Set-Top Box Metadata Search Using Button Field Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic program guides (EPGs) do not efficiently utilize additional program metadata for intuitive and easy searching, limiting user ability to find similar programs beyond predefined keywords.
Innovation Solution
A method using a media device, such as a set-top-box, controlled by an input device like a remote control, allows users to search program metadata by associating input device buttons with specific data fields, enabling comparison and retrieval of programs with similar metadata descriptions, with the option for combined searches and logical operators like 'OR' for expanded search functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional program metadata is provided in EPG data, then the amount of information available for searching increases, but the ability to search such data efficiently has not improved sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large volume of program metadata into multiple predefined keyword categories (e.g., action, comedy, drama, romance). Each keyword is assigned a weight value representing its importance. This segmentation allows the system to manage and search through large amounts of metadata efficiently by breaking it down into searchable components rather than treating it as a monolithic data structure.
2Extent of automation
If predefined keywords with predetermined importance levels are used for searching, then the search process becomes automated, but the user is only able to search for similar programs as defined by previously created and categorised keywords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic search capabilities where users can modify the flexibility and scope of searches after initialization. Users can adjust the number of results returned, change the importance weighting of keywords, and refine search criteria based on initial results. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance automation with user-specific needs, adapting the predefined keyword framework to individual search preferences without requiring complete re-categorization of metadata.
3Measurement precision
If multiple predefined keywords with weighted algorithms are used for similarity matching, then the search can identify similar programs, but the user interface requires complex interactions beyond simple button presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining keyword categories and weightings before the user initiates a search. The system pre-processes program metadata into structured keyword fields with assigned importance levels. When a user presses a search button, the system immediately utilizes these pre-prepared structures to perform similarity matching, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex search parameters and reducing interface complexity while maintaining precise similarity measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for searching program metadata using a media device, such as a set-top-box, to search for other programs related to a particular program. Program metadata is received at the media device, the program metadata comprising a plurality of data fields populated with accompanying data for each of a plurality of television programs. The media device is controlled by an input device, such as a remote control, and an input, such as a button, of the input device is associated with a data field. It is determined when an input, associated with a data field, is activated and in response the accompanying data within the associated data field, for a first program, is compared with the corresponding accompanying data of a plurality of other television programs. Data is then presented to the user, relating to those television programs having substantially equivalent data in the selected data field to the selected program. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.