IPTV Middleware for Secure Home Surveillance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home video surveillance systems are limited by proprietary solutions that are expensive, complicated to configure, and have low sales volume, making them inaccessible and costly for widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

Integrating video surveillance services with existing television delivery systems, such as IPTV, using middleware that includes digital rights management to provide secure and cost-effective remote access via telecommunications devices, allowing customers to access and control surveillance equipment from a mobile phone or other telecommunications devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary video surveillance solutions are used, then security functionality is provided, but the system becomes expensive and complicated to configure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video surveillance functionality from proprietary complete systems and integrates it into existing IPTV infrastructure. The surveillance camera, set-top box, and telecommunications device are separated components that communicate through standardized protocols, allowing independent deployment and configuration without requiring a complete proprietary system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering television services, processing surveillance video feeds, and managing digital rights protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated surveillance equipment, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If proprietary video surveillance solutions are used, then security functionality is provided, but sales volume remains low due to high cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionalityVSAvoidsales volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows customers to independently configure and access surveillance functionality through their existing telecommunications devices without requiring professional installation or specialized knowledge. The automated DRM authentication and seamless integration with familiar devices enable easy deployment, driving higher adoption rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the existing widespread adoption of IPTV infrastructure and familiar telecommunications devices as a template for surveillance access. By copying the successful deployment model of television services, the system achieves rapid market penetration without requiring customers to adopt entirely new proprietary platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If Internet video streaming is used for remote access, then remote viewing capability is provided, but unauthorized access security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote viewing capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The set-top box acts as an intermediary between the surveillance camera and the telecommunications device. It receives video feeds from the camera, applies DRM protection, and selectively streams authorized content to approved devices. This intermediary layer enables easy remote access while maintaining security through automated authentication and encryption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes security parameters based on authentication status. Authorized devices receive encrypted video streams with proper DRM keys, while unauthorized devices are blocked. The encryption and authentication parameters are automatically adjusted based on the device's credentials, enabling secure remote access without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If customized proprietary systems are deployed, then video surveillance functionality is provided, but cost increases due to low sales volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo surveillance functionalityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges video surveillance functionality with the existing IPTV delivery infrastructure. The same set-top boxes, network infrastructure, and authentication systems used for television services are also used for surveillance, eliminating the need for separate customized hardware and reducing per-unit costs through economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box is designed as a universal platform that can deliver both television services and surveillance functionality. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, reducing overall system cost and enabling cost-effective deployment across large customer bases through standardized manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9451217B2System and method for providing wireless security surveillance services accessible via a telecommunications device
Publication Date: 2016.09.20 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC
  • US9451217B2 patent drawing
  • US9451217B2 patent drawing
  • US9451217B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for providing video surveillance may include providing digital television services to a customer via middleware. The middleware may include digital rights management services. Digital surveillance services may be provided to the customer via the middleware. In providing digital surveillance services to the customer, the customer may be enabled to access surveillance equipment via the middleware from a remote location using a telecommunications device, where the telecommunications device is authorized to access the surveillance equipment by the digital rights management services.