Session-Based Encryption for VOD ECM Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current session-based common-tier encryption (SBCTE) delivery of video on demand (VOD) results in an unnecessary load on entitlement control message (ECM) generators due to the need to support multiple conditional access systems (CAS) with all ECMs, even though only one ECM is used by each set-top box (STB).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a session resource computing device to select the appropriate encryptor based on the required type of conditional access system (CAS) for encrypting and decrypting content, using a predefined procedure to choose from a bank of encryptors and ECM generators, ensuring only the necessary ECMs are used, with the option to utilize a simulcrypt encryptor when CAS-only encryptors are fully loaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simulcrypt encryption is used to support multiple CAS types, then all STB types can be supported, but ECM generators experience unnecessary load due to generating multiple unused ECMs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryptor pool into specialized CAS-type-specific encryptors and simulcrypt encryptors. Each CAS-type-specific encryptor handles only one CAS type, while simulcrypt encryptors handle multiple types. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently route requests to appropriate encryptors, avoiding the generation of unnecessary ECMs while maintaining support for multiple CAS types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of encryptors based on the specific CAS type required by the STB. The system dynamically determines whether to use a CAS-type-specific encryptor or a simulcrypt encryptor based on current load and requirements, optimizing ECM generator efficiency while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all ECMs are generated for all CAS types, then any STB can be served, but system resources are wasted on unnecessary ECM generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the required CAS type from the STB request before initiating encryption. This allows the system to pre-select the appropriate encryptor and generate only the necessary ECMs, avoiding waste of computational resources while ensuring compatibility with the specific STB type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different encryption approaches based on the local requirements of each request. CAS-type-specific encryptors are used when possible for optimal efficiency, while simulcrypt encryptors are used when versatility is required. This local optimization ensures resource efficiency without sacrificing compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ECMs are inserted into the video stream, then all CAS types are supported, but the complexity of the encryption system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption system into distinct CAS-type-specific components and simulcrypt components. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable modules, making the system easier to manage and maintain while still supporting multiple CAS types through structured organization.
Data Source
AI summary
The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory or storage device) for a session-based encryption (e.g., a common-tier encryption) for delivering a content (e.g., video, data, multi-media content and the like) on demand using multiple encryptors. According to an embodiment, the STB's request for a VOD session may be routed by a session resource manager (SRM) to receive content from an appropriate encryptor chosen from multiple encryptors based on a predefined criteria. This approach can minimize a number of encryptions/encryption devices (such as ECM generators) needed in a cable network. However, the simulcrypt encryptor can be also used, if necessary, e.g., when CAS-only encryptors are fully loaded with a traffic.