Link Application Control via Permission Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In digital television broadcasting, link applications created by general app providers can malfunction or be abused, leading to issues such as video or sound output failures or misinformation, highlighting the need for controlling the reception device control function on the broadcasting side.

Innovation Solution

A reception device and link application control system that analyzes operation permissions within application control information to restrict activation of link applications, using broadcasted or server-acquired application control information to manage screen layout and device operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If link applications are permitted to control reception device functions (screen layout, channel selection, etc.), then the functionality and interactivity of the system is improved, but the risk of malfunction or abuse leading to video/sound output failures or misinformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink application control functionVSAvoidprogram output reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control permissions by dividing them into specific categories (screen layout control, channel selection control, metadata reference control). Each category is independently managed through permission information that specifies which operations are allowed. This segmentation enables precise control over what the link application can do, allowing functionality while preventing abusive actions that could compromise program output reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where the reception device acts as a mediator between the link application and the program output system. The application control unit analyzes the link application's operations and compares them against permission information before allowing execution. This intermediary layer ensures that even if the link application malfunctions or is abused, it cannot directly compromise the program output without going through the permission verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If general app providers are allowed to create and supply link applications, then the variety and availability of applications is improved, but the risk of malicious or defective applications affecting program quality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication availabilityVSAvoidmalicious application impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing permission information and control rules before the link application is executed. The application control unit analyzes the link application's intended operations in advance and compares them against the predefined permission information. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized operations can be performed, preventing malicious or defective applications from causing harm while still allowing general providers to create and supply diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the reception device control function is restricted through permission analysis, then the safety and reliability of program output is improved, but the flexibility and functionality of link applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram output safetyVSAvoidlink application flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different permission levels for different control functions. Instead of uniformly restricting or allowing all link application operations, the system assigns specific permissions to specific functions (e.g., allowing screen layout control while restricting channel selection). This localized permission approach maintains program output safety by restricting potentially harmful functions while preserving link application flexibility for authorized operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3355493B1Reception device, reception method, broadcasting device, broadcasting method program and link application control system
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3355493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355493B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355493B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a reception device configured to receive content broadcast via a broadcasting network, the reception device including an application execution unit configured to execute a link application that is able to change a layout of a screen with reference to a video of the received content, and an application control unit configured to control the application execution unit based on application control information relating to the link application so that activation of the link application is restricted.