Third-Party IPTV Play Control via Session Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IPTV systems do not support third-party control for operations such as joining, leaving, or controlling playback of programs by users, limiting network or remote user interaction with user terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for third-party play control, where a user terminal passes program authorization to a server, plays authorized programs, and receives control requests from third-party entities to perform operations like joining or leaving programs, allowing remote monitoring and control of playback through RTSP servers and IMS networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IPTV service supports third party play control, then user experience and service versatility are improved, but system complexity and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethird party play control supportVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a session controller as an intermediary component that mediates between third party control entities and the IPTV service system. The session controller receives control requests from third parties, validates them against user authorization, and executes appropriate playback operations. This intermediary architecture enables third party control functionality while isolating the core IPTV system from direct external control, thereby managing system complexity and security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If third party entities can control user terminal playback, then remote monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but user privacy and security concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoiduser privacy risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authorization where users must explicitly grant control permissions to third party entities before remote control operations can occur. The system pre-establishes authorization relationships and validates them before executing any control requests. This preliminary authorization mechanism enables remote control functionality while protecting user privacy by ensuring third parties can only perform operations within explicitly granted permissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control entities can access user program playback, then service functionality is improved, but control signal interference and system instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-entity control supportVSAvoidcontrol signal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the session controller monitors control requests from multiple third party entities, validates their authorization status, and manages execution to prevent conflicting operations. The system provides feedback to control entities about their authorization level and the current playback state, enabling coordinated control while preventing signal interference and maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2273785B1Play controlling method, device and system
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2273785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2273785B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2273785B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A play control method, device, and system are provided. The play control method includes: receiving play control request information sent by a third party control entity, where the play control request information includes program or channel control indication information; and controlling play according to the program or channel control indication information. By the play control method, device, and system, the third party control entity is enabled to control play of a program or channel being viewed by a user.