DTV OCAP Application Execution via Middleware Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cable broadcasting systems face challenges in providing interactive services across multiple TVs in a household, as existing solutions like the HANA design guideline require additional STBs and incur high costs due to the need for modifying or extending OCAP middleware, leading to delays in service provision.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine whether an application is independently executable using installed middleware, selectively requesting the STB to provide necessary data for execution, allowing for efficient provision of interactive services by processing APIs locally or remotely through the OCAP or MHP standards, reducing the need for costly middleware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the HANA design guideline is used to connect DTV to peripherals through IEEE 1394 cable, then multiple TVs can receive digital broadcasting service, but additional STBs are required and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DTV is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating both the DTV function and STB function within a single device. The DTV can directly execute OCAP applications and process broadcasting data without requiring separate STBs, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to serve multiple TVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the DTV and STB functions into a single integrated device. The DTV includes an OCAP application execution unit and a broadcasting data processing unit that work together to provide both display and interactive service functions, eliminating the need for separate STBs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If OCAP middleware is modified or extended to support HANA devices, then interactive service can be provided, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the original OCAP middleware, the patent uses a copy of the middleware (OCAP-Java) that is pre-configured for HANA device compatibility. This copied middleware can be installed in the DTV without requiring costly modifications to the original OCAP system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (OCAP-Java middleware) between the HANA DTV and the OCAP application. This intermediary enables compatibility without requiring direct modification of the core OCAP middleware, thereby reducing development costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the NIU executes application and transmits execution result to DTV, then interactive service can be provided, but time delay occurs between user request and service provision
Solution Approach 1:
The DTV pre-executes OCAP applications locally before receiving user input. The application execution unit is ready to process commands immediately, eliminating the time delay that would occur if the system had to execute and transmit results sequentially through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The DTV performs self-service by executing OCAP applications locally without requiring constant communication with the NIU. The broadcasting data processing unit can independently handle application execution and data processing, reducing dependency on network transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing an interactive service and a method and apparatus for performing communication are provided. An Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) application may be directly executed in at least one broadcasting receiving apparatus by determining whether an application for providing the interactive service is independently executable using middleware installed in the broadcasting receiving apparatus and selectively requesting a set-top box to provide data needed for executing the application based on the determination result.