Conditional Access Network Handler Emulator for OCAP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) emulators lack the capability to develop and test applications without a physical cable card, as they rely on Conditional Access Network Handler (CANH) libraries tied to specific cable card models, and OCAP set-top devices cannot operate without both a cable card and a head-end, limiting simulation environments.
Innovation Solution
A Conditional Access Network Handler (CANH) emulator and a cable access entitlement manager within an emulation environment, allowing applications to simulate cable card entitlements and operate without physical hardware, enabling development and testing of applications on OCAP emulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications rely on CANH libraries tied to specific cable card models, then the applications can properly query system and program entitlements, but the applications cannot run in emulation environments without physical cable cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the cable card functionality through a software-based virtual cable card that emulates the entitlement management functions of physical cable cards. This virtual implementation allows applications to interact with entitlement data structures identical to those provided by physical cable cards, enabling seamless operation in emulation environments without requiring actual hardware present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual cable card as an intermediary layer between applications and the emulation environment. This virtual cable card translates application requests for entitlement information into operations that can be satisfied by the emulation environment's entitlement manager, bridging the gap between applications designed for physical cable cards and software-based simulation systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If OCAP set-top devices operate without physical cable cards, then the devices can function in software-only environments, but applications cannot properly execute without cable card entitlements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of cable card entitlement data structures and management functions that can be instantiated in software-only environments. These virtual entitlement objects replicate the interface and behavior of physical cable card entitlements, allowing applications to execute properly without requiring actual hardware present
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual cable card implementation includes self-contained entitlement management capabilities that do not require external physical hardware. The virtual cable card autonomously manages entitlement data, handles authorization queries, and provides service to applications independently, enabling complete software-based operation of OCAP set-top devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for emulating cable services delivery are disclosed. One system includes a conditional access network handler emulator comprising a conditional access network handler simulator addressable by one or more applications within an emulation environment. The conditional access network handler emulator also includes a library of conditional access configuration data accessible to a conditional access network handler simulator, the configuration data unassociated with a physical cable card.