TV Program Sharing via EPG Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic program guide (EPG) systems do not allow users to record programs that have already been broadcast, requiring a separate video on demand (VOD) server and lacking a mechanism for sharing TV programs among sets and set-top boxes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing a TV program sharing service that enables direct upload or download of programs between TV clients and a shared program management center, allowing users to access and record past broadcast programs by searching and transferring program records through a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate VOD server is operated to provide already broadcast programs, then users can access past programs, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the VOD server functionality into the existing EPG system by adding a program storage unit and sharing unit to the EPG server. This integration allows the EPG system to simultaneously provide program guides and on-demand access to past broadcasts without requiring a separate VOD server infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG server is transformed into a multi-functional system that combines traditional EPG information provision with VOD-like program sharing capabilities. The server can now store, manage, and share program data across multiple terminals, making it universally applicable for both information display and content delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If program sharing among TV sets is enabled, then users can record desired programs from other sets, but network traffic and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG server acts as an intermediary between multiple TV terminals, mediating all program sharing operations. Instead of direct peer-to-peer transfers, terminals request programs through the EPG server, which manages storage, authentication, and data distribution, thereby simplifying network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the EPG server continuously monitors program storage status across terminals and updates its database accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic program sharing without manual intervention, reducing network management complexity.
3Speed
If direct program transfer between TV clients is implemented, then service response time improves, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG server serves as a reliable intermediary that coordinates all direct transfers between terminals. It authenticates users, manages permissions, and tracks program locations, ensuring that direct transfers occur only between authorized parties with proper validation, thus maintaining reliability while enabling fast peer-to-peer transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method of providing a TV program sharing service that enables sharing of a TV program among EPG-based TV sets and/or set top boxes, and thus enables recording of the already broadcast program whenever a user desires to do so. The system includes a TV client for directly uploading a program stored in its own storage device to another TV client, or for directly downloading a program stored in a storage device of another TV client to itself, and a shared program management center for storing record information of the programs stored in the TV clients in its own database, and enabling a mutual transfer of the programs among the TV clients using its database.