Digital Media Server EAS Message Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital media servers in home networks, which are not DLNA compliant or configured to use UPnP, face challenges in processing and distributing Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages effectively, as they often receive EAS messages in formats like SCTE-18 that are not suitable for distribution to client devices.
Innovation Solution
A digital media server converts EAS messages from an unsuitable format (e.g., SCTE-18) to a suitable format (e.g., SCTE-162 or XML) and provides notification services to client devices, allowing them to subscribe to emergency alert messages, thereby ensuring delivery across residential Local Area Networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a digital media server receives EAS messages in SCTE-18 format from a service provider, then the server can receive emergency alert information, but the message format is not suitable for distribution to client devices on the home network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the message format parameters by converting SCTE-18 format EAS messages into SCTE-162 format messages that are suitable for home network distribution. This parameter change in message format enables compatibility with client devices while preserving the emergency alert functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital media server acts as an intermediary between the service provider and client devices. It receives messages in SCTE-18 format, converts them to SCTE-162 format, and distributes them to client devices, thereby mediating the format incompatibility between the service provider and home network devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DLNA compliant UPnP is used to distribute emergency alert messages on the home network, then client devices can receive emergency alert information, but servers and devices that are not DLNA compliant or configured to use UPnP cannot effectively process and distribute EAS messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the digital media server universal by enabling it to handle both DLNA/UPnP compliant devices and non-compliant devices. The server converts messages to a format that can be distributed to any client device on the home network, regardless of whether the devices support DLNA/UPnP, thereby achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The message format is changed from SCTE-18 to SCTE-162 to ensure compatibility with various client devices. This parameter change enables the system to reach devices that do not support DLNA/UPnP while maintaining reliable emergency alert distribution across the entire home network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the digital media server converts EAS messages from SCTE-18 to SCTE-162 format, then the messages become suitable for distribution to client devices, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The digital media server performs the format conversion automatically as part of its normal operation. The server self-services by receiving SCTE-18 messages, converting them to SCTE-162 format, and distributing them without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration, thereby managing the additional processing internally.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for processing an emergency alert message (e.g., a national warning system message e.g., an Emergency Alert System (EAS) message). The methods may comprise a digital media server receiving the message. The digital media server may notify client devices (that are connected to that server via a residential Local Area Network) that it has received such a message. The client devices notified may be those that have requested (e.g., to the digital media server) that they are notified if the digital media server receives such a message. The digital media server may convert the message from being in a first format to being in a second format. The digital media server may acquire, and provide for use by the client device, information that may be used a client device to ascertain whether the message is a new, an updated, or a duplicate message.