Packet Processor Global Pause for Streaming Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing a system-wide pause function for real-time digital streaming of multiple channels in environments like aircraft entertainment systems is challenging, especially since viewers are not typically in control of the content and interruptions, such as announcements, can disrupt viewing experiences.
Innovation Solution
A global pause function is implemented using a packet processor with a main controller that automatically stores content from multiple channels during interruptions, allowing seamless resumption of playback without user activation and minimizing memory requirements, thereby preventing loss of data during channel changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a global pause function is implemented for real-time digital streaming of multiple channels, then content continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the content storage into channel-specific segments within the memory device. Each channel has its own dedicated storage area, allowing the pause function to operate independently on each channel without affecting others. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining content continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet processor acts as an intermediary between the satellite receiver and the display device. It automatically intercepts pause signals from the satellite system and manages the content storage and playback resumption, eliminating the need for complex user control interfaces and simplifying the user experience.
2Loss of information
If automatic content storage during interruptions is implemented, then data loss is prevented, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing content data in memory before the actual playback interruption occurs. When a pause signal is received, the content has already been buffered, allowing immediate resumption without data loss. This preliminary buffering mechanism prevents information loss while using minimal memory compared to storing entire programs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing complete programs or channels, the system implements partial action by only storing the necessary content segments that correspond to the current playback position and the interruption duration. This partial storage approach prevents data loss during pauses while significantly reducing memory requirements compared to full program storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time digital streaming of hundreds of channels is provided, then content variety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packet processor serves multiple functions: it receives satellite signals, processes pause commands, manages content storage, and controls playback resumption across all channels. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single device rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby supporting hundreds of channels without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting pause signals from the satellite system and autonomously managing content storage and playback resumption without requiring user intervention. This automatic operation simplifies the user interface while the packet processor handles the complex background tasks of content management across multiple channels.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method (1100) and apparatus (702) for inhibiting the interruption of the content being consumed by a user that is provided by an entertainment system. The method (1100) and apparatus (702) of the present disclosure may detect an interruption event and determine, based on the current state of a user, whether the interruption event matches the current state of the user. If the method (1100) and apparatus (702) of the present disclosure determine that the interruption event does not match the current state of the user, the method (1100) and apparatus (702) of the present disclosure may inhibit the interruption of the content being consumed by the user.