Set-Top Box Custom Content Channel via Playlist

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for providing custom video content to end users are expensive and inefficient, particularly through dedicated channels in satellite and cable transmission systems, and require manual effort with a risk of human error, especially when using digital video disks (DVDs).

Innovation Solution

A set-top box (STB) device system that includes a custom content channel module to access and play custom video content via a generated playlist, allowing seamless integration with standard video content, using a communication network for transmission and storage of video files, enabling user-friendly channel selection and interactive experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom video content is transmitted via a dedicated channel, then content delivery is reliable and seamless, but transmission cost increases and bandwidth availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent delivery reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates playlist files that are copies of custom video content metadata and distribution information, which are then distributed to multiple STB devices. This allows the same custom content to be delivered to numerous users without requiring dedicated transmission channels for each user, thereby reducing transmission costs while maintaining reliable content delivery through the standardized playlist mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal playlist format and STB processing mechanism that can handle both custom video content and standard broadcast content through the same interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to deliver custom content efficiently over shared infrastructure without requiring separate dedicated channels, reducing transmission costs while maintaining delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If custom video content is distributed via DVD, then content can be delivered to multiple users, but manual effort increases and human error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent distribution capacityVSAvoidmanual effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated playlist generation and distribution where the system itself performs the work of creating playlist files, formatting them according to specifications, and distributing them to STB devices. This self-service automation eliminates manual DVD authoring and distribution processes, thereby reducing manual effort and the risk of human error while maintaining the ability to deliver content to multiple users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical DVD distribution process with an electronic digital distribution system. Instead of physically manufacturing and distributing DVD discs, the system uses digital playlist files transmitted over communication networks to STB devices. This substitution eliminates manual DVD authoring and physical distribution, reducing both manual effort and human error risk while maintaining multi-user delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If dedicated channels are allocated to many end users, then each user receives custom content reliably, but bandwidth restrictions prevent sufficient channel allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom content deliveryVSAvoiduser coverage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates and distributes playlist files that contain references to custom video content. These playlist copies can be replicated and distributed to an unlimited number of STB devices without consuming additional transmission bandwidth for the actual video content. This copying mechanism enables reliable custom content delivery to many users simultaneously by using shared broadcast infrastructure rather than dedicated channels for each user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the content delivery mechanism into two dimensions: (1) distribution of playlist metadata information, which can be replicated and distributed freely to many users, and (2) actual video content transmission, which occurs through standard broadcast channels. This dimensional separation allows the system to support unlimited user coverage through playlist distribution while using existing broadcast infrastructure for content delivery, overcoming bandwidth restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8925005B2Custom content channel

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods, systems and computer-readable media to provide custom video content via a custom content channel are disclosed. A method to display custom video content includes receiving a selection of a channel via a set top box (STB) device and determining whether the channel is a custom content channel. The method further includes accessing a play list associated with the custom content channel based on the determination. The play list identifies one or more video files stored at the STB device. The method also includes playing the one or more video files of the custom content channel to a display device coupled to the STB device.