Conditional Access Control for Mobile Receivers via Network Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current conditional access systems for digital data streams in mobile devices lack the ability to restrict content access based on geographical location, as the concept of 'postal code' blackout restrictions does not apply in the mobile universe, preventing broadcasters from managing content access effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method for conditional access to encrypted digital data streams that involves receiving control messages containing access conditions linked to mobile access point or transmitter identifiers, determining the mobile device's location using these identifiers, and verifying access conditions to authorize or block content access, allowing for regional restrictions or authorizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional postal code-based blackout commands are used in mobile devices, then content restriction can be applied, but the system cannot effectively determine location and apply restrictions in the mobile universe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent access controlVSAvoidlocation determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the location identification parameter from postal codes to mobile network-based identifiers (cell tower IDs, MAC addresses). This parameter transformation enables location-based access control to work effectively in the mobile environment where postal codes are irrelevant, resolving the contradiction between reliable content control and location detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces mobile network infrastructure (cell towers, network identifiers) as intermediaries between the broadcast system and mobile devices. These intermediaries provide location information that can be used for access control, bridging the gap between traditional fixed-line blackout systems and mobile device limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile devices are used for content reception, then portability and flexibility are improved, but geographical location-based access control becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile reception capabilityVSAvoidgeographical access restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile network infrastructure serve multiple functions: both as the communication channel for data transmission and as the location identification system for access control. This multi-functionality allows mobile devices to maintain portability while enabling reliable geographical-based content restriction through network identifier comparison.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2052516B1Local conditional access method for mobile receivers
Publication Date: 2011.12.28 NAGRAVISION SA
  • EP2052516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2052516B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The aim of the present invention is to make available the same means of restriction in the mobile world as is applied with fixed receivers. This aim is achieved by a method of conditional access to a digital data stream encrypted with at least one control word and broadcast via a transmitter of a broadcasting network to at least one item of mobile equipment, this transmitter also transmitting a stream of control messages containing the control words and the access conditions, this item of mobile equipment also being connected to a mobile communication network via a mobile access point, said method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - receiving by the mobile equipment the stream of control messages, - determining a location identifier for said mobile either by the identifier of the mobile access point, or by the identifier of the transmitter of the broadcasting network, - verifying the access conditions contained in the control message, said conditions comprising a reception condition related to at least one mobile access point identifier and/or an identifier of a transmitter of the broadcasting network, - comparing the location identifier with the identifier or identifiers contained in the access conditions, - blocking access to said data stream if the comparison is positive.