Mobile Device Mediates STB Balance Data via NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pay-per-view (PPV) services face challenges in remote areas where satellite communications provide wide coverage but lack sufficient uplink connectivity for balance data reconciliation between set-top boxes (STBs) and headend servers, due to insufficient bandwidth and lack of internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device communicates with STBs via near-field communication (NFC) or other wireless connections, downloads balance data, and transmits it to the PPV headend server through cellular or WiFi networks, enabling automatic updates and reconciliation without requiring conditional access module (CAM) replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite communication is used to provide wide network coverage in remote areas, then network coverage area is improved, but uplink connectivity for balance data reconciliation deteriorates due to insufficient bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the STB and the headend server. The mobile device downloads balance data from the STB via NFC or wireless connection, then transmits it to the headend server through cellular or WiFi networks with adequate uplink bandwidth, resolving the bandwidth limitation of satellite uplink
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) local data collection from STB using NFC/wireless connection when mobile device is near STB, and (2) remote data transmission to headend server using cellular/WiFi network. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate communication channel for its specific requirements
2Area of stationary object
If satellite network is used for downlink communication only, then network coverage in remote locations is improved, but uplink connection from STB to headend server deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves as a mediator that bridges the one-way satellite downlink system with the headend server. It collects balance data locally from the STB and handles the uplink communication to the server through alternative networks (cellular/WiFi) that have bidirectional connectivity capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to establish uplink from STB to server (which fails in satellite-only environments), the system inverts the approach: the mobile device first downloads data from STB locally, then uploads to server. This reverses the traditional communication flow to work around the satellite uplink limitation
3Reliability
If mobile computing device is used as bridge for communication, then balance data reconciliation in remote areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device performs multiple functions: (1) acts as a NFC/wireless communication interface with STB, (2) serves as a local cache for balance data, (3) functions as a communication bridge to headend server via cellular/WiFi, and (4) provides user interface for PPV transactions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures secure and efficient reconciliation of PPV balance data across networks, even in areas with limited internet connectivity, allowing PPV services to function in remote locations by using a mobile device as a bridge for communication between STBs and headend servers.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile computing device with program instructions communicates with an STB via a near field communication (NFC) or other wireless or wired connections with an STB
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system relates to a cellular-network assisted Pay-Per-View (PPV). An issue arises in reconciling PPV purchase balance data when a Set-top Box (STB) lacks a communication link to the PPV headend server. The present disclosure addresses the issue by using a mobile computing device for delivering the PPV balance data from the STB to the PPV headend server over a cellular-network. The mobile computing device receives the PPV balance data from the Conditional Access Module (CAM) on STB through near-field communications. The mobile computing device, when it is moved to inside a service coverage area of a cellular or Wi-Fi-network, transmits the PPV balance data to the PPV headend server. The PPV headend server updates the PPV balance data and transmits the updated PPV balance data to the CAM on STB via the satellite broadcasting network.