Set-Top Box Synchronization via Event Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional television signal distribution systems are limited to one-way communication, preventing synchronized content display across multiple devices in different locations, which restricts simultaneous viewing of the same program by multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing content across multiple set-top boxes and display devices via a network, allowing a master set-top box to control and synchronize content with slave set-top boxes, enabling simultaneous viewing of the same program across different user premises through a synchronization database and graphical user interfaces for overt or covert synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional one-way television signal distribution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but synchronized content display across multiple devices is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization server as an intermediary component that coordinates between master and slave set-top boxes. The server receives synchronization requests, manages authorization, and distributes synchronization signals to enable coordinated content display across multiple devices without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between set-top boxes, thus managing complexity through a centralized mediator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the synchronization functionality into distinct roles: master set-top box (initiator), slave set-top boxes (followers), and synchronization server (coordinator). This segmentation allows each component to have specialized responsibilities, enabling synchronized display capability while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple set-top boxes are synchronized across different user premises, then simultaneous viewing capability is enabled, but network communication infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing network infrastructure (internet connectivity, TCP/IP protocols) for multiple purposes: content delivery, synchronization signaling, and device communication. By making the system universal and compatible with standard network infrastructure already present in most households, the patent enables simultaneous viewing capability without requiring specialized or additional communication hardware.
3Reliability
If event messages are communicated via network to synchronize content, then content synchronization is achieved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system uses periodic event messages triggered by content changes (channel changes, program starts, pausing) rather than continuous communication. The master set-top box sends event messages only when synchronization-relevant events occur, and slave boxes respond with acknowledgment messages. This periodic, event-driven approach ensures reliable content synchronization while minimizing network communication overhead compared to continuous polling or streaming.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may include receiving a device identifier that identifies a first device, the first device being capable of causing display of first content at a first display device, and communicating a synchronization request that includes the device identifier via a network. Systems and methods may further include receiving an event message from the first device via the network, the event message identifying the first content the first device is causing display at the first display device, wherein the event message is useable to synchronize second content a second device causes display at a second display device with the first content the first device is causing display at the first display device.