Set-Top Box Presence Group Content Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multimedia content distribution systems are limited in allowing users to interact with others while engaging in tasks, as they often require users to be present at a networked computer and are tailored to specific audiences, restricting accessibility and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a set-top box device connected to a multimedia distribution system, allowing users to establish sessions, identify presence groups, and share video content selected by group members, enabling real-time interaction and content sharing across multiple devices within a group.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users interact through networked computer applications, then real-time interaction is enabled, but users must be present at a networked computer which restricts accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibilityVSAvoidSystem requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables multiple interaction modes across different devices (set-top boxes, personal computers, mobile devices) within a unified presence group framework, allowing users to interact regardless of device type or location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multimedia content is distributed to multiple set-top boxes, then content sharing is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveContent sharing capabilityVSAvoidSystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary to manage presence groups and coordinate content distribution across multiple set-top boxes, simplifying the architecture by centralizing control while enabling distributed content sharing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system distributes copies of multimedia content to multiple set-top boxes within a presence group, enabling simultaneous viewing and interaction without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If users are restricted to specific audiences for applications, then product tailoring is improved, but audience accessibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAudience flexibilityVSAvoidProduct suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically forms presence groups based on user selection and interaction, allowing flexible audience composition that can adapt to different content types and user preferences while maintaining appropriate access control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8661485B2Set top box device and method of distributing multimedia content

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method includes receiving first, second, and third content streams at a first device via a distribution system. The second content stream is selected by a second device and the third content stream is selected by a third device. The method also includes sending data to a display device to concurrently present the first, second, and third content streams and first, second, and third regions, respectively. A content control and buffer module is instructed to request a fourth content stream in response to receiving a request made at the second device. The method further includes sending data to the display device to display the fourth content stream in the first region. In response to the request, the first content stream replaces the second content stream in the second region.