Television Communication Client Triggered by Program End
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet-based communication systems are limited in accessibility, particularly requiring technical competence for installation on personal computers and lacking integration with familiar household media appliances, such as televisions, which can interfere with viewing activities.
Innovation Solution
A media appliance with an embedded processing apparatus that executes a communication client application, allowing users to participate in bidirectional communication sessions by monitoring viewing activities and joining sessions based on predefined trigger conditions, such as the end of a television program, enabling seamless integration with television usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet-based communication client software is installed on a personal computer, then communication functionality is provided, but technical competence is required for installation and operation which creates a barrier to accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The television set automatically performs communication functions without requiring user installation or configuration of client software. The embedded processing apparatus and stored client application enable the television to autonomously receive invitations, monitor trigger conditions, and join communication sessions, eliminating the need for user technical competence in software installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The television set is transformed into a multi-functional device that combines traditional video output capabilities with embedded packet-based communication functionality. By integrating the communication client application within the television's existing processing apparatus, the device serves both as a media appliance and a communication terminal, expanding accessibility to users familiar with televisions rather than computers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication client software is run on a personal computer, then communication sessions can be conducted, but the computer must be located in a place where the user is familiar or comfortable with communicating, limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The television set becomes a dual-purpose device that maintains its primary function as a video appliance while simultaneously serving as a communication terminal. This allows users to engage in communication sessions in the living room environment where the television is naturally located, rather than being confined to a computer room or study, thereby improving environmental comfort and location flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an embedded communication processor is integrated into a television set, then accessibility to packet-based communications is enhanced, but interference with viewing activities may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives communication session invitations in advance and stores them for later execution. The embedded processing apparatus monitors for trigger conditions (such as completion of a television program) before automatically joining the communication session. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for communication without interrupting current viewing activities, as the session joins only after the specified trigger occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors trigger conditions related to television program playback status. When a program reaches its designated endpoint or when a specified time elapses, the monitoring mechanism detects this change and automatically initiates the communication session. This feedback loop ensures that communication activities are synchronized with viewing activities, preventing interference while maintaining automated participation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus arranged to execute the communication client application. The client application is configured to allow a local user of the media appliance to participate in bidirectional communication sessions with other remote users via the network interface and packet-based network. The client application is further configured so as: to receive an invitation signal from a remote user terminal over the packet-based network, the received invitation signal comprising a trigger condition specifying a future event for triggering participation of the media appliance in a proposed one of said communication sessions with said remote user terminal; to monitor the received trigger condition at said media appliance; and to join the proposed session in dependence on an occurrence of said event.