Network Buffer for Seamless Live TV Pause and Resume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viewers cannot invoke trick functions such as pause, rewind, and fast forward in real-time during live network or broadcast television programming, as existing technologies require pre-recording of content for VOD services, limiting the ability to control video viewing experience across all devices in a household.
Innovation Solution
Adapting existing VOD equipment to provide a network-based personal video recording (NPVR) service by continuously recording and buffering real-time network programming, allowing trick functions to be applied seamlessly, using a modified VOD server system that stores each program as a separate file and utilizes an electronic program guide to identify assets and apply functions based on current time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VOD equipment is used to provide network-based personal video recording service, then trick functions can be invoked, but the content must be pre-recorded and stored as separate files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the VOD server infrastructure with live broadcast distribution to create a unified system. The VOD server continuously records live broadcasts and stores them as separate files, merging the live TV distribution function with the VOD storage and retrieval function. This allows the same infrastructure to support both live viewing and trick functions without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The VOD server is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a live broadcast distribution point and a storage system for recorded programs. The electronic program guide database serves dual purposes by providing both program information and asset identification for trick function processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment.
2Productivity
If live broadcast television is viewed in real-time, then no pre-recording is needed, but trick functions cannot be invoked
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording of live broadcasts continuously in the background before they are requested for viewing. The VOD server records broadcasts as they occur and stores them as separate files with associated metadata in the electronic program guide database. This preliminary action ensures that when a user requests to view a program and invoke trick functions, the content is already prepared and available.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic program guide database acts as an intermediary between the live broadcast input and the VOD storage/retrieval system. It stores asset identifiers that link broadcast content to recorded files, enabling the system to retrieve and play back content with trick functions while maintaining the appearance of real-time viewing.
3Ease of operation
If individual DVRs are installed at each television, then trick functions can be invoked locally, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VOD server performs the recording and trick function processing functions that would otherwise require separate DVR devices at each television. By centralizing these functions in a universal server system, the patent eliminates the need for multiple identical devices while maintaining the capability to invoke trick functions at any viewing location in the household.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of broadcast content as separate files in the VOD server's storage system. These copies can be retrieved and played back to multiple users simultaneously or sequentially, replacing the need for each user to have their own recording device. The electronic program guide database manages these copies through asset identifiers.
4Device complexity
If broadcasts are recorded as continuous streams, then storage is simplified, but individual program retrieval and trick function application become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments continuous broadcast streams into individual program files with distinct identifiers. Each program is stored as a separate file in the VOD server, and the electronic program guide database maintains a mapping between program titles, broadcast times, and asset identifiers. This segmentation enables easy retrieval and trick function application to specific programs while the underlying storage system manages the files efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability.