser is divided into specific functional components that only perform EPG link resolution and controlled web page display. This segmentation isolates the browser from the rest of the TV system, preventing it from accessing unauthorized sites or executing harmful code, thereby maintaining reliability while providing Internet access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9426532B2IPTV EPG linking broadcast channels to internet sources of scheduled programming

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 SATURN LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An EPG presented on an IPTV lists broadcast TV programming but when an entry on the EPG is selected, an Internet server, and not the TV broadcast source, is accessed and streams the listed programming to the IPTV.