Set-Top Box Control via Web Page Embedded Widget
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the inconvenience of having to manually access their set-top box to schedule or record digital broadcast content after performing a web search, as existing systems do not allow for direct integration of web search results with set-top box commands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable a processor to receive user requests to access a web page, scan the content for set-top box-related items, and provide an embedded widget for users to select commands, which are then sent to the set-top box for implementation, allowing remote control of the set-top box through a web interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users perform web searches to identify digital broadcast content, then users can find content information, but users must manually access their set-top box to schedule and/or record the content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the web browsing interface with set-top box control functionality by embedding a widget within the web page. This widget allows users to select and execute commands (schedule, record, etc.) directly from the web interface without needing to manually access the set-top box, thereby merging two separate operations into one integrated workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the user's web browser and the set-top box. The proxy server receives widget commands from the user through the web interface, translates them into appropriate set-top box commands, and forwards them to the set-top box for execution. This intermediary enables automated command transmission without requiring manual set-top box access
2Ease of operation
If users manually access set-top box after web search, then commands can be executed, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the web interface universal by enabling it to perform both information retrieval (web searching) and command execution (controlling set-top box) functions. The embedded widget transforms the web page into a multi-functional interface that can both display content information and directly control the set-top box, eliminating the need for separate manual access steps
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy server acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of system integration transparently. It receives simple widget commands from the user interface, translates them into the appropriate protocol for the set-top box, and manages the communication between the web environment and the set-top box system, thereby shielding users from the underlying system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer readable media for controlling a set-top box includes receiving at processor a request from a user to access a web page. The content of the web page is scanned at the processor for items relating to content that may be available through the set-top box. The processor then provides a web page to the user with an embedded widget which the user can use to select commands to be executed by the set-top box. The processor receives the widget command and sends the widget command to the set-top box for implementation.