Set-Top Box Build Profile for Module Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite distribution systems lack a method to maintain and update build programs for set-top boxes efficiently, as the memory addresses and module locations within these systems are unknown, making troubleshooting and updates challenging.
Innovation Solution
A build profile is created to store information about the software modules, including relative offset addresses, which allows for the generation and updating of build programs by identifying and managing the location of modules, enabling efficient management and updating of set-top box software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple build programs are designed to support different set-top box types, then each set-top box can properly receive and decode the transmitted television signal, but the complexity of managing and updating build programs increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal build program structure that can adapt to multiple set-top box types through configuration files and platform-specific modules. Instead of creating entirely separate build programs for each box type, the system uses a common framework that loads different hardware abstraction layers and configuration settings based on the target platform, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The build program is divided into modular components including hardware abstraction layers, platform-specific modules, and a common core. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and updated. The system can selectively load only the necessary modules for a particular set-top box type, simplifying the overall management process while supporting diverse hardware configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If build program memory addresses are not tracked, then the build program can be installed, but troubleshooting and updating become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the build program systematically records and reports memory addresses, module locations, and installation status to a central management system. This feedback enables automatic tracking of software deployments, facilitates precise troubleshooting by providing exact memory locations of issues, and supports efficient updates by identifying which components need modification. The system generates detailed logs and status reports that provide real-time information about build program execution and state.
3Productivity
If complete build program information is maintained, then quick analysis and maintenance are enabled, but the storage and management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential build program information in a centralized database, including memory addresses, module locations, version numbers, and configuration parameters. Non-essential or redundant information is excluded from persistent storage. This selective extraction enables quick analysis and maintenance operations while minimizing storage overhead by keeping only the critical data needed for troubleshooting and updates.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of a method for generating a profile of a build program for one or more set-top box platforms supported by a satellite distribution system. The one or more build profiles may maintain information about the one or more the modules and sub-modules of the build program, including but not limited to a memory address indicating the location of each module of the build program in the memory components of the set-top box. In another embodiment, the build profile may also maintain the relative offset address of each module of the build program from the beginning of the build program, an indicator of each module and sub-module and the amount of memory that each module comprises when stored in memory.