Unified Virtual Channel Map for RF and IP Digital Video Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video receivers (DVRs) face challenges in integrating radio frequency (RF) and Internet Protocol (IP) virtual channels, leading to difficulties in managing and tuning channels across different delivery networks, which limits user flexibility and channel accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital video receiver system with an RF tuner, network interface, and virtual channel manager that receives and processes both RF and IP transport streams, determining virtual channel numbers and associating them with delivery parameters in a unified virtual channel map, enabling seamless selection and tuning of RF and IP channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate management systems are used for RF and IP channels, then each system can be optimized independently, but channel accessibility and user flexibility are limited across different delivery networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RF virtual channel map (VCM) and IP virtual channel map (VCM) into a unified virtual channel map structure. The virtual channel manager integrates both RF and IP channel information, allowing users to access channels from different delivery networks through a single interface. This combines previously separate management systems into one unified system, improving channel accessibility across networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified virtual channel map structure serves multiple functions: it stores both RF and IP channel information, provides a common interface for channel selection, and enables tuning to channels from different delivery networks through the same mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate management systems while maintaining optimized access to both RF and IP channels.
2Ease of operation
If a unified virtual channel map is implemented for both RF and IP channels, then user flexibility and channel accessibility are improved, but the complexity of managing and maintaining accurate channel information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual channel manager automatically receives VCM data sets from both RF and IP delivery networks, parses the information, and maintains the unified virtual channel map without requiring manual intervention. The system self-updates channel information by processing incoming data sets and adjusting the map accordingly, reducing the burden of maintaining accurate channel information while providing user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives updates from both RF and IP networks about channel availability and status. The virtual channel manager processes these feedback signals and automatically adjusts the unified virtual channel map to reflect current network conditions, ensuring accurate channel information is maintained without increasing operational complexity for users.
3Reliability
If real-time updates of virtual channel map data are implemented, then accurate channel information is maintained, but the processing load and system resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual channel manager processes VCM data set updates selectively rather than continuously analyzing all data. The system performs partial updates by comparing incoming data with existing information and only processing changes, reducing processing load while maintaining accurate channel information in real-time or near-real-time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports both closed and open network models, then adaptability to different delivery networks is enhanced, but the complexity of integrating different network protocols and formats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual channel manager acts as an intermediary layer between different network models (closed and open). It receives VCM data sets from various network sources, standardizes the information into a unified format, and presents a consistent interface to users. This mediator approach enables compatibility with different network models without requiring complex protocol integration throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs for implementing radio frequency (RF) and Internet Protocol (IP) virtual channel maps (VCM) in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver (DVR) are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for managing virtual channel information in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver. One such method comprises: receiving a data set associated with at least one IP transport stream; determining at least one virtual channel number (VCN) and at least one corresponding delivery parameter associated with the IP transport stream; and associating the VCN with the delivery parameter in a virtual channel map (VCM).