FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10]
A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EPG MANAGEMENT.
WHATS ON INDIA MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, A COMPANY INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF INDIA, WHOSE ADDRESS IS A WING, 3RD FLOOR, TODI ESTATE, SUN MILL COMPOUND, OPP. PHOENIX MILLS, LOWER PAREL, MUMBAI - 400 013, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

BACKGROUND
A. Technical Field
[001] The present invention relates to a method and system for EPG management, more particularly the invention relates to delivery of EPG index in operator devices compatible format.
B. Background of the Invention
[002] Television is, for the most part, a broadcast medium. That is, our television sets mostly just receive data and hardly ever send any feedback or response communication. This communication channel is mostly one way.
[003] However, with advent of technology the reception at the
television set has become interactive through modem receiving devices embedded and/or linked to the television set.
[004] Electronic program guides are typically available for
television and radio, and consist of a digitally displayed, menu of Broadcast programming scheduling information shown by a cable or satellite TV provider to its viewers on a dedicated channel. EPGs are broadcasted. By tuning into an EPG channel, a menu is displayed that lists current and upcoming television programs on all available channels.

[005] Electronic program guides (EPGs) provide users of television, radio, and other media applications with continuously updated menus displaying broadcast programming or scheduling information for current and upcoming program.
[006] EPGs can be made available through television (on set-top boxes), mobile phones, and on the web. Online TV Guides are becoming more ubiquitous
[007] Data to popuiate an EPG may be distributed over the Internet, either for a charge or free of charge, and implemented on equipment connected directly or through a computer to the Internet.
[008] However EPGs personalization is a challenge as several interest-based suggestions from one or several viewers on what to watch or record has to be incorporated into the EPG formation and syncing into the respective operator's device.
[009] Another challenge in pushing EPG data, index and
updates in to the operator devices is that the Standards for delivery of scheduling information to EPGs vary from application to application, and by country.
[0010] The growing volumes of increasingly complex data associated such as schedules, ratings, user configuration

information, channel lists, multimedia content corresponding index does not get updated instantaneously at the time of new updates / change requests as it requires manual intervention.
[0011] Any or all of the present systems and method thereof are not capable of providing EPG data in multiple customized formats.
[0012] Any or all of the present systems and method thereof requires manual intervention for syncing EPG index and/or data and/or updates with operator system
[0013] Any or all of the present systems and method thereof does not provide control and cannot customize frequency of sync/updates. Thus the operator device/set-top-box data will be out of sync from the system leading to issues to consumers & devices. Issues like recorder malfunction, wrong search results, etc can be caused.
[0014] Any or all of the present systems and method thereof, if providing solutions, they are manual and not automated, hence the index will not be able to update at the time of new updates/ change requests.
[0015] For the reasons stated above, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the

specification, there is a need in the art for a system and method for automated process for EPG dispatch and updates with customization of EPG data format that is scalable and independent/compatible to new technology platforms, uses minimum resources that is easy and cost effectively maintained and is portable and can be deployed anywhere in very little time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for automated EPG dispatch to facilitate a user with preferred viewership.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to the system and method thereof for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms. The system and the method thereof deliver EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set-top-boxes. The system and the method thereof host a library of file formats which are used by different devices/set-top-boxes. The system and the method thereof use several different mechanism to push the data like email, FTP, Ingestion Scripts, etc;,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The embodiments herein provide a method and system for automated EPG dispatch and updates with customization of EPG data format. Further the embodiments may be easily implemented in various EPG management structures. The method of the invention may also be implemented as application performed by a stand alone or embedded system.

[0019] The invention described herein is explained using specific exemplary details for better understanding. However, the invention disclosed can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.
[0020J References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0021] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. For clear description of the present invention, known constructions and functions will be omitted.
[0022] Parts of the description may be presented in terms of operations performed by a computer system, using terms such as data, state, link, fault, packet, FTp and the like, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As is well understood by those skilled in the art, these quantities take the form of data stored/transferred in the form of electrical,

magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, and otherwise manipulated through mechanical and electrical components of the computer system; and the term computer system includes general purpose as well as special purpose data processing machines, switches, and the like, that are standalone, adjunct or embedded.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method and system for automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user is in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms.
[0024] As per the present invention the EPG, associated with both television and radio broadcasting, is the interactive electronic program guide. An EPG allows television viewers and radio listeners to navigate schedule information menus interactively, to select, to discover, to programm by time, title, station, or genre using an input device such as a keypad, computer keyboard, or TV remote control. Its interactive menus are generated entirely within local receiving or display equipment using raw scheduling data sent by individual broadcast stations or centralized scheduling information providers.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention and method enable automated process for EPG dispatch and updates for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention and method there of enable automated process for EPG dispatch and updates for viewership of the user in customized EPG data format.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present system and method works by creating customized EPG data format to the preferences of each operator device.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention and method of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates pulls the data from the database and pushes it to the operator devices/set-top-boxes.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system of the present invention and method of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates is designed to be able to deliver EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set-top-boxes. The system and the method thereof may host a library of file formats which are used by different devices/set-top-boxes.

The system and the method thereof may use several different mechanism to push the data like email, FTP, Ingestion Scripts, etc;
[0030] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates wherein the system and the method thereof may be tuned on the basis of the workflow requirements of the operators (i.e. frequency of the push, the timings of the push, customized timings for particular events, type of data (Full / Partial), type of masters index, change requests index, etc.) and may be customized depending on the business requirements of the operators (i.e. data fields, amount of data, channels, etc). The system and the method thereof may provide EPG data customized to operator's system specifications and may take care of all the technology needs, business logic requirements and work flow customization required from operator's end.
[0031] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates may be single source for all EPG data and may provide automatic conversion of data into

multiple customized formats thus may be enabling auto syncing of the system with operator system.
[0032] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates may provide a system and method for auto dispatch of data in multiple format simultaneously and / or Customizable to sync entire EPG data or only updates/change requests and may provide control on frequency of sync/ updates and customize frequency of sync/ updates wherein the customization of the sync timelines may be as per operator system.
[0033] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates formats which may be operator specific and may provide Higher EPG data accuracy and thus lower frequency of updates due to higher data accuracy.
[0034] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates may not require any manual intervention, thereby increasing the efficiency.

[0035] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates may provide seamless integration due to format customization, workflow and data fields as the parameters are set as per Operator requirement and thus may be used for multiple types of devices / set-top-boxes.
[0036] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates reconversion of data required at operator's end may not be required.
[0037] As per one another embodiment of the present invention, each operator is configured at the auto exporter system by configuring file format required by the operator, configuring operator business rules like data fields, no. of channels, etc., configuring Date, time and frequency for data export, configuring delivery method such as email, FTP. Once these are configured, auto exporter automatically starts exporting the required data to operators' servers.
[0038] As per one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention the method for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to

benefit across multiple platforms, the method comprises steps of Identifying at least one broadcaster through the given identifier; Identifying at least one authorized operator through the given identifier; Obtaining at least one data feed structure of at least one broadcaster channel source; Obtaining at least one requirement structure of the operators such as file format of the operator devices, operator business rules, data export schedule and frequency, delivery method type and maintain active database; Receiving at least one data fed activation signal from at least one broadcaster; Validating at least one broadcaster; Configuring at least one data reception structure compatible to at least one data feed structure of at least one broadcaster; Receiving plurality of schedule data from at least one broadcaster channel source; Constructing the schedule through at feast one content analytics module and upload the same to at least one database; Translating plurality of data in to at least one Indian language; Constructing the EPG structure at EPG editorial and QC module; Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module. Then delivering EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices through controlled simultaneous and synchronized auto syncing the EPG Exporter module comprise steps of etching the requirement structure for identified

authorized operator from the active database containing operator requirement structure through control panel; Configuring the file format required by the operator through processor module; Configuring the business rules required to be followed for the operator through processor module; Configuring the work flow requirements for data export as required by the operator through processor module; Configuring the delivery method as required by the operator through processor module; Fetching the EPG data containing channel schedule from the database through data communication module; Fetching the real time updates to the EPG data through the data communication module and update the EPG data with the same through the processor module; Configuring the EPG data with real time update in configured file format as required by the operator based on the configured business rules of the operator through processor module; Tuning the auto exporter based on the workflow requirements of the operators through processor module; Executing automated delivery of required data to operator servers through data communication module; automatically notifying operators of the Export success / failure through data communication module, auto tracking export issues through data communication module; and custom notifying for various delivery

mechanism and create export logs and analytics for each channel being exported through processor module.
[0039] As per one of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms, the system comprise at least one schedule uploading module, at least one language translation module, at least one content analytics module, at least one real time update module, at least one cloud and OTT module, at least one DVR module, at least one EPG editorial and QC module, at least one database, and at least one EPG auto exporter module performing function of identifying and authorizing plurality of operators, Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module. The system for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms as claimed in claim 5, the system comprise at least one schedule uploading module configured for identifying the broadcaster, obtaining plurality of data feed structures of plurality

of broadcaster source channels, receiving at least one data feed activation signal from the at least one broadcaster, validating at least one broadcaster; at least one language translation module configured for translating plurality of data in to plurality of languages; at least one content analytics module configured to set the link between plurality of data reception structures and plurality of data feed structures of the plurality of broadcaster, constructing the schedule and uploading to the database; at least one real time update module to provide real time update of EPG data; at least one cloud and OTT module configured to provide advance parameters for at least one cloud and at least one OTT configuration; at least one DVR module configured to provide advance parameters for at least one DVR configuration, at (east one EPG editorial and QC module configured for constructing at least one EPG structure; at least one database for storing processed content information and accessible plurality of sub modules of the system; and at least one EPG auto exporter module configured for identifying and authorizing plurality of operators, Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module. The EPG auto exporter comprise of at least one control panel module, at least one processor module and at least one data communication module wherein at least one

control panel is configured to Fetch the requirement structure for identified authorized operator from the active database containing operator requirement structure, controlled, Simultaneous and synchronize auto syncing of the EPG auto exporter; at least one processor module is configured to configure the file format require by the operator, configure the business rules required to be followed for the operator, configure the work flow requirements for data export as required by the operator, configure the delivery method as required by the operator, configuring the EPG data with real time update in configured file format as required by the operator based on the configured business rules of the operator, update the EPG data with real time update, tune the auto exporter based on the workflow requirements of the operators, and custom notify for various delivery mechanism and create export logs and analytics for each channel being exported; at least one data communication module is configured to fetch the EPG data containing channel schedule from the database, fetch the real time updates to the EPG data and execute automated delivery of required data to operator servers, automatically notify operators of the Export success / failure through data communication module, and auto track export issues. The system wherein the execution of auto syncing the EPG auto exporter comprise of

control panel module, processor module and data communication module is controlled and synchronized through control panel.
[0040] As per one of the embodiment of the present invention, the system and method of the present invention of automated process for EPG dispatch and updates may exhibit ability to generate last minute changes within a very short span of time, ability to consolidate changes for future dates and send them in a single batch, ability to manage, generate files / changes at intervals and time specific to operators, ability to export partial updates when only few changes happen at last minute, ability to automatically notify operators of the Export success / failure, ability to auto track export issues, ability to custom notify for various delivery mechanism and may create export logs and analytics for each channel being exported.
[0041] The present invention may overcome the challenges of the current scenario through the described automatic system and method of syncing of EPG data to Operator device.

We Claim
1. A method for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms, the method comprising steps of
Identifying at least one broadcaster through the given identifier;
Identifying at least one authorized operator through the given identifier;
Obtaining the at least one data feed structure of at least one broadcaster channel source;
Obtaining at least one requirement structure of the operators such as file format of the operator devices, operator business rules, data export schedule and frequency, delivery method type and maintain active database;
Receiving at least one data fed activation signal from the at least one broadcaster;
Validating the at least one broadcaster;
Configuring at least one data reception structure compatible to at least one data feed structure of the at least one broadcaster;

Receiving plurality of schedule data from at least one broadcaster channel source;
Constructing at least one schedule through at least one content analytics module and upload the same to at least one database;
Translating plurality of data in to at least one Indian language;
Constructing the EPG structure at EPG editorial and QC module;
Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module, wherein the delivering EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices through controlled Simultaneous and synchronized auto syncing the EPG Exporter modufe comprises steps of
Fetching the requirement structure for identified authorized operator from the active database containing operator requirement structure through control panel;
Configuring the file format required by the operator through processor module;
Configuring the business rules required to be followed for the operator through processor module;

Configuring the work flow requirements for data export as required by the operator through processor module;
Configuring the delivery method as required by the operator through processor module;
Fetching the EPG data containing channel schedule from the database through data communication module;
Fetching the real time updates to the EPG data through the data communication module and update the EPG data with the same through the processor module;
Configuring the EPG data with real time update in configured file format as required by the operator based on the configured business rules of the operator through processor module;
Tuning the auto exporter based on the workflow requirements of the operators through processor module;
Executing automated delivery of required data to operator servers through data communication module;
automatically notifying operators of the Export success / failure through data communication module,

auto tracking export issues through data communication module; and
custom notifying for various delivery mechanism and create export logs and analytics for each channel being exported through processor module.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operator device is set top box.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the work flow requirement for data export are date, time and frequency for data export.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the execution of auto syncing the EPG auto exporter is controlled and synchronized through control panel.
5. A system for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms, the system comprise at least one schedule uploading module, at least one language translation module, at least one content analytics module, at

least one real time update module, at least one cloud and OTT module, at least one DVR module, at least one EPG editorial and QC module, at least one database, and at least one EPG auto exporter module performing function of identifying and authorizing plurality of operators, Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module.
6. The system for an automated EPG dispatch and update with customized EPG data format for viewership of the user in accordance to the operator devices compatible format and to benefit across multiple platforms as claimed in claim 5, the system comprise
at least one schedule uploading module configured for identifying the broadcaster, obtaining plurality of data feed structures of plurality of broadcaster source channels, receiving at least one data feed activation signal from the at least one broadcaster, validating at least one broadcaster;
at least one language translation module configured for translating plurality of data in to plurality of languages;
at least one content analytics module configured to set the link between plurality of data reception structures and plurality of

data feed structures of the plurality of broadcaster, constructing the schedule and uploading to the database;
at least one real time update module to provide real time update of EPG data;
at least one cloud and OTT module configured to provide advance parameters for at least one cloud and at least one OTT configuration;
at least one DVR module configured to provide advance parameters for at feast on DVR configuration
at least one EPG editorial and QC module configured for constructing at least one EPG structure;
at least one database for storing processed content information and accessible plurality of sub modules of the system; and
at least one EPG auto exporter module configured for identifying and authorizing plurality of operators, Delivering the EPG index in custom formats to the operator devices/set top boxes through auto syncing the EPG Exporter module.
7. The system as claimed in claim 5 and claim 6, wherein the EPG auto exporter comprise of at least one control panel module, at least one processor module and at least one data communication module wherein the

at least one control panel is configured to Fetch the requirement structure for identified authorized operator from the active database containing operator requirement structure, controlled and synchronize auto syncing of the EPG auto exporter;
at least one processor module is configured to configure the file format require by the operator, configure the business rules required to be followed for the operator, configure the work flow requirements for data export as required by the operator, configure the delivery method as required by the operator, configuring the EPG data with real time update in configured file format as required by the operator based on the configured business rules of the operator, update the EPG data with real time update, tune the auto exporter based on the workflow requirements of the operators, and custom notify for various delivery mechanism and create export logs and analytics for each channel being exported;
at least one data communication module is configured to fetch the EPG data containing channel schedule from the database, fetch the real time updates to the EPG data and execute automated delivery of required data to operator servers, automatically notify operators of the Export success / failure

through data communication module, and auto track export issues.
8. The system as claimed in claim Sand claim 6, wherein the execution of auto syncing the EPG auto exporter comprise of control panel module, processor module and data communication module is controlled and synchronized through control panel.