ServiceContext Class for Managing Device Sets in Digital TV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital television systems lack a standardized method for controlling sets of plural devices to execute services that require the concurrent output of multiple audio and video data streams, such as Picture In Picture (PinP) and enhanced Electronic Program Guide (EPG) applications, as existing specifications like DVB-MHP and OCAP do not provide descriptions for configuring these device sets.
Innovation Solution
A service executing apparatus that employs a ServiceContext class to identify and manage sets of devices, allowing for the association and resource management of these devices to execute services, enabling the concurrent handling of multiple audio and video streams by treating them as a unified resource set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of devices of the same type exist (e.g., multiple tuners and video decoders), then concurrent processing capability is improved, but device interconnection control becomes complex and cannot be determined freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of multiple devices by introducing a ServiceContext class that groups devices into sets. Each ServiceContext manages a specific set of devices (tuner, video decoder, audio decoder) independently, allowing concurrent processing while simplifying control through modular organization rather than managing individual device connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The ServiceContext class acts as an intermediary between the service execution and the physical devices. It provides an abstraction layer that maps service requirements to device sets, eliminating the need for direct complex interconnection control while enabling concurrent processing through multiple ServiceContext instances.
2Ease of operation
If specified devices are interconnected beforehand in fixed sets, then control simplicity is improved, but adaptability for different service configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability through ServiceContext objects that can be created and configured at runtime. While devices are grouped into sets for simple control, these sets are not fixed but can be dynamically instantiated and configured to match different service requirements, providing both operational simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ServiceContext class serves as a universal container that can hold different combinations of devices depending on service requirements. A single ServiceContext structure can adapt to various configurations (PinP, enhanced EPG, etc.) by dynamically associating different device sets, making the system both simple to control and highly adaptable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DVB-MHP/OCAP specifications are used for service execution, then service functionality is improved, but device set configuration capability is lost due to lack of descriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the device configuration space through ServiceContext objects. Instead of directly managing complex physical device connections, the system creates abstract representations (ServiceContext instances) that mirror the required device sets, simplifying configuration while maintaining full service functionality supported by DVB-MHP/OCAP specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is comprised of: the service execution unit 5701 that executes a service in the ServiceContext for Abstract service 2108; a method 6112 that associates the ServiceContext 2108 with resource set information indicating plural resources used by the service, when an application requests the service execution unit 5701 to execute the service; the ServiceContext management unit 2001 that holds the ServiceContext 2108 and the resource set information associated with each other by the method 6112; and the JMF 1705a that provides the service with the resource set information held by the ServiceContext management unit 2001.