Home Identification Device for Settop Box Service Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for linking multiple settop boxes to a single service location are limited by master/slave configurations and extra cabling, which can restrict effective service distribution and lead to unauthorized sharing of services.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a home identification device (HID) and user devices, where a code is transmitted to the HID, combined with an HID identification number, and compared to a match key to authorize service flow to display devices, ensuring only authorized devices receive services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If master/slave settop boxes are used to link multiple user devices to a service location, then service distribution is enabled, but the slave settop box cannot function unless positioned near the master settop box due to connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection requirement from the master-slave relationship by introducing a home identification device (HID) that independently verifies each settop box. This removes the dependency between settop boxes, allowing them to be positioned independently while maintaining service distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The HID acts as an intermediary between the service provider and multiple settop boxes. It receives identification codes from each settop box and verifies them against authorized match keys, enabling service distribution without direct master-slave connections and thus improving positioning flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extra cabling is installed to connect settop boxes in master/slave configuration, then service distribution is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for extra cabling by extracting the verification function to the HID, which communicates with settop boxes through existing communication channels. This eliminates the physical connection infrastructure while maintaining service distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with an electronic/communication-based verification system. The HID and settop boxes use digital code exchange and cryptographic verification instead of physical connections, reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
3Reliability
If settop boxes are tied together through signaling or secondary connections, then service authorization is controlled, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized sharing with non-subscribing residences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring unique match keys in authorized settop boxes and storing corresponding identification codes in the HID before service deployment. This pre-establishment of cryptographic pairs ensures that only pre-authorized devices can access services, preventing unauthorized sharing while maintaining reliable authorization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where the service authorization is replicated through matched code-key pairs distributed to authorized devices. Each settop box receives a unique match key that corresponds to an identification code in the HID, creating a secure copy mechanism that prevents unauthorized access while enabling controlled service distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enabling at least one of a plurality of user devices to provide a service flow is described. In one example, a code is transmitted to a home identification device (HID) to be combined with an HID identification number. The combined response, which is comprised of the code and the HID identification number, is then transmitted from the HID and received by the user device(s). If the combined response is equivalent to at least one predetermined match key, which is stored in the user device(s), that user device(s) provides the service flow to a respective television(s).