Segmentation Messages for Accurate PVR Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal video recorders (PVRs) and video on demand (VOD) services face challenges in accurately recording and retrieving multimedia content due to inaccuracies in electronic program guide (EPG) data, leading to missed content, incomplete recordings, and limitations in handling program overruns or unscheduled events, as well as issues with advertising insertion and rights management.
Innovation Solution
Insertion of segmentation messages into program signal streams to accurately identify program boundaries, rights, and advertising insertion points, enabling precise storage and retrieval of content, and managing rights-related information for authorized transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EPG data is used to determine program start and end times, then program scheduling information is provided, but recording accuracy deteriorates when actual broadcast times differ from scheduled times
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation messages embedded in the broadcast stream to provide real-time feedback on actual program boundaries. These messages contain timing information that corrects any discrepancies between EPG scheduled times and actual broadcast times, enabling the recording system to adjust and maintain high accuracy despite schedule changes
Solution Approach 2:
Segmentation messages are inserted into the broadcast stream in advance of program boundaries to provide提前 warning and precise timing information. This preliminary action allows the recording system to prepare for exact boundary detection before the actual program start or end occurs, ensuring accurate recording even when schedules change
2Quantity of substance
If PVR records only last X minutes of program material, then storage requirements are reduced, but content completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments programs into discrete units based on segmentation messages that mark program boundaries, chapters, and significant content sections. This allows the PVR to store only the necessary segments rather than continuous material, reducing storage requirements while maintaining complete content through precise segmentation at meaningful boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the recording parameter from fixed time-based recording (last X minutes) to variable content-based recording based on segmentation messages. This parameter change enables the system to record only the portions of content that are actually needed, improving storage efficiency while maintaining completeness through intelligent content identification
3Device complexity
If PVR uses standalone device with separate remote control, then device functionality is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple remote controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the PVR's recording control functions with the existing TV remote control by using universal infrared receivers or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the TV remote to also control PVR functions such as recording, pausing, and fast-forwarding, eliminating the need for a separate PVR remote and improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
4Ease of operation
If PVR records programs based on EPG schedule, then programming selection is simplified, but adaptability to program overruns and unscheduled events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation messages embedded in the broadcast stream to provide real-time feedback on actual program boundaries and schedule changes. This feedback mechanism allows the PVR to automatically adapt to program overruns, unscheduled events, and schedule changes without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of use while significantly improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static EPG-based scheduling to dynamic recording control using real-time segmentation messages. This dynamic approach allows the recording system to automatically adjust to changing program schedules, handle unscheduled events, and adapt to broadcast variations while maintaining user-friendly operation through automated response
5Device complexity
If PVR has limited number of tuners, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but productivity in recording multiple programs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments programs into discrete time-based slices using segmentation messages that mark precise boundaries. This segmentation allows a single tuner to effectively record multiple programs simultaneously by capturing different time segments of each program, multiplying the effective recording capacity without adding physical tuners or increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.