Online Application for Broadcast Signal Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcast signal navigation systems are limited by traditional programming guides, which are time-consuming and non-interactive, and do not leverage the full potential of modern computing and telecommunications for personalized and interactive TV experiences.
Innovation Solution
An online application that connects through two network connections, allowing users to navigate broadcast signals using a browser, providing flexible content services, advertising management, and roaming capabilities, while maintaining digital rights management and compatibility across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional programming guides are used to navigate broadcast signals, then the system structure is simple, but the navigation process becomes time-consuming and non-interactive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an online application as an intermediary between the user and broadcast signals. This online application, accessible through a browser, provides interactive navigation capabilities including search, filtering, and program information retrieval, thereby improving navigation efficiency without requiring complex changes to the underlying broadcast system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of interaction by implementing a two-network connection system. The first network connection delivers broadcast signals while the second network connection (typically Internet) delivers navigation and control commands to the online application, enabling rich interactive features without complicating the traditional broadcast signal path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local applications in STB are used for program guide navigation, then the system operates independently, but the navigation options and interactivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The online application provides universal navigation capabilities that can serve multiple functions: program guide browsing, search, filtering, information retrieval, and control signal generation. This single online application replaces multiple specialized local applications, increasing versatility while actually simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static local applications with fixed functionality to a dynamic online application that can be updated, configured, and adapted remotely. The online application can dynamically adjust navigation options, search criteria, and interface features based on user preferences and system capabilities, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex local processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PC is used in place of STB with local application, then the device flexibility increases, but the program guide application remains restricted to local functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The online application acts as an intermediary that bridges the PC's browsing capabilities with the broadcast signal control functions. The PC browser accesses the online application, which in turn communicates with the STB and broadcast system, thereby enabling the PC to leverage its full navigation and search capabilities while maintaining control over broadcast signals.
4Reliability
If digital rights management is implemented to protect broadcast content, then content security is improved, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The online application serves as an intermediary that handles digital rights management and access control. It authenticates users, manages entitlements, and controls access to both broadcast content and navigation features. This centralizes security functions in the online application, improving content protection while actually simplifying access control by eliminating the need for complex local authentication mechanisms in each device.
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed navigation of broadcast signals is provided through an on-line application connected through a second network connection. A customer receives the broadcast signals through a first network connection, and navigates the broadcast TV content through an on-line application by a browser connected through a second network connection. The present on-line application provides flexible and re-configurable content services, which will need to be customized once for each service provider, but will render consistently on a variety of PC and non-PC client devices. Further, the present on-line application can provide targeted advertising by maintaining an advertising profile for each viewer, determined in part by recording data about the navigating of the content of the broadcast signals, and by recording a plurality of selections of the viewer transmitted to the on-line application. The on-line capability further provides ease for roaming access.