Interactive Program Guide Trusted Source Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current television and satellite services lack the ability to display recommended programming from trusted sources within the on-screen programming guide, making it difficult for users to find suitable content amidst numerous channel options.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates recommended programming from trusted sources into the on-screen interactive program guide, allowing users to view and access these recommendations directly while browsing the guide, using a computing device and set-top box that communicates with a recommended programming server to retrieve and display trusted sources' reviews and ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of available TV channels is increased to provide hundreds of programming options, then the variety of content selection is improved, but the difficulty of making selections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having trusted sources pre-evaluate and recommend programs before the user views the guide. Recommendations are prepared in advance and stored in the program guide data structure, allowing users to immediately see trusted recommendations without having to manually evaluate each program themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
Trusted sources act as intermediaries between the vast array of available programs and the user. These trusted sources evaluate and filter content, providing curated recommendations that bridge the gap between content variety and user decision-making, reducing the cognitive load of selecting from hundreds of channels.
2Reliability
If external sources are consulted for programming recommendations, then the quality of recommendations is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the program guide functionality with trusted source recommendations into a single integrated display. Both the program information and recommendations are combined in one interface, eliminating the need for users to switch between multiple external sources and reducing system complexity while maintaining recommendation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to access external recommendation sources separately, the system copies the essential recommendation data into the program guide interface. This allows users to view trusted recommendations directly within the familiar program guide environment without adding external system dependencies.
3Measurement precision
If users manually search through multiple sources for recommendations, then the accuracy of program selection is improved, but the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Trusted sources pre-evaluate programs and prepare recommendations in advance, so when users view the program guide, accurate recommendations are already available immediately. This eliminates the time users would otherwise spend manually searching through multiple external sources while maintaining high selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A subscriber to a video service generally has available to them an on-screen program guide. The program guide lists programming (e.g., TV shows) that are available to the subscriber for a certain upcoming time period. The programming guide may sort the listings by channel and time, areas of interest, age appropriateness and/or MPAA or TV rating, free or additional cost, etc. In an embodiment, the programming guide includes an ability to make a selection to see which TV shows are recommended by reviewers. Such reviewers may be individuals or panels or institutions to which some credibility may be attached—a trusted source. After selecting a reviewer, the subscriber is made aware of the programs recommended by the selected reviewer.