Indirect Media Control via Upstream Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices in communication networks that consume digital media in downstream-only modalities are unable to deliver information upstream, limiting interactive consumption of rich digital services such as pay-per-view programming and video on demand.
Innovation Solution
Indirect in-band control of media consumption is implemented, allowing devices without upstream functionality to select and control media content by leveraging data management and control functionality of a service provider network, using messaging structures and network resource assessment to manage media delivery pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices consume digital media in downstream-only modalities, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but interactive consumption of rich digital services becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
A remote device with upstream connectivity acts as an intermediary between the downstream-only appliance and the service provider network. This intermediary device sends asset requests to the network, receives content and signaling, and delivers them to the appliance, enabling interactive services without requiring the appliance itself to have upstream functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the functionality between two devices: the appliance handles only media consumption (downstream), while a separate remote device handles control and communication (upstream). This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full interactivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If indirect in-band control is implemented, then interactive media consumption is enabled on low-complexity equipment, but messaging structure and network resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The in-band signaling mechanism serves multiple functions: it carries both media content and control signaling through the same channel, enables asset selection, content delivery, and consumption control, all through a unified messaging structure that reduces the need for separate control infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If in-band signaling is used for control messages, then service delivery is simplified, but network resource assessment and pathway selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network assesses resource availability and provides signaling back to the remote device, which then adjusts asset requests accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic network resource management and pathway selection without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to control of consumption of content in an appliance. The content can include linear programming and non-linear assets. Such control can permit (i) changing a channel in the appliance (e.g., a CPE without upstream functionality) and thus selecting a linear-programming asset, a non-linear asset, and so forth, and (ii) controlling consumption of such assets. In one aspect, a device with upstream network connectivity can control the consumption of media in the appliance. The device can leverage data management and control functionality of a service provider network to acquire information related to assets available for consumption and to transmit asset requests to the service provider network, which can transmit content and signaling to the appliance in accordance at least in part with the asset request, thus controlling media consumption in the appliance.