Set Top Box Local Configuration Mode for Network Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video sequence playback devices face difficulties in establishing connections to personalization servers, leading to user confusion due to default English language error messages, especially in high-definition setups where correct configuration is crucial but fails without language adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow switching to a local configuration mode if remote server connection fails, enabling users to select their territory and language, with messages adapted accordingly, and attempting to reconnect to the remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the device connects to the remote server for personalization, then the device can automatically detect and adapt to the correct territory and language, but the connection may fail due to network issues, modem problems, or configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by attempting to connect to the remote server before finalizing personalization. If the connection fails, the system has already prepared a fallback mechanism (local configuration mode) that allows manual territory selection, ensuring that personalization can still be completed despite connection issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system cushions against potential connection failures by having a predefined fallback option (local configuration mode with manual territory selection). This preparatory measure ensures that automatic personalization failure does not leave the device in an unusable state, but rather transitions smoothly to a manual configuration alternative.
2Device complexity
If the device displays error messages in the default language (English), then the device maintains simplicity in its default state, but users who do not understand English become confused and unable to configure the device correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The error message display dynamically adapts based on the detected territory. When the device successfully connects to the remote server, it retrieves the appropriate language for the user's location and displays error messages in that language. This dynamic adaptation maintains simplicity for local users while improving comprehension for non-English speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the language parameter of error messages based on the detected territory. By modifying this single parameter (display language) according to the user's location, the system maintains a simple default state while adapting to user needs when connection information is available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device requires network connection for personalization, then the device can provide accurate territory-specific services and content, but the configuration process becomes blocked when network connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The personalization process is segmented into two independent paths: automatic personalization (requiring network connection) and manual personalization (working without network). This segmentation allows users to choose or be directed to the appropriate path based on network availability, ensuring that territory-specific services can be configured regardless of connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The local configuration mode acts as an intermediary when the remote server connection is unavailable. Instead of blocking the configuration process entirely, this intermediary mechanism allows users to manually input their territory information, bridging the gap between network unavailability and the need for territory-specific personalization.
4Ease of manufacture
If the device uses a fixed default country setting, then the device is simple to manufacture and deploy, but the device cannot adapt to different countries and territories where it is deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal personalization capabilities that can function in multiple modes (automatic and manual). By making the personalization system multi-functional, the device can be deployed universally with a default setting while simultaneously adapting to specific countries and territories through either automatic detection or manual user input, eliminating the need for country-specific device variants.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device i.e. digital set top box (101), has a customization unit (119) to customize the device according to customization parameters depending on a territory. A connection unit connects the device to a service platform type remote server (108) via a digital data receiver (116), where the server transmits information to the device in case of a successful connection. A programmable memory (112) e.g. Flash memory, has a switching unit (120) to switch the device to a local configuration mode in case of connection failure, where the mode allows a user to select the territory. An independent claim is also included for a method of configuring a video sequence restoring device.