Dynamic Viewer Identification System for Television Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online service providers face challenges in informing users about other concurrent viewers of a television program due to the vast number of users and available online locations, which hinders the ability to provide desired information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically identifies and informs viewers about other users tuned to the same program by storing trait information and using a user interface to display a subset of viewers with similar traits, allowing for communication and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system identifies all concurrent viewers across the entire online platform, then the completeness of viewer information is improved, but the system complexity and data processing burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vast online user base into smaller, manageable groups based on shared television program viewing. Instead of tracking all online users globally, the system creates localized context groups for each program being watched, reducing the complexity of user identification while maintaining relevant information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different levels of viewer information based on local program contexts. Each television program has its own associated viewer group with specific trait information, allowing the system to manage data complexity locally rather than globally, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining information completeness where needed.
2Loss of information
If the system displays information about all concurrent viewers, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation and user experience deteriorate due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and displays only the most relevant viewer information based on user traits and program context. Instead of showing all concurrent viewers, the system selectively presents information about viewers with similar demographics, interests, or viewing behaviors, reducing information overload while maintaining the essential completeness of relevant viewer data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing a subset of viewer information that is sufficient for the user's needs without presenting excessive data. The interface displays key viewer traits and program information in a condensed format, delivering adequate information completeness while preserving ease of operation through selective presentation.
3Loss of information
If the system dynamically tracks and updates viewer information in real-time, then the information freshness is improved, but the energy consumption and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updates of viewer information rather than continuous real-time tracking. The system refreshes viewer trait information and program data at defined intervals or upon significant events (e.g., program changes), maintaining information freshness while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring of all viewer activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing viewer trait information and program metadata before they are needed for display. This advance preparation reduces the processing burden during real-time operation, maintaining information freshness while lowering energy consumption during active viewing sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
Informing a viewer of a television program of the identity of other online identities that represent users concurrently viewing that same television program includes determining dynamically a first television program to which a television viewing device associated with a viewer is tuned and identifying one or more other viewers associated with television viewing devices that are presently tuned to the first television program. Trait information related to the viewer or to the other viewers is stored in a data store related to the first television program. A subset of the other viewers that have similar traits is determined based on the stored trait information. The viewer is graphically informed of the subset of other viewers.