CI+ Conditional Access Module Application Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Digital Video Broadcast Common Interface Plus (CI+) specification faces conflicts when a CI+ Conditional Access Module (CICAM) attempts to launch an application on a host device already running its own application, leading to inconvenience for users, as the host application is terminated to accommodate the CICAM application.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow the host device to check if it can service a request to run a conditional access application, and if not, provide the application to a second device on the local area network to run on, by broadcasting an availability request and establishing communication with available devices based on predetermined priority.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the host device enables the CICAM to run its application, then the CICAM application can execute, but the host application must be terminated causing user inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCICAM application executionVSAvoidhost application continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the application execution environment by introducing a virtual machine that can run CICAM applications independently from the host application. This allows the CICAM application to execute in an isolated segmented environment while the host application continues running in its own environment, eliminating the conflict between the two applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A virtual machine acts as an intermediary layer between the CICAM application and the host device. This intermediary enables the CICAM application to run without directly conflicting with the host application, as the virtual machine mediates resource allocation and execution context, allowing both applications to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the host device runs its own application, then the host application can execute, but the CICAM application cannot be launched simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost application executionVSAvoidCICAM application compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual machine provides a universal execution environment that can accommodate both host applications and CICAM applications simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support multiple application types and execution contexts without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each application type, enhancing both productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a new dimension to application execution by introducing a virtualization layer. Instead of applications competing for resources in a single-dimensional execution space, the virtual machine creates an additional execution dimension where CICAM applications can run parallel to host applications, effectively resolving the conflict through dimensional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3039876B1Method and system for providing cicam applications using CI+ protocol
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3039876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3039876B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3039876B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A method of controlling a host device, comprising: receiving a request to run a conditional access application on the host device requiring a message to be displayed to a user; checking whether the host device is capable of servicing the request to run the conditional access application; and in the event that the host device is not capable of servicing the request to run the conditional access application, providing the conditional access application to a second, different, device to run thereon.