Set-Top Box Messaging and Social Integration via SETP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional set-top boxes lack integration with user devices and online services, limiting user interaction and media sharing, and fail to coordinate with telecommunications services, leading to a fragmented media experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables messaging, information retrieval, and social network services through set-top boxes by using a Simple and Extensible Transmission Protocol (SETP) for communication between user devices and set-top boxes, allowing for location-based services and seamless integration with telecommunications and media environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If set-top box uses conventional infrared remote controller for user interaction, then user can specify program selection, but user interaction is limited and no coordination with other devices is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond traditional program selection. It now supports messaging services, information retrieval, social network services, and location-based services by receiving device events from various user devices (mobile phones, tablets, PCs) and executing corresponding applications, transforming a single-function device into a multi-functional hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box acts as an intermediary device between user devices and service providers. It receives device events from user devices, processes them through application execution, and delivers appropriate services (messaging, information retrieval, social networking) while coordinating with both the user's personal devices and the service provider's infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If set-top box operates independently without integration, then device complexity is low, but media sharing and service integration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: user devices that generate device events, the set-top box that processes events and executes applications, and service providers that deliver content and services. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while achieving complex integrated functionality through their interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is designed as a universal platform capable of handling multiple types of device events from different device types (mobile phones, tablets, PCs) and executing multiple applications (messaging, information retrieval, social networking). This multi-functionality enables service integration without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Productivity
If set-top box provides only traditional television services, then device complexity remains low, but user engagement with online activities and media sharing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box implements dynamic application execution based on received device events. Rather than providing static traditional services only, the system dynamically adapts its behavior by executing different applications (messaging, information retrieval, social networking) according to the type of device event received, enabling flexible user engagement with online activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-initiate services through their personal devices. Users can send device events from their mobile phones, tablets, or PCs to the set-top box, which then automatically executes appropriate applications and provides services without requiring direct intervention or complex configuration by the user, enhancing ease of use and engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information.