Set-Top Box Middleware for Integrated Entertainment Data and Purchasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot easily access detailed information about television programs and cast members while viewing TV or channel surfing on a set-top box, as existing systems do not provide integrated entertainment data retrieval and purchasing options.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a set-top box with a middleware device to receive requests for additional information about TV programs or cast members, displaying enhanced entertainment data, including merchandise options, and allowing users to purchase selected items, with billing integrated into a monthly service charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a set top box is used for viewing TV programs, then the basic function of receiving and displaying television content is achieved, but the ability to access detailed entertainment data and merchandise information is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the set-top box with a middleware device to integrate multiple functions: receiving television content, accessing entertainment databases (like IMDB), and providing merchandise purchasing capabilities. This merging allows users to access comprehensive entertainment data and complete transactions through a single device without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box system is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond basic TV reception, including displaying detailed program information, cast member data, plot summaries, and enabling merchandise purchases. The middleware device acts as a universal platform that handles various entertainment data requests and transaction types through a unified interface.
2Ease of operation
If online entertainment data is accessed through separate devices like computers, then detailed information is available, but the convenience of accessing it while viewing TV is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The middleware device serves as an intermediary between the set-top box and external entertainment databases. It receives requests from the set-top box, queries databases like IMDB for detailed information, and returns the data in a format suitable for display on the television screen, enabling seamless access to entertainment data during TV viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the traditional TV viewing experience by adding an information dimension. Instead of only displaying video content, the set-top box now provides layered information including program details, cast information, and merchandise options, transforming the two-dimensional screen into a multi-information display interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If merchandise purchasing capability is added to the set top box, then integrated entertainment experience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The purchasing capability is merged into the existing set-top box system through the middleware device. The same interface used for displaying entertainment information is also used for presenting merchandise options and processing purchases, combining information display and transaction functions in a unified system rather than adding separate hardware.
4Ease of operation
If integrated billing system is implemented in the set top box, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service billing by automatically retrieving stored billing information (credit card details, billing addresses) from the subscriber account database when a purchase is made. The middleware device handles the entire billing process automatically without requiring users to manually enter payment information or visit separate billing systems, making the complex billing process transparent and convenient for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing enhanced entertainment data. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for providing enhanced entertainment data includes receiving a request for additional information related to a selected show and displaying the additional information, which includes a list of selectable merchandise associated with the selected show, in response to the request. In one embodiment, the method presents information related to a selected merchandise and an option for a user to purchase the selected merchandise. The method may further include retrieving a billing address associated with a subscriber account associated with the user in response to receiving a purchase request for the selected merchandise and placing an order for the selected merchandise using the billing address. The method may also include billing the order as part of a monthly service charge to the user.