Pay-per-view Sharing Across Multiple Set-top Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pay-per-view events are typically limited to the set-top box on which they were purchased, making it inconvenient for households with multiple set-top boxes to view the event across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a purchased pay-per-view event to be decrypted and viewed on multiple set-top boxes by transmitting unique decryption codes to registered receivers through a network and satellite, using an authentication site and database to manage user information and generate specific decryption codes for each set-top box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pay-per-view event is purchased on a set-top box, then the event can be viewed on that specific set-top box, but the event cannot be viewed on other set-top boxes in the household
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where a single pay-per-view purchase grants access to multiple set-top boxes through universal decryption codes. The authentication site generates and distributes decryption codes to all registered set-top boxes in the household, allowing the same pay-per-view content to be viewed on any device without requiring separate purchases for each box.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decryption codes are transmitted to multiple set-top boxes, then multi-device viewing is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication site as an intermediary component that manages the complex tasks of verifying user identity, generating decryption codes, and distributing them to multiple set-top boxes. This centralized intermediary handles all the complexity of multi-device authentication and code management, while the individual set-top boxes remain relatively simple devices that only need to communicate with the authentication site.
3Reliability
If manual operator intervention is required to provide decryption codes, then security is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the authentication site independently performs user verification, generates decryption codes, and distributes them to multiple set-top boxes without requiring manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically managing the entire code distribution process, maintaining security through automated authentication while dramatically improving efficiency by eliminating manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event.