Multimedia Device Automatic Broadcast Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when switching from viewing a recorded TV series to its regular broadcast, often missing the beginning of the next episode or experiencing disconnection in the storyline due to overlapping viewing times and the need for manual key manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A multimedia device and method that automatically switches to the regular broadcast of a TV series from the beginning after completing the viewing of the recorded episode, with notifications for upcoming broadcast times, using a search unit, comparison unit, and controller to manage broadcast program information and playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually switches from recorded program to regular broadcast, then the user can view the next episode, but the user experiences disconnection in storyline and emotional absorption due to missing the beginning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual switching operationVSAvoidstoryline continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the regular broadcast schedule and prepares the automatic switching function before the user needs to switch programs. The controller detects broadcast program information including start times and episode sequences, and pre-configures the automatic switching logic to ensure seamless transition when the recorded program ends, thereby maintaining storyline continuity without requiring manual user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the regular broadcast starts while the user is viewing the recorded version, then the user can access the next episode, but the user must manually manipulate keys causing inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram switching flexibilityVSAvoidkey manipulation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting when the recorded program ends and when the regular broadcast of the next episode is available. The controller autonomously switches from the recorded program to the regular broadcast without requiring the user to manually manipulate keys. The system monitors broadcast program information, compares timing, and executes the switch automatically, making the operation convenient while maintaining flexibility in program access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the user finishes viewing the recorded episode and wants to continue to the next episode, then the user can view Episode 2, but the user misses the first half of Episode 2 due to timing overlap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing efficiencyVSAvoidcomplete episode viewing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the playback status of the recorded program and comparing it with the scheduled broadcast times of subsequent episodes. When the recorded program reaches its end, the controller receives feedback about the timing overlap with the next episode's broadcast and automatically adjusts by switching to the regular broadcast at the appropriate moment, ensuring the user views the complete episode without missing content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8774595B2Multimedia device and a method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8774595B2 patent drawing
  • US8774595B2 patent drawing
  • US8774595B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a multimedia device includes the steps of outputting a recorded broadcast program, parsing information related to the recorded broadcast program by using broadcast program information, searching for a broadcast program matching with the recorded broadcast program by using the parsed information, comparing a broadcast starting time of the searched broadcast program with an ending time of a broadcast program that is currently being outputted, and, based upon the compared result, when the broadcast starting time and the ending time overlap, playing-back the searched broadcast program when the broadcast program that is currently being outputted is ended.