Video Receiver Channel Selection via Scheduling Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Television broadcast systems often face issues with channel availability due to limited bandwidth and geographical blackouts, where high-definition channels may not carry programming at all times, and viewers may be restricted from accessing certain events due to contractual agreements, leading to a need for automatic channel selection based on scheduling information.
Innovation Solution
A video content receiver that automatically selects between paired high-definition and standard-definition channels or national and regional sports channels by processing scheduling information, comparing it with the current time, and switching to an alternative channel if the selected channel is not carrying video programming, thereby ensuring continuous access to desired content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-definition channels are allocated limited bandwidth, then network content delivery is improved, but channel availability deteriorates when programming is not carried
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining scheduling information in advance that indicates when programming will be carried on each channel. This allows the receiver to proactively determine alternative channels before the currently selected channel becomes unavailable, ensuring continuous content access without interruption when bandwidth allocation changes cause programming to stop on certain channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If geographical blackouts are implemented due to contractual agreements, then content provider restrictions are satisfied, but viewer access to desired content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces scheduling information as an intermediary element that mediates between contractual blackout restrictions and viewer access needs. By processing this intermediate data layer, the receiver can automatically identify and switch to alternative channels that are not subject to blackout restrictions, thereby maintaining content access while still respecting the contractual framework through informed channel selection.
3Reliability
If automatic channel switching is implemented, then content continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with multi-functionality, combining both manual channel selection capabilities and automatic channel switching based on scheduling information. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions - serving as both a simple remote-controlled receiver and an intelligent automated system - thereby maintaining content continuity through automatic switching while preserving user control options to reduce perceived complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically selecting between a first video programming channel and a second video programming channel in a video content receiver is presented. In the method, the receiver receives video programming carried over at least one of the first channel and the second channel, as well as scheduling information regarding the two channels. The receiver also receives a channel selection for one of the two channels, such as from a user. In response to the channel selection, the receiver compares the scheduling information for the first channel to a current time value. If the scheduling information indicates the first channel is not currently carrying video programming that is available for presentation to the user, the receiver selects the second channel for presentation to the user; otherwise, the receiver selects the first channel.