{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854298","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854298","title":"Apparatus and method for providing N-screen service in broadcast system","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-07-30T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":6,"abstract":"A method for supplying an N-screen service by a main N-screen device in a broadcast system is provided. The method includes receiving an Application Information Table (AIT) including a screen_type indicating a type of N-screen device in which a broadcast service application will be run from a broadcast service provider, and one of running the broadcast service application based on the screen_type, performing an operation related to running the broadcast service application by considering a connection relationship between the main N-screen device and a sub N-screen device based on the screen_type, and discarding the AIT based on the screen_type."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent addresses the challenge of delivering synchronized and consistent broadcast content across multiple devices. The core innovation lies in the use of an Application Information Table (AIT) that includes a screen_type identifier, enabling the system to dynamically adapt broadcast service applications to the specific capabilities of each device. This eliminates the need for device-specific customizations and simplifies the broadcast workflow. The problem being solved is the fragmentation and inconsistency of the viewing experience across different devices, which can lead to viewer dissatisfaction and increased support costs. The key technical approach involves the use of the AIT to manage the distribution and execution of the broadcast service application, taking into account the connection relationship between the main N-screen device and any sub N-screen devices. This allows for coordinated operation and enhanced functionality, such as synchronized playback and interactive content.\n\nThe business value of this technology is significant. By enabling seamless and interactive experiences across multiple devices, it has the potential to create new opportunities for advertising, e-commerce, and other value-added services. It also reduces the complexity and overhead associated with managing multiple broadcast service applications, leading to cost savings for broadcast service providers. The market opportunity is large, as viewers increasingly demand seamless experiences on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent offers a robust and scalable solution to the challenges of multi-screen broadcasting, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its broadcast capabilities. This technology offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience, paving the way for increased engagement and revenue generation within the broadcast sector.","layman_explanation":"The Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent addresses a common frustration: watching the same video or show on different devices and experiencing inconsistent quality or functionality. Think about starting a movie on your smart TV and then wanting to finish it on your tablet in bed. Often, the tablet version doesn't look as good or doesn't have the same features. This innovation aims to solve that problem.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nThe core problem is that broadcast content isn't always optimized for every device. TVs, tablets, and smartphones have different screen sizes, processing power, and operating systems. Existing solutions often require broadcasters to create separate versions of their content for each device, which is expensive and time-consuming. This also leads to inconsistencies in the user experience.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThis technology works by using a special table of information, called an Application Information Table (AIT). Imagine the AIT as a set of instructions that tells your TV or tablet how to display the broadcast content. The AIT includes a 'screen_type' identifier, which tells the device what kind of screen it's dealing with (e.g., smart TV, tablet, smartphone). Based on this information, the device can adapt the broadcast content to fit the screen perfectly and ensure that all features work correctly. It's like having a custom-tailored suit for each device, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. The system also considers how the main device (like your TV) is connected to other devices (like your tablet), allowing for synchronized playback and interactive features.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis technology matters because it improves the viewing experience for consumers. It ensures that broadcast content looks and works great on any device. It also reduces costs for broadcasters by eliminating the need for device-specific customizations. This can lead to more affordable and accessible broadcast services. From a business perspective, it opens up new opportunities for interactive advertising, personalized content delivery, and enhanced user engagement. The market impact is significant, as viewers increasingly demand seamless experiences across multiple devices. The competitive advantages are clear: broadcasters who adopt this technology will be able to offer a superior viewing experience and attract more subscribers.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nThe future applications of this technology are promising. As 5G networks become more widespread, it will be possible to deliver even higher-quality broadcast content to mobile devices. The technology could also be integrated with virtual reality (VR) devices, creating immersive and interactive viewing experiences. The market adoption timeline will depend on the willingness of broadcasters to invest in new technologies and the availability of compatible devices. However, the long-term investment implications are clear: this technology has the potential to transform the broadcast industry and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.","technical_analysis":"The Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent details a system designed to deliver broadcast services seamlessly across multiple devices, each with varying capabilities. The technical architecture hinges on the Application Information Table (AIT), a data structure that includes a 'screen_type' identifier. This identifier is crucial for the main N-screen device to determine how to run a broadcast service application optimally on a given device. The system operates by the main N-screen device receiving the AIT from a broadcast service provider. Upon receiving this table, the device assesses the 'screen_type'. Based on this assessment, it either runs the broadcast service application, performs operations related to running the application while considering the connection relationship between the main device and sub N-screen devices, or discards the AIT if the 'screen_type' is not compatible or supported. \n\nImplementation details involve sophisticated parsing and interpretation of the AIT. The main device must be capable of extracting the 'screen_type' and other relevant parameters from the AIT. This information is then used to configure the broadcast service application for the specific device. Algorithmically, the system might employ decision trees or lookup tables to map 'screen_type' values to specific application configurations and behaviors. Integration patterns would likely involve standardized APIs for communication between the main device and sub-devices, facilitating synchronized playback and interactive features. Performance characteristics would depend on the efficiency of the AIT parsing and the overhead of adapting the application to different screen types. Code-level implications include the need for modular and adaptable code that can be easily configured based on the AIT data. Error handling is also critical, as the system must be able to gracefully handle situations where the AIT is corrupted or the 'screen_type' is invalid.","business_analysis":"The Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent presents a significant business opportunity within the rapidly evolving broadcast industry. The market opportunity stems from the increasing consumer demand for seamless and synchronized viewing experiences across multiple devices. Viewers now expect to be able to start watching a program on their TV and then seamlessly switch to their tablet or smartphone without interruption. The size of this market is substantial, encompassing millions of households with multiple connected devices.\n\nThe competitive advantages offered by this technology are considerable. By using the Application Information Table (AIT) to dynamically adapt broadcast applications to different screen types, the system eliminates the need for device-specific customizations. This reduces development costs and simplifies the broadcast workflow. Revenue potential can be realized through increased viewer engagement and new opportunities for advertising and e-commerce. For example, viewers could use their smartphones to interact with on-screen content, participate in polls, or make purchases related to the broadcast program. Business models could include subscription fees for enhanced multi-screen viewing experiences, as well as advertising revenue generated from interactive content. Strategic positioning would involve partnering with broadcast service providers to integrate the technology into their existing infrastructure. ROI projections would depend on factors such as market penetration, subscription rates, and advertising revenue. However, the potential for significant returns is high, given the growing demand for multi-screen viewing and the cost savings associated with the technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["N-screen service","broadcast system","multi-screen viewing","Application Information Table","AIT"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"N-Screen Broadcast - Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System","description":"Discover the Apparatus and Method for Providing N-screen Service in Broadcast System patent. Enable seamless multi-screen viewing with this innovative broadcast system technology.","keywords":["N-screen service","broadcast system","multi-screen viewing","Application Information Table","AIT","patent","patent US-9854298"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854298","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854298","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Apparatus and method for providing N-screen service in broadcast system\" (US-9854298). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854298","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854298","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854298","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T00:35:52.957Z"}