Genre-Based Video Mosaic for Real-Time Call Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable services networks do not provide real-time management of telephone calls or notifications of incoming calls while subscribers are viewing television, leading to missed calls.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a genre-based video mosaic in a cable services network, where the head end periodically searches for genre descriptors and selects multiple video sources to create a mosaic, which is then displayed on a single broadcast channel, allowing subscribers to interact with and tune video sources in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current cable systems provide traditional video programming and set-top box services, then subscribers can receive television programming and access basic interactive services, but subscribers cannot receive real-time notification of incoming telephone calls or manage calls while viewing television
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box is enhanced to perform multiple functions including traditional video programming reception, interactive television services, and real-time telephone call management. The system integrates call answering, forwarding, and notification capabilities within the existing set-top box infrastructure, allowing a single device to handle both entertainment and communication tasks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a service provider intermediary that bridges the telephone network and the cable television system. This intermediary enables call notifications to be transmitted to the set-top box, which then presents call information to the subscriber through the television interface, allowing call management without requiring direct integration between traditional telephone systems and TV equipment.
2Loss of information
If subscribers use set-top box to access dedicated screen for call log, then subscribers can view missed calls, but subscribers cannot answer or forward calls in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions call management from a two-dimensional dedicated screen interface to a three-dimensional experience by overlaying call information and controls directly on the television screen during program viewing. This allows subscribers to access call logs, answer calls, and forward calls without leaving the television interface, integrating call control into the existing viewing experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides preliminary notification of incoming calls by displaying call information on the television screen before the subscriber needs to take action. This advance notification allows subscribers to prepare to answer or forward calls while continuing to view television, eliminating the need to switch to a dedicated call log screen and enabling faster response to incoming calls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current systems provide video programming channels, then subscribers can receive television content, but subscribers cannot simultaneously view multiple video sources or receive call notifications during programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the television display into multiple regions, allowing simultaneous presentation of different video sources and call information. The display can be divided to show live television programming in one area, call notifications in another area, and video mosaic content in additional areas, enabling subscribers to monitor multiple sources without overwhelming the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a nested display structure where call notification information is embedded within the television programming display. Call logs, incoming call alerts, and control options are nested as overlays or side panels within the main video content, allowing multiple information layers to coexist in a hierarchical arrangement that maximizes screen real estate while maintaining ease of access.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for generating a genre-based video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable services network system. A cable services head end periodically searches a database for a genre descriptor identifying a type of programming broadcast in the cable services network, selects a group of video sources associated with the genre descriptor which are currently being broadcast in the cable services network, and generates a mosaic including the group of video sources associated with the genre descriptor which are currently being broadcast in the cable services network. A set-top box receives the mosaic from the head end, executes an application program enabling a subscriber to selectively tune the video sources in the mosaic, and displays the mosaic on a broadcast channel in the cable services network.