Mobile Set-Top Box Channel Switching via Scheduled Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for switching TV channels, either by sequentially browsing through channels or entering channel numbers, are inefficient and inconvenient, as they require significant time to find the desired channel and demand user memory for channel numbers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a mobile terminal receives and displays channel information, allowing users to submit instructions to a set-top box to switch channels, using a registration code for verification and scheduling the transmission and execution of these instructions to ensure secure and timely channel changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sequential channel browsing is used, then users can find desired channels without memorizing numbers, but it takes a long time to switch channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of interaction by using a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet) as an intermediary between the user and the set-top box. This allows the user interface to be displayed on the mobile device screen, enabling efficient channel browsing and selection through touch interface, while the set-top box rapidly switches channels based on user input. This dimensional shift from traditional remote control to mobile device integration resolves the contradiction between ease of browsing and speed of channel switching.
2Loss of time
If channel numbers are entered directly, then channel switching is fast, but users must remember channel numbers making it inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between user intent and channel switching. Instead of requiring users to directly input channel numbers or manually browse through the set-top box interface, the mobile application provides a user-friendly interface for selecting channels, programs, or content. The mobile device then transmits the selected channel information to the set-top box, which executes the channel switch. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for users to remember channel numbers while maintaining fast switching capability.
3Productivity
If immediate channel switching is implemented, then user instructions are executed quickly, but it may cause operational interference and timing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary action by allowing users to schedule channel switching in advance. The mobile terminal enables users to set future times for channel changes, and the set-top box executes these pre-scheduled instructions at the appropriate moments. This preliminary planning capability ensures that channel switching occurs at optimal times without causing operational interference, while still maintaining rapid execution when the scheduled time arrives. The transmitting time and execution time parameters allow for buffer and coordination between devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for switching television channels. A mobile terminal receives channel information, and displays the channel information on a display screen, to allow a user operating the mobile terminal to submit an instruction for switching to a user desired channel. The mobile terminal transmits the user instruction to a set-top box to instruct the set-top box to switch to the user desired channel according to the user instruction. A registration code generated using IMEI or MEID of the mobile device is registered at the set-top box to verify the mobile device before receiving or executing the user instruction. The transmission or the execution of the user instruction may be delayed to a scheduled time without affecting the currently played program.