Multi-Perspective Instant Replay Set-Top Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive television systems face limitations in providing multi-perspective instant replays due to limited bandwidth and memory constraints, preventing viewers from requesting or replaying previously broadcast audio or video material from different perspectives without recording alternate perspectives.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for the automatic recording of multiple perspectives of a broadcast program, enabling viewers to replay alternate perspectives without interrupting the live broadcast, using a set top box with a storage device to store and play back recorded perspectives, and utilizing picture-in-picture (PIP) windows for simultaneous display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple perspectives of a broadcast program are recorded and stored for instant replay, then viewers can replay alternate perspectives without interrupting the live broadcast, but the memory storage requirements exceed the limited capacity of set top box memory
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multiple video perspectives into separate encoded streams, with only the currently viewed perspective being fully decoded and displayed. Alternate perspectives remain in encoded form until needed, dividing the processing and storage burden into manageable segments that fit within limited set top box memory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary encoding and compression of multiple video perspectives during the broadcast transmission phase. The set top box receives pre-encoded streams that require minimal local processing and storage, allowing multiple perspectives to be maintained in memory without exceeding capacity constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternate perspectives are transmitted through the broadcast network for instant replay, then viewers can access multiple perspectives, but the bandwidth requirements exceed the limited network capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting multiple full-resolution video streams, the system transmits compressed encoded copies of alternate perspectives. The set top box performs selective decoding only when a perspective change is requested, reducing network bandwidth requirements while maintaining the ability to provide multiple perspectives on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression and encoding parameters of video streams based on whether they are currently being viewed or are alternate perspectives. Actively viewed streams are decoded at full quality, while alternate streams maintain higher compression ratios, dynamically adjusting bandwidth consumption based on viewer needs.
3Productivity
If the set top box decodes and stores multiple video streams simultaneously, then instant replay from different perspectives is enabled, but the processing power and memory requirements are not met by typical set top box capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic resource allocation where the set top box processes and decodes video streams based on real-time viewer requests. When a perspective change is requested, the system dynamically switches decoding resources to the new perspective, rather than maintaining constant full decoding of all streams. This dynamic approach matches processing power consumption to actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the broadcast network to perform the heavy lifting of video encoding and preparation, with the set top box serving only as a lightweight client that receives pre-processed streams and performs minimal local decoding when needed. This self-service approach at the network level reduces the processing burden on customer premises equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing broadcasts comprises receiving a broadcast of the program containing a plurality of perspectives of the program and presenting at least one of the plurality of perspectives to a viewer. The method further includes automatically recording the plurality of perspectives in a storage device and playing alternate recorded perspectives for the viewer without interrupting the recording of the broadcast. A system for recording a broadcast containing a plurality of perspectives of a program is also disclosed.