Feature Token Enablement for Set-Top Box Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) cost of developing custom Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for set-top boxes (STBs) and the permanent disablement of features in prior art solutions limit flexibility and revenue opportunities for network operators and licensors, as they require new STBs for adding or upgrading services.
Innovation Solution
A secure feature token system that allows for the electronic enablement of features on STBs, using a secure processor to validate and change the enablement state of underlying hardware, enabling features dynamically without physical modifications, thereby allowing for flexible service upgrades and revenue generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom ASICs are developed for different operating regions, then service customization is improved, but Non-Recurring Engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal STB design that can serve multiple operating regions by including all feature circuitry in a single ASIC. The system achieves customization through selective enablement of features via software control and cryptographic licensing, rather than hardware variations. This allows one STB model to be deployed across different regions with different service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic feature enablement where the STB can change its functional state based on licensing tokens. Features are not fixed at manufacturing but can be enabled or disabled at runtime through cryptographic authentication. This dynamic approach replaces static hardware customization with flexible software-controlled adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all feature circuitry is included in the STB, then feature adaptability is improved, but license fee costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feature licensing control from hardware manufacturing and places it in the software/licensing domain. While all feature circuitry is physically present in the STB, the actual activation of each feature is extracted and controlled separately through individual cryptographic licenses. This allows the STB to have full feature capability on paper while only paying for and activating the specific features needed in each operating region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of feature activation from a physical manufacturing state to a software-controlled state. The STB transitions from having features permanently enabled or disabled at the circuit level to having features dynamically enabled or disabled through cryptographic authentication. This parameter change allows flexible licensing arrangements where features can be added or removed from the active set without physical modifications.
3Loss of energy
If features are permanently disabled by blowing fuses, then cost control is improved, but flexibility for future upgrades is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not disabling features permanently but instead enabling them conditionally. Rather than starting with all features enabled and disabling unwanted ones through fuse blowing, the system starts with all feature circuitry present and uses cryptographic licensing to selectively activate only the authorized features. This inversion maintains upgrade flexibility because the licensing can be changed without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copying mechanisms where a master license key can generate multiple derived licenses for different features. This allows the system to control feature activation through software copies of licensing information rather than physical modifications. The licensing tokens can be updated, revoked, or modified without any hardware changes, preserving flexibility while maintaining cost control.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method for electronic enablement of features at a communication device that includes receiving a feature token, validating the feature token, and changing the enablement state of one or more features at the communication device in accordance with a valid feature token.