Service Provision Framework for Digital TV Xlet Service Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Xlet application model in digital TV receivers lacks a service provider framework, preventing Xlets from directly sharing mutable object instances, which is necessary for implementing service provider applications across multiple manufacturers and managing resource interactions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A service provision framework is introduced, defining two types of service provider interfaces (SPIs): Xlet-bound SPIs, which provide services to a single Xlet, and system-bound SPIs, which can be shared among multiple Xlets, allowing for centralized management and inter-Xlet communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Xlets are implemented with controlled life cycles managed by an application manager, then resource management and interaction between multiple applications are improved, but the ability to share mutable object instances and provide services across multiple Xlets is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service provider framework as an intermediary layer between Xlets and system resources. This framework includes service provider interfaces (SPIs) that allow Xlets to access shared services and mutable objects through standardized interfaces, while the application manager continues to control resource allocation and Xlet life cycles. The SPI acts as a mediator that enables service sharing without compromising the controlled environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct layers: the application manager layer that controls Xlet life cycles, the service provider framework layer that manages shared resources and services, and the Xlet layer that consumes services. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, enabling service sharing while maintaining controlled resource management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a service provider framework is introduced to enable service sharing, then adaptability and service provisioning are improved, but system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The service provider framework implements universal interfaces (SPIs) that can serve multiple Xlets and various service types through a common architecture. Rather than creating separate mechanisms for each service, the framework provides multi-functional SPIs that can be instantiated and configured for different services (e.g., game services, navigation services), reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Xlets need to access shared services, then service versatility is improved, but resource management and coherence are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The service provider framework implements feedback mechanisms where service providers monitor and manage resource states, and the application manager receives feedback about resource usage and Xlet states. This allows the system to maintain resource coherence by adjusting service access and Xlet lifecycles based on current system state, ensuring that multiple Xlets can access shared services without compromising resource integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a service on a device. The method includes instantiating a service provider that provides the service, where the service provider implements a service provider interface (SPI) corresponding to the service and where the SPI is defined by a service provision framework for providing services to Xlets. The method further includes using the service by a first Xlet, where the first Xlet uses the service provider interface (SPI).