Audiovisual Program Sequence Management via Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcasting systems over IP networks restrict users to watching only one audiovisual program at a time, requiring constant channel switching due to strict synchronism and lack of simultaneous viewing capabilities, making it tedious to manage multiple programs of interest.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to program a sequence of audiovisual programs, automatically switching between them based on predetermined events, using a management system that interprets user input as a succession of program change commands and sends requests to subscribe to new broadcast groups, enabling simultaneous or delayed viewing of overlapping programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually switch channels to watch multiple programs, then they can view different programs of interest, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-program a sequence of programs they wish to watch before going to bed. The management system stores this sequence and automatically executes it by detecting program end events and triggering subscription requests for the next program in the sequence, eliminating the need for manual channel switching during sleep hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system automatically monitors program broadcasts, detects when a program ends, and autonomously subscribes the receiver to the next program in the pre-programmed sequence without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism handles the entire channel switching process automatically.
2Reliability
If the system maintains strict synchronism between channels, then broadcast timing is accurate, but users cannot watch multiple simultaneous programs
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs the sequence of programs the user wants to watch, storing the entire viewing schedule in advance. This allows the system to plan and execute multiple program viewings without requiring simultaneous live broadcasting, maintaining broadcast synchronism while enabling sequential access to multiple programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system acts as an intermediary between the broadcast network and the receiver. It detects program end events, manages subscription requests to broadcast groups, and controls the timing of program switches. This intermediary function enables the receiver to access multiple programs sequentially while the broadcast network maintains its strict synchronism.
3Extent of automation
If users program a sequence of programs in advance, then automatic channel switching is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management system performs multiple functions: it stores pre-programmed sequences, detects program end events by monitoring broadcasts, generates subscription requests for next programs, and controls the receiver's channel switching. This multi-functional approach consolidates automation capabilities into a single system that works with standard broadcast infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system serves as an intermediary layer between the simple user interface for programming and the complex automated execution requirements. It translates user-prepared sequences into automated detection and subscription actions, managing complexity internally while presenting a simple programming interface to users.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (20, 40, 50, 60) for managing a plurality of audiovisual programs (CH1, CH2) in a telecommunication network, each program being broadcast by a source (30) to a plurality of receivers (10) subscribed to a broadcasting group. Said system comprises means (60) for interpreting a sequence of audiovisual programs programmed by a user of one of said receivers, in the form of a succession of program changing instructions, a program changing instruction being triggered by the end of a previous program in the sequence; means (40) for detecting at least one pre-determined event (EV) at the beginning of the first program of the sequence, respectively at the end of one of the programs of the sequence; and means (20) for transmitting a first message (ZAP) to the receiver (10) following the detection process, this message (ZAP) being suitable for triggering the transmission, by the receiver (10), of a first request (AB) for the management system (20), to subscribe to a broadcasting group of the first program of the sequence, respectively of the program following the program of which the end has been detected, in the sequence.