Media Download Control Engine for Set-Top Box Format Transcoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional set-top boxes lack the processing power and browsing capabilities to handle a wide variety of media file formats, limiting their ability to play back Internet media content, and users often rely on computers for media navigation and searches, while TVs struggle to provide users with specific content without active selection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a media service server and a client device, where a media download control engine enables playback of unsupported media files by transcoding them into formats supported by the client device, and a virtual channel engine creates customized, continuous content streams based on user interests, allowing for media search and retrieval directly on TVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If set top boxes are equipped with the same processing power and browsing capabilities as traditional PC computers, then media file format compatibility is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary component that handles the complex tasks of media file format conversion and processing. The set-top box remains simple and inexpensive, while the media server (which can be a PC) provides the advanced processing capabilities needed for wide media format compatibility. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability without making each set-top box expensive and complex.
2Device complexity
If set top boxes are kept simple and inexpensive, then device cost is reduced, but media file format compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal media playback system where the media server provides multi-functional support for numerous media file formats (video, audio, graphics), and this capability is made available to multiple set-top boxes through the network. Instead of each set-top box needing to support all formats individually, the system achieves universality through the shared media server, allowing simple devices to access diverse media formats.
3Measurement precision
If users actively select all content on computers, then content selection precision is improved, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a content recommendation system where the media server automatically analyzes user preferences, viewing history, and content characteristics to generate personalized content recommendations. This self-service approach allows the system to proactively present relevant content to users, reducing the time and effort required for content selection while maintaining high precision in content matching through automated analysis and recommendation algorithms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system is disclosed for media content search and retrieval, and a virtual television channel capable of using that system. A first aspect of the present system relates to a media download control engine which enables a client device with limited capabilities to play media content which comes from a website in a format not supported by the client device. A second aspect of the present system may make use of the media download control engine to obtain media content and create customized virtual channels.