Interactive Content Mediation Device for Secure Set-Top Box Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing interactive content over networks poses security risks due to the inability to suspend network functions for software updates, and existing solutions like firewalls do not effectively combine interactive content from various sources.
Innovation Solution
An interactive content mediation device and method that communicates with set-top box devices via secure networks to request and receive interactive content from unsecured networks, removing unapproved elements before sending it to the devices, thereby ensuring secure and integrated content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If interactive content is received from unsecured networks, then content variety and user experience are improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediation device as an intermediary component between unsecured networks and the set-top box. This mediator receives interactive content from unsecured networks, combines it with approved content, and delivers it to the set-top box. The mediation device acts as a buffer that enables content variety while maintaining security by controlling what content reaches the user device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines interactive content from unsecured networks with approved content from secured sources in a single mediation device. By merging these content streams and applying security filtering to the combined output, the system achieves both content variety and security protection simultaneously.
2Reliability
If firewalls are used to block harmful content, then security is improved, but interactive content cannot be effectively combined with other content sources
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a simple firewall that blocks content, the patent employs a mediation device as an intelligent intermediary. This mediator not only filters content for security but also actively combines and integrates interactive content with other approved content sources, providing both security and content integration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mediation device performs multiple functions: it acts as a firewall for security filtering, a content aggregator for combining multiple sources, and a delivery mechanism for distributed content distribution. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate security and content management systems.
3Reliability
If network functions are suspended for software updates, then security patches are applied, but network service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the mediation device pre-validate and approve content before it reaches the set-top box. This pre-approval mechanism allows the set-top box to maintain continuous service while the mediation device handles security updates in the background, eliminating the need to suspend network functions for updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments security management functions from user service functions by placing security filtering and update management in the mediation device, separate from the set-top box. This segmentation allows security patches to be applied in the mediation layer without affecting user service availability at the set-top box.
Data Source
AI summary
In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for interactive content at a mediation device, the request sent from a set-top box device via a secure network. The method also includes receiving the interactive content at the mediation device from at least one content provider via an unsecured network. The method also includes removing at least one unapproved element from the interactive content. The method also includes sending the interactive content to the set-top box device via a video head-end.