Cross-Station Application Execution via Common Organization ID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HbbTV standards restrict the execution of applications across different broadcast stations due to organization ID limitations, preventing seamless use of applications like rating survey tools across multiple channels.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a validation unit that acquires and validates an electronic signature for the application information table, allowing activation of broadcast-independent applications across different broadcast stations by setting a common organization ID and using XML signatures to ensure security and validity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the organization ID in the AIT is restricted to match the broadcast station's ID, then security and content authenticity are ensured, but applications cannot be executed across different broadcast stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent authenticityVSAvoidapplication portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a certificate authority (CA) as an intermediary that issues digital certificates to broadcast stations. These certificates serve as a trusted mediator that allows the system to verify the authenticity of AITs from different broadcast stations without requiring direct organization ID matching. The CA-signed certificates enable cross-station application execution while maintaining security through cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the verification parameter from direct organization ID matching to certificate-based verification. Instead of comparing organization IDs directly, the system verifies digital signatures and certificates, which are cryptographic parameters that can represent trust relationships across multiple broadcast stations. This parameter change enables applications to be executed across different stations while maintaining authenticity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system allows applications with different organization IDs to be executed, then application versatility across broadcast stations is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication portabilityVSAvoidsystem security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The certificate authority acts as a trusted intermediary that vouches for the authenticity of broadcast stations. By verifying CA-signed certificates, the system can safely execute applications from different broadcast stations without directly trusting their organization IDs. The intermediary provides a layer of indirection that enables versatility while maintaining security through cryptographic proof of authenticity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical organization ID matching mechanism with a cryptographic verification system. Instead of simple string comparison of organization IDs, the system uses digital signature verification and certificate validation, which are more sophisticated mechanisms that provide both security and flexibility. This substitution allows the system to handle cross-station applications securely through mathematical proof rather than rigid identity matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a common organization ID is used for multiple broadcast stations, then application execution across stations is enabled, but the ability to identify specific broadcast stations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-station executionVSAvoidbroadcast station identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification system into two parts: a common organization ID for all broadcast stations that enables cross-station application execution, and individual digital certificates that identify specific broadcast stations. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both goals - using the common ID for versatility while using the unique certificates for identification. The two identification layers work together without conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the identification system by introducing certificate-based identification alongside the organization ID. Instead of relying solely on the organization ID, the system uses a two-dimensional identification approach: the common organization ID enables cross-station execution, while the certificate dimension provides specific station identification. This dimensional addition resolves the information loss problem by providing an alternative identification mechanism.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2775708B1Information processing device, information processing method, and program for activating an application independent from the broadcast content
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 SATURN LICENSING LLC
  • EP2775708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2775708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2775708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide an information processing apparatus capable of using an application seamlessly executable across channels of different broadcast stations. [Solving Means] Identification information "common" that is common to all business operators can be set as an organization ID for specifying a business operator providing an application. In addition, when the common identification information "common" is set as an organization ID of an acquired XML-AIT, an application controller (508) does not judge that an activation of an application corresponding to the XML-AIT is unpermitted based on the organization ID. Accordingly, it becomes possible to use an application seamlessly executable across channels of different broadcast stations, such as an application for a rating survey.