IPTV Bandwidth Management via Timer-Based User Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited bandwidth of copper wire infrastructures in DSL technology for IPTV delivery is wasted when set top boxes are left turned on, as continuous communication of IPTV channels consumes bandwidth that could be used for other services, leading to inefficiencies in telecommunications service providers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a timer-based system that monitors the duration of IPTV channel usage and requests user verification, disconnecting the channel if no response is received within a specified time, thereby conserving bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the set top box is left turned on to maintain IPTV channel availability, then the user can quickly resume watching, but bandwidth is continuously consumed even when no one is watching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of set top box activity status through a gateway that periodically checks whether the set top box is actively receiving or processing IPTV signals. This periodic detection mechanism allows the system to distinguish between active and inactive states, enabling bandwidth to be allocated only when needed rather than continuously reserved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the gateway receives status information from the set top box and the service control point adjusts bandwidth allocation based on this feedback. When the gateway detects that the set top box is inactive, it sends feedback to the service control point, which then releases the reserved bandwidth. This closed-loop feedback system ensures bandwidth is dynamically adjusted to match actual service needs.
2Reliability
If bandwidth is continuously allocated to maintain service readiness, then service availability is improved, but overall network resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static bandwidth allocation model into a dynamic one where bandwidth reservation is adjusted in real-time based on actual service demand. The system continuously monitors set top box activity and dynamically releases or maintains bandwidth reservations accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures service availability when needed while maximizing network resource utilization during periods of inactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation from a fixed state to a variable state that responds to system conditions. By monitoring activity indicators and adjusting bandwidth reservation status based on these changes, the system maintains service reliability when active while improving overall network productivity during inactive periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple services share the same copper wire infrastructure, then service bundling capability is improved, but bandwidth limitations impact overall service capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bandwidth management mechanism that serves multiple services (IPTV, VoIP, Internet) through a single gateway and service control point infrastructure. The same bandwidth monitoring and allocation system is used across different service types, enabling efficient resource sharing and service bundling while maximizing the utilization of limited copper wire bandwidth resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling network bandwidth that uses a timer to monitor the length of time that a set top box is set to a channel and, in response to the timer reaching a time limit, requesting a response from a user to verify that the channel is still being watched. If a response is not received with a specified time duration, the signal for the IPTV channel may be disconnected. The system may be configured to include “thin client” middleware on a network server or “thick client” middleware on a set top box, for example, to operate in conjunction with a network server.