Media Transport System User Identity Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable systems are unable to control signal delivery and asset allocation as a function of the users associated with user devices, as signals are distributed based on device identities rather than user identities.

Innovation Solution

A system that associates users with user devices, using geographic identifiers to direct and allocate media signals and assets based on user information, allowing for user-specific signal delivery and resource allocation by correlating user and enterprise information with signal path information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If signals are distributed in a broadcast fashion based on user device identities, then signal delivery is simple and straightforward, but the system cannot control signal delivery or allocate assets as a function of user identities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific signal delivery controlVSAvoidsignal distribution system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a locating unit as an intermediary component that receives signal path information from user devices, determines user identities, and provides this information to the signal distribution system. This mediator enables user-specific control without fundamentally redesigning the entire broadcast architecture, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: user devices that provide signal path information, a locating unit that determines user identities from this information, and the signal distribution system that uses user identity for targeted delivery. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall system adaptability while keeping individual components manageable in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If signals are distributed to all user devices without user identification, then asset allocation is simplified, but the system cannot perform targeted asset allocation or reduce redundancy based on user locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission redundancyVSAvoidasset allocation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locating unit receives signal path information as feedback from user devices and uses this feedback to determine user identities and locations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify which users are actively receiving signals and where they are located, allowing for targeted asset allocation that reduces transmission redundancy while maintaining efficient resource distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of signal distribution from device-based addressing to user-based addressing. By using the locating unit to translate signal path information into user identity parameters, the system can dynamically adjust asset allocation based on user location and activity, reducing energy loss through redundant transmissions to inactive or geographically distant users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the system uses device identities for signal distribution, then the system architecture remains simple, but it cannot associate signals with specific users for personalized service delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific service deliveryVSAvoiduser association system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locating unit serves as an intermediary that handles the complex task of associating signal path information with user identities. This mediator shields the rest of the system from complexity by providing a simple interface: user devices send signal path information, the locating unit processes the association, and other system components receive ready-to-use user identity information for personalized service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1717751B1Method and system of transporting media content
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • EP1717751B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Methods and systems of transporting media signals to user devices as a function of users associated therewith and to allocating assets in such systems as a function of users receiving the media signals so as to permit signals, assets, and other features to be directed, allocated, and otherwise distributed as a function of the users associated therewith.