Automated Session Control for Broadcast Video Service Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of distributed access architectures for broadcast video services is challenging due to the complexity of managing remote physical devices and scaling across multiple nodes, particularly in legacy video networks, where manual configuration is time-consuming and prone to errors, and changes in channel lineups and regional variations complicate the delivery of traditional broadcast video streams.
Innovation Solution
An automated session control system that uses a management system to define configurations for headend and remote physical devices, leveraging R-PHY architectures and management protocols like R6 and RPC to align video services with channel maps and PID insertion, allowing for dynamic management of broadcast and narrowcast services without manual edge QAM configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for remote physical devices in distributed access architectures, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated configuration where the management system automatically discovers remote physical devices, retrieves their capabilities, and generates appropriate configurations without manual intervention. The automated session control system performs self-configuration by matching video services to remote devices based on device capabilities and service requirements, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through systematic algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. The management system uses electronic discovery protocols and automated session control mechanisms to configure remote physical devices, substituting the manual operator actions with automated software-based configuration processes that reduce time while maintaining precision through systematic device capability assessment and service matching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is performed for each remote physical device, then device-specific customization is achieved, but scalability across multiple devices becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The management system implements universality by creating a standardized automated configuration process that can be applied across multiple remote physical devices simultaneously. The system discovers devices, assesses their capabilities, and applies appropriate configurations through a universal automated workflow that works across different device types and locations, enabling scalable deployment without sacrificing device-specific customization needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process is segmented into distinct automated phases: device discovery, capability assessment, service matching, and configuration generation. Each phase handles specific aspects of the configuration task independently, allowing the system to process multiple devices through these segmented stages efficiently. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple devices while maintaining customized configuration for each device based on its specific capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distributed access architecture is implemented to modernize the network, then delivery flexibility is improved, but configuration complexity increases due to separation of control and physical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management system as an intermediary between the headend control platform and remote physical devices. This intermediary automatically discovers devices, assesses their capabilities, and generates appropriate configurations without requiring manual intervention. The management system mediates the complexity by handling device discovery, capability assessment, and configuration generation centrally, simplifying the overall system operation despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated configuration system implements feedback mechanisms where the management system continuously monitors device status, service delivery performance, and configuration effectiveness. Based on this feedback, the system can automatically adjust configurations, resolve issues, and optimize service delivery across the distributed network, reducing operational complexity through closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
The system may include a headend and/or a hub that includes a processor that provides signals to consumer premises devices. The headend and/or the hub is configured with a headend configuration table defining broadcast video services for a desired distribution of broadcast video services, where configurating the headend configuration table is performed based upon data from a digital video configuration service that is independent of the broadcast video services.