Middleware Layer for Digital Content Decryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connected television sets lack a programming interface to enable communication between software applications and access control modules, preventing effective decryption of encrypted digital content.

Innovation Solution

A digital content playback system with a middleware layer facilitating communication between applications and access control modules through a client-server architecture, utilizing existing network connections to establish communication links and enable decryption requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a programming interface is added to enable communication between applications and access control modules, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a messaging server as an intermediary component that mediates communication between applications and access control modules. The messaging server receives messages from applications, routes them to appropriate access control modules, and delivers responses back. This intermediary approach enables communication capability without requiring direct programming interfaces between applications and access control modules, thus resolving the contradiction by adding adaptability while managing device complexity through a centralized mediation layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing television hardware is modified to add communication interfaces, then communication between applications and access control modules is enabled, but hardware compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidhardware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging server acts as a software-based intermediary that operates over existing network infrastructure, eliminating the need to modify existing television hardware. Applications and access control modules continue to use their existing interfaces, while the messaging server provides the communication bridge. This approach enables communication capability while preserving hardware compatibility and avoiding the need to modify existing television sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging server provides a universal communication platform that can serve multiple applications and multiple access control modules simultaneously. By implementing a standardized message routing mechanism, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single communication infrastructure supports various application types and access control scenarios, thereby enabling communication capability without compromising hardware compatibility.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a messaging server is introduced to facilitate communication, then communication between applications and access control modules is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging server consolidates communication logic into a single centralized component, which simplifies the overall system architecture despite adding a new element. By centralizing message routing, authentication, and delivery mechanisms in one server, the patent avoids the complexity that would arise from implementing distributed communication logic across multiple components. This intermediary approach enables communication capability while managing system complexity through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging server implements self-service mechanisms including automatic message routing based on predefined rules, automated authentication verification, and self-managed connection management. These self-service capabilities reduce the need for complex external control systems and manual configuration, thereby enabling communication capability while keeping system complexity manageable through automated operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2813088B1System for reading digital content and corresponding method of reading
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 BOUYGUES TELECOM
  • EP2813088B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2813088B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2813088B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention proposes a system for reading digital content comprising: ‑ a device for access to a computer network; - a device for reading digital content able to communicate with the device for access to a computer network via a connection interface, and adapted for implementing at least one software application, and - an access control module able to encrypt or decrypt digital streams, the access control module being associated with the device for reading digital content and connected to the device for access to a computer network, in which the digital application or applications of the reading device communicate with the access control module via the network access device, and said communication is implemented by means of server software hosted by the access control module or the access device. The invention furthermore proposes a method of reading a digital content implemented by the system.