Television Information Code Filter for Automated Program Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing television recording systems, such as VCR Plus+, require users to manually enter PLUSCODE numbers for each program they want to record, which is inefficient when multiple programs with common characteristics need to be recorded.
Innovation Solution
A video recording system that uses electronic program guide data and user-input information codes to automatically select and record television programs based on filter criteria, such as actor, theme, or program package, without requiring manual entry of each program's details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually enter PLUSCODE numbers for each program, then individual program recording is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and inefficient when multiple programs need to be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single information code that can identify multiple television programs simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate PLUSCODE numbers for each program, the system uses one universal code containing filter criteria that matches multiple programs sharing common characteristics (same actor, theme, or package), thereby reducing manual entry time while maintaining recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-encoding filter criteria (actor, theme, program package) into the information code before the user needs to record programs. The system prepares the matching logic in advance, so when the user enters the information code, the microprocessor automatically compares the pre-encoded criteria against EPG data to identify all matching programs, eliminating the need for users to manually search and enter each program's code individually.
2Extent of automation
If the system stores detailed EPG data with filter criteria, then automated program selection based on characteristics is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the EPG data structure into distinct filter criteria segments (actor, theme, program package) that can be independently encoded into the information code. The microprocessor compares each segment separately against corresponding segments in the EPG database, allowing automated program selection through modular, manageable data units rather than processing entire program databases at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the information code as an intermediary that bridges the user's recording request and the detailed EPG database. The information code contains pre-encoded filter criteria that act as a mediator, translating user intent into automated queries. The microprocessor uses this intermediary code to efficiently filter and match programs without requiring users to directly interact with or understand the complex underlying EPG data structure.
3Productivity
If information codes contain non-human-readable encoded criteria, then automated comparison with EPG data is efficient, but users cannot directly understand what the code represents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using disposable, single-use information codes that are optimized for machine processing rather than human interpretation. Each information code is a self-contained, non-human-readable encoded string designed for one-time use in automated comparisons. After the microprocessor decodes and uses the filter criteria to match programs, the code's informational value for human users is exhausted, similar to a disposable object that serves its purpose and is then discarded.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for using information codes for recording television programs. Information codes may be published in magazines, newspapers, and the like, much like VCR Plus+™ codes. When a user desires to record one or more television programs based on information codes, the user selects an appropriate command button on his or her input device, and enters the information code that identifies a desired filter category (e.g. an actor filter represented as “01”) followed by a desired filter identifier (e.g. Richard Gere represented as “1234”). A processor receiving the user input searches an electronic program guide database for programs matching the filter information. The identified programs are then stored in a record memory for recording at an appropriate time. The identified programs may be further displayed for verification prior to storage in the record memory. Programs recommended to the viewers may also be identified via information codes.