Remote Resource Manager for Set-Top Box Configuration Auditing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers often attempt to modify their set-top boxes (STBs) to access unauthorized channels and services, leading to unauthorized use of resources, which is difficult for service providers to monitor and manage remotely.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote resource manager (RRM) that allows service providers to monitor and audit STB resources, compare configurations, and remotely modify STBs to ensure compliance with authorized settings, including determining resource availability and supporting new services based on existing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customers modify their STBs to access unauthorized channels, then they gain access to additional content, but security and authorization control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by installing resource management software and configuration monitoring mechanisms before customers can make unauthorized modifications. The service provider proactively audits STB resources, compares configurations against authorized baselines, and prevents unauthorized changes before they enable access to pirated content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the service provider remotely monitors STB configurations, detects unauthorized modifications, and sends correction signals back to the STB. This closed-loop control ensures that any deviation from authorized configuration is detected and corrected, maintaining authorization control while allowing legitimate content access.
2Reliability
If service providers monitor STB resources remotely, then security and authorization control improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The STB performs self-service by automatically executing resource management software, self-auditing its own configuration, and comparing its state against authorized baselines. This automation reduces the need for complex manual monitoring systems and minimizes system complexity while maintaining strong authorization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The resource management software serves multiple functions: it audits configuration, detects unauthorized modifications, communicates with the service provider, and enforces authorization policies. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the service provider audits STB configuration, then unauthorized modifications are detected, but loss of time occurs during configuration verification
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic auditing where the service provider remotely interrogates the STB at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The STB maintains a running configuration state and only communicates changes when queried, allowing detection of unauthorized modifications while minimizing communication overhead and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The STB continuously monitors its own configuration state in the background and prepares change detection data in advance. When the service provider initiates an audit, the STB can immediately provide configuration status without requiring time-consuming verification queries, reducing the perceived audit time while maintaining reliable detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining the resources available or used in a remote device is disclosed. The system can be used to determine whether the remote device is using expected resources as originally configured or to determine whether resources are available to support new or extended services. The method can be used to configure or reconfigure the remote device for its intended use or as reconfigure a remote device for new, different or extended purposes.