Television Channel Reassignment Detection and Alternative Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face frustration and unnecessary auto-programming when their broadcast content provider changes channel allocations, as non-proprietary STBs or TVs with internal tuners cannot accurately decode control information, leading to blank screens or unexpected programming.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects channel reassignments and displays alternative channel availability indicators to users, allowing seamless selection of new channels without re-running the auto-programming process, using a television system that identifies and displays alternative broadcast channels corresponding to the desired station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the television performs a full auto-programming process to update the channel map when channel allocations change, then the channel map is accurately updated, but the process takes a significant amount of time and requires the user to wait
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of channel reassignments by monitoring broadcast station identification information before the user experiences problems. When a reassignment is detected, the system proactively identifies alternative channels and presents them to the user, eliminating the need for the user to wait for a full auto-programming process to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential information needed for channel map updates (station identification data) rather than performing the complete auto-programming process. By extracting and processing only the reassignment detection function, the system can update channel information quickly without requiring the user to wait for a full channel scan.
2Ease of manufacture
If the television uses non-proprietary STB or internal tuner, then the device is more affordable and accessible, but it cannot accurately decode control information to update the channel map
Solution Approach 1:
The television system performs self-service channel map updates by autonomously detecting channel reassignments through monitoring broadcast station identification information. The system automatically identifies alternative channels and presents them to the user without requiring external intervention or proprietary STB processing, enabling accurate updates while maintaining affordability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that monitors broadcast station identification information to bridge the gap between affordable non-proprietary devices and the need for accurate channel map updates. This intermediary layer enables channel reassignment detection without requiring the television to decode proprietary control information.
3Ease of operation
If the user tunes to a channel that has been reassigned, then the user can access broadcast content, but the user encounters a blank screen or unexpected programming which is confusing and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by detecting channel reassignments and presenting alternative channel options. When a user tunes to a reassigned channel, the system identifies the correct alternative channel and displays it, allowing the user to seamlessly switch without encountering blank screens or unexpected programming, thereby eliminating confusion and frustration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative channel options in advance before the user experiences problems. By continuously monitoring for channel reassignments and pre-identifying alternative channels, the system cushions the user against the harmful effect of blank screens or unexpected programming by having ready-made solutions available when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Alternative-channel user selectivity is provided when a user tunes to a broadcast channel for which the desired broadcast station corresponding to such broadcast channel has been reassigned. In one embodiment, after tuning to broadcast channel in response to a user input, it may first be determined if in fact the desired broadcast station corresponding to the tuned broadcast channel has been reassigned. If so, one or more alternative broadcast channels corresponding to the desired broadcast station may be identified, and an alternative channel availability indicator may then be displayed to the user to provide alternative-channel user selectivity.