Reception Device Configuration via Terminal Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected TV devices, such as HbbTVs, that are not connected to a broadband network face challenges in acquiring configuration information necessary for updating their internal settings, as they rely on unidirectional broadcast networks for communication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a reception device, connected to a server through a unidirectional network, uses a terminal equipment connected through a bi-directional network to acquire configuration information. This involves providing filtering information to the terminal equipment during initialization and sending a request for configuration information, which the server then provides through the unidirectional network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reception device is connected only to a unidirectional broadcast network, then network simplicity is maintained, but the device cannot acquire configuration information for updates and advanced features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal equipment (smartphone, tablet, or PC) as an intermediary device that bridges the unidirectional broadcast network and the reception device. The terminal equipment establishes a bidirectional communication channel with the reception device through local interfaces (HDMI, USB, wireless), enabling configuration information requests and responses while maintaining the simplicity of the broadcast network connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional broadband network connection is added to enable configuration information acquisition, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration information acquisition by allowing the reception device to request configuration information through the terminal equipment without requiring direct broadband network connection or complex network setup. The terminal equipment automatically manages the communication between the reception device and the information source, eliminating the need for users to configure network settings.
3Loss of information
If configuration information is transmitted through the unidirectional network only, then network simplicity is maintained, but the reception device cannot send requests for specific configuration information
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is segmented into distinct functional stages: (1) initialization stage where the terminal equipment establishes connection and receives device identifier, (2) request stage where the reception device sends configuration information requests through the terminal equipment, and (3) response stage where configuration information is transmitted back. This segmentation allows bidirectional communication functionality to be achieved through the unidirectional network without requiring complex continuous bidirectional protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is proposed for acquiring, from a server, configuration information by a reception device connected to the server through a first network, the configuration information allowing the update of the internal setting of the reception device. Such method comprises, during an initialization stage:providing a filtering information allowing to obtain a filtering item to a communication interface; and during an operation stage:providing a request for the configuration information to the communication interface for allowing a terminal equipment connected to the server through a second network to obtain the request and to send a corresponding request to the server;receiving the configuration information provided by the server as part of a data stream sent through the first network.