Interactive Video Start Over System with Selective Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing television systems lack a simple and efficient method for users to rewind or 'start over' from the beginning of a partially elapsed video program, which is burdensome and often not utilized due to complex procedures, especially during 'channel surfing', and would strain storage and bandwidth resources if implemented for all channels.
Innovation Solution
A video program start over system that allows users to initiate playback of an ongoing video program from the beginning using a minimally interactive procedure, involving a graphical 'start over' icon on the screen and a single command on a remote control, with optional enablement by the programming source and storage management to optimize bandwidth and storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rewind functionality is provided for all ongoing video programs, then user convenience is improved, but storage requirements and bandwidth consumption are unduly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality levels of service to different programs. Only selected programs that are designated as having 'start over' capability receive the rewind functionality, while other programs do not. This localized application of the feature reduces overall storage and bandwidth requirements while still providing convenience for programs where users are most likely to need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The video distribution system is segmented into programs with start over capability and programs without. The head-end identifies and separates programs suitable for start over functionality, applying the rewind feature only to those segments. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced functionality where needed without burdening the entire system with unnecessary storage and bandwidth allocation.
2Ease of operation
If rewind functionality is provided for all ongoing video programs, then user convenience is improved, but bandwidth consumption is unduly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality levels of service to different programs. Only selected programs that are designated as having 'start over' capability receive the rewind functionality, while other programs do not. This localized application of the feature reduces overall storage and bandwidth requirements while still providing convenience for programs where users are most likely to need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The video distribution system is segmented into programs with start over capability and programs without. The head-end identifies and separates programs suitable for start over functionality, applying the rewind feature only to those segments. This segmentation allows the system to provide enhanced functionality where needed without burdening the entire system with unnecessary storage and bandwidth allocation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple one-step start over procedure is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to storage and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the complex tasks of identifying programs suitable for start over, allocating storage resources, and controlling the rewind functionality. When a user presses the start over button, the system autonomously handles all the complex operations required to retrieve and play back the program from the beginning, presenting a simple interface to the user while managing complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-end and set-top boxes are designed with multi-functionality to handle both standard video distribution and the enhanced start over functionality. The same infrastructure that distributes video programs also manages the rewind operations, storage allocation, and program identification, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described herein for providing an convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network whereby a user may interactively revert back to the beginning of an ongoing video program that is currently broadcasted over the video distribution network. The novel system and method may be implemented on any video network having interactive television (ITV) capabilities, wherein user requests from a client are serviceable at an upstream head end, and video storage means exist for the purpose of storage of time based broadcast video programs. The system preferably utilizes a process that involves a minimally complicated sequence of commands that are easily understood and remembered by virtually any user, thereby enhancing the probability of consumer acceptance. The start over system and method may be embodied as a program of instructions, defining a controller, that are executed by a micro-processor located in the STB (client) or head end (server). Optional means are also provided for allowing only a subset of all available broadcast video programs that emanate from a plurality of programming sources to be used with the start over system.