Set-Top Box Ad Status Indicator Middleware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard set-top boxes lack the capability to provide users with advanced notice of advertisement playback status, leading to user annoyance when switching channels and interrupting the viewing experience during recorded programs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that determines advertisement status using middleware on set-top boxes, which generates and parses Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data with advertisement timing information to notify users before switching channels, allowing them to avoid advertisements during playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If STB provides advanced Ad status notification to users, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary Ad status indicator component that mediates between the broadcast content and the user interface. This indicator parses broadcast data to determine Ad status and presents this information to users through the existing STB interface, thereby improving user experience without fundamentally redesigning the STB architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The STB's existing broadcast reception and data processing capabilities are extended to also determine Ad status. The system uses the same broadcast data streams and processing infrastructure already present in the STB, making the Ad status notification feature a multi-functional use of existing components rather than requiring dedicated new hardware.
2Loss of information
If STB determines Ad status by parsing broadcast data, then Ad status information becomes available, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary parsing of broadcast data to extract Ad status information in advance of when the user needs it. By continuously monitoring and pre-processing the broadcast stream for Ad markers and timing information, the system has Ad status ready for immediate display when users navigate channels or access the program guide, eliminating delays at the moment of user interaction.
3Ease of operation
If STB displays Ad status indicator, then users can avoid advertisements, but additional interface elements are added
Solution Approach 1:
The Ad status indicator is implemented as a localized, context-specific interface element that appears only where relevant - in the program guide next to program listings and in the info bar during channel browsing. This localized approach provides Ad status information exactly where users need it for decision-making, without cluttering the entire interface or requiring comprehensive system-wide changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An advertisement status indicator method, system, and computer readable media implemented through a set-top box (STB) for determining Ad status during a program provides a user advance notice of the status of Ad playback. A request is received through the set top box to determine Ad status of one or more programs being broadcasted. The request may be access to an EPG grid displaying broadcasting information or a request to change channels. Ad status is determined for one or more programs being broadcasted. The Ad status is displayed to the user. Ad status may be based on Ad timing information and Time Offset/Date Table (TOT/TDT) values compared to Ad timing information generated with an Event Information Table (EIT). If the TOT/TDT value falls in a range of the Ad timing information, the Ad status of Ad playing is indicated to the user.