Location-Based Broadcast Channel Selection for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices using IP video applications cannot stream television content from broadcast channels outside their licensed geographic location, resulting in a static and non-operational channel list when the device is moved, leading to user disconnection during travel.
Innovation Solution
A method for location-based broadcast channel selection and update, where a mobile device determines its location and queries a license server for available channels, mapping and updating the channel list to reflect the new location, allowing seamless streaming by reconfiguring the IP video application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IP video application uses a static channel list configured at home location, then the device can stream content reliably at home, but the channel list becomes non-operational when the device moves to a different geographic location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel list updates by continuously monitoring the mobile device's geographic location and automatically requesting updated channel lists from the service provider when location changes are detected. This transforms the static channel configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to the user's current location, resolving the contradiction between reliable home streaming and location adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the mobile device reports its location to the service provider, which then determines whether the device has entered a new geographic area. Based on this feedback, the service provider sends updated channel list information back to the device, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both reliability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile device continuously updates its channel list based on location changes, then location adaptability is improved, but network traffic and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing location area codes that define geographic boundaries in advance. The system only triggers channel list updates when the device crosses these pre-defined boundaries, preventing unnecessary network communications and processing when the device remains within the same location area, thus reducing network traffic while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by updating only the channel list information that has changed rather than transmitting complete channel lists repeatedly. The service provider compares the device's current location with previously served locations and sends only the necessary updates, reducing network traffic and processing overhead while maintaining full location adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for location based broadcast channel selection and update for mobile devices. The location based broadcast channel selection and update method includes determining a location of a mobile device. The location is checked against a current location area. A query is sent to a license server with the location if the location is beyond the current location area. A list of television broadcast channels associated with the location is sent by the license server and the received list of television broadcast channels are mapped against the current list of television broadcast channels. The mobile device is reconfigured with the mapped list of television broadcast channels.