Local Channel Integration with OTT Services Through Unified EPG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers are unable to seamlessly integrate local broadcast channels with over-the-top streaming media services, leading to user confusion, inefficient network resource usage, and increased bandwidth consumption due to toggling between separate applications and devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies user location, maps local channel IDs to OTT service IDs, downloads EPG data and metadata, and merges local channels with OTT services for a unified display, reducing the need for separate hardware and minimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users toggle between separate OTA and OTT applications to view different content sources, then both local broadcast channels and streaming services remain accessible, but user confusion increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple content delivery sources (OTA local broadcast channels and OTT streaming services) into a single unified application interface. The system integrates channel lineups from both sources, allowing users to view and access content from both local and streaming channels without switching applications, thereby eliminating user confusion while maintaining accessibility to all content sources
Solution Approach 2:
The unified application performs multiple functions by simultaneously managing OTA channel reception, OTT service integration, EPG data aggregation from multiple sources, and seamless channel switching. This multi-functional approach allows a single application to replace what previously required separate dedicated applications for different content sources
2Adaptability or versatility
If users maintain separate applications for OTA and OTT services, then content accessibility is preserved, but network bandwidth consumption increases due to redundant data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the data transmission pathways by consolidating EPG data requests and channel information retrieval into a single unified application. This prevents redundant network requests that would occur when separate applications independently query for channel and program information, thereby reducing overall network bandwidth consumption while maintaining full content accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching EPG data and channel information in a centralized manner. This allows the unified application to serve content metadata from local cache rather than repeatedly requesting the same data from network sources, reducing redundant network transmissions and bandwidth usage
3Reliability
If separate hardware devices are used for OTA and OTT services, then service reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal set-top box platform capable of handling both OTA broadcast reception and OTT streaming services through integrated software modules. The system uses a single hardware device with multi-functional capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each service type while maintaining the reliability of both services through proper software architecture and service management
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for unifying local channels with Over-the-Top (OTT) services (e.g., Internet-streaming media services). In one example aspect, a location is determined. Based on the determined location, a list of local channels available for broadcast in the geographic area is retrieved. The list of local channels is then compared to a list of channels offered via at least one OTT service. Based on the comparison with the OTT service channel offering, a subset of available local channels may be determined. The electronic programming guide (EPG) data and other programming metadata associated with the local channels may be downloaded and provided to the OTT service. The local channels, along with the EP G data and programming metadata, may be merged with the OTT service so that the local channels may be streamed via the OTT service.