Set-Top Box Voice Call Program Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sharing television program information between set-top boxes are time-consuming and disruptive, requiring users to manually input or record program details for sharing, which can divert attention from ongoing viewing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a Text-to-Speech converter to convert program-specific information into a voice message, which is then transmitted over a voice call between set-top boxes using a Subscriber Identity Module, allowing for direct sharing of TV program information without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users manually type or record program information to share with others, then the information can be adequately communicated, but the process consumes time and causes disruption to the user's viewing experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram-specific-informationVSAvoidtime to share information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical typing process with an automated voice-based system. The TTS converter transforms text program information into voice messages, and the voice call transmission delivers the information orally, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing the time required to share program information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically converting program information into shareable voice messages without requiring user intervention for typing or recording. The STB autonomously handles the conversion and transmission processes, allowing users to share information quickly without disrupting their viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If users manually type or record program information to share with others, then the information can be adequately communicated, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram-specific-informationVSAvoidease of sharing information

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical process of typing and recording with a simplified voice-based system. The TTS converter automatically transforms text into speech, and the voice call mechanism handles transmission, making the sharing process as simple as initiating a call without any manual typing or recording steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The TTS converter acts as an intermediary between the program information and the voice call transmission. It automatically converts text-based program details into voice messages, eliminating the need for users to manually type or record information, thereby simplifying the operation significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If voice messages are transmitted over voice calls between STBs, then information sharing becomes seamless and non-disruptive, but the system complexity increases with TTS converter and modulation schemes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of information sharingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The STB is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both TTS conversion capabilities and voice call transmission functions within a single device. This universal approach allows the STB to handle both text-to-voice conversion and communication tasks, improving information sharing speed while managing system complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless and efficient sharing of TV program information between set-top boxes, allowing users to recommend programs without interrupting their viewing experience, with the ability to automatically tune to recommended programs or record interactions.

Implementation Method 1

The program-specific-information may be converted into a voice message by a Text-to-Speech (TTS) converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectText-to-Speech conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The voice message associated with the program-specific-information may be transmitted from the first SIM to a second SIM associated with the second STB over the voice call using a first modulation scheme

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS10219022B1Method and system for sharing television (TV) program information between set-top-boxes (STBs)

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 WIPRO LTD

AI summary

This technology relates generally to television set-top-boxes (STBs), and more particularly to sharing program information between STBs using voice communication. In one embodiment, a method of sharing television (TV) program information between STBs is disclosed. The method includes obtaining, by a control unit, program-specific-information of TV content selected by a first user using a first STB. The program-specific-information may be converted into a voice message by a Text-to-Speech (TTS) converter. The method further includes establishing, using a first Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) associated with the first STB, a voice call from the first STB to a second STB. The voice message associated with the program-specific-information may be transmitted from the first SIM to a second SIM associated with the second STB over the voice call using a first modulation scheme.