IMS Gateway Relay for Multi-Provider IPTV Service Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
IPTV service users face compatibility issues due to separate set-top boxes required for each IPTV vendor, limiting service selection and quality, as existing technologies do not enable seamless interaction with multiple IPTV service providers within a residential network.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for searching and interacting with IPTV service relay devices within a residential network, utilizing an IMS Gateway (IG) device based on open IPTV forum architecture, allowing access to IPTV services from multiple providers through multicasting HTTP M-SEARCH requests and HTTP POST messages for service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate set-top boxes are used for each IPTV vendor, then service compatibility with specific providers is ensured, but device complexity and user selection range increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IPTV service relay device as an intermediary component in the residential network. This relay device receives IPTV services from multiple service providers and relays them to the terminal device, enabling a single set-top box to access services from multiple providers without requiring separate boxes for each vendor.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device is designed to universally receive and process IPTV services from multiple different service providers through a single device interface. The device can interact with various relay devices and access services from different providers, making it multi-functional rather than provider-specific.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple set-top boxes are purchased for different providers, then service selection range expands, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple service access functions into a single terminal device. Instead of requiring separate set-top boxes for each service provider, the terminal device can access services from multiple providers through unified interaction with relay devices, simplifying user operation while maintaining service diversity.
3Reliability
If proprietary set-top boxes are used for each provider, then service reliability is maintained, but adaptability to different providers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device serves as a mediator between service providers and the terminal device, handling provider-specific protocols and interfaces. This allows the terminal device to maintain stable, reliable connections while adapting to multiple different providers through the relay layer.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are method and apparatus for searching for a second device relaying at least one IPTV service included in the same residential network as a first device, wherein the searching is performed by the first device, and receiving the IPTV service provided from outside of the residential network through a found second device.