Set-Top Box Content Guide for Over-the-Top Supplemental Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional television systems require users to switch to a separate device, such as a computer, to access supplemental content related to a TV program, which is inconvenient and disrupts the viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to view supplemental content directly on their TV by displaying a content guide with selectable options for both primary TV channels and auxiliary channels, enabling easy access to over-the-top content associated with the current TV program, through a processing resource that maps the TV program to a network address and retrieves the supplemental content for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users access supplemental content through a separate device like a computer, then they can view additional content from content sponsors, but they must leave the television viewing experience and use a disparate location device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the television set-top box with web browsing capabilities, merging the primary viewing device with supplemental content access. The set-top box now handles both broadcast content and over-the-top web content, eliminating the need for separate devices and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is transformed into a multi-functional device that can deliver both traditional broadcast television content and internet-based over-the-top content through a single interface, making the television system universal for all content types.
2Loss of information
If users switch to a computer to view supplemental content, then they can access additional information, but the viewing experience is disrupted and requires moving to another room
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads and makes available supplemental content options directly through the set-top box interface, so users can access additional information without needing to physically move to another device or location, saving time and maintaining viewing continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional television systems are used, then users can view broadcast content, but they cannot easily access over-the-top content without additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box is enhanced to serve as a universal platform that handles both traditional broadcast content and internet-based over-the-top content through a unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A content manager initiates play back of corresponding content on a display screen. The corresponding content is received on a primary broadcast channel selected amongst multiple available channels. During play back of the corresponding content, the content manager receives selection of over-the-top content available over a secondary channel with respect to the primary broadcast channel. The over-the-top content includes supplemental content associated with the corresponding content. In response to receiving the selection of over-the-top content, the content manager: i) retrieves the over-the-top content, and ii) initiates play back of the over-the-top content on the display screen. Accordingly, the user can selectively retrieve and play back supplemental content associated with a primary broadcast channel.