Set-Top Box Email Access via Automatic Credential Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for accessing electronic mail services via cable services networks are cumbersome and error-prone due to the difficulty in entering credentials like usernames and passwords using remote control devices, which are not designed for text entry.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows cable television services customers to access electronic mail services through an interactive television session using a set-top box, where credentials are entered via a remote control device and verified through a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) database, enabling secure and efficient access to electronic mail messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional username and password entry methods are used via soft keyboards on television screens, then electronic mail access credentials can be entered, but the process becomes slow and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of credential entryVSAvoidtime to enter credentials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually typing credentials using soft keyboards with an automatic credential retrieval system. The system automatically obtains credentials from the cable television service provider's authentication system, eliminating the need for manual entry and thereby reducing both time and errors associated with manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically retrieving and entering credentials without requiring user intervention. The set-top box communicates with the authentication system to obtain credentials automatically, allowing the electronic mail system to service itself without human input, thus eliminating time loss and entry errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If remote control device keys are used as modified keyboards for credential entry, then credentials can be entered, but the process becomes cumbersome and error prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of credential entryVSAvoidaccuracy of credential entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard entry method (using remote control keys as virtual keyboards) with an automatic credential retrieval mechanism. The set-top box directly communicates with the authentication system to obtain credentials, eliminating the cumbersome and error-prone process of manually navigating virtual keyboards with remote control devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically obtaining credentials from the authentication system without requiring user interaction. This eliminates the need for users to manually enter credentials using remote control devices, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability by removing human error from the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual credential entry interfaces are provided on television screens, then users can access electronic mail services, but the interaction becomes time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access electronic mail servicesVSAvoidtime for authentication process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual interaction interface (television screen keyboard input) with an automatic authentication system. The set-top box directly communicates with the service provider's authentication system to retrieve credentials automatically, maintaining the ability to access electronic mail services while eliminating the time-consuming manual entry process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-obtaining credentials from the authentication system before the user needs to access electronic mail. The credentials are retrieved in advance and stored locally, so when the user wants to access email, authentication occurs immediately without requiring time-consuming manual entry at the moment of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7669218B1Provision of electronic mail services via a cable services network

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 MACROPORE BIOSURGERY INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for accessing electronic mail services via a cable services network. A cable television services customer/user may access electronic mail services through a cable television services provider by providing access credentials via an interactive television session through a cable television set-top box. To authenticate a customer/user's access to electronic mail services, a username and a personal identification number (PIN) are submitted by the customer/user to a backend database. A password for the customer/user is located in the backend database and is utilized for accessing the electronic mail services by the customer/user. If the customer/user has never established a personal identification number, the customer/user may submit a new PIN to the backend database. Authorization to enter the new PIN into the backend database is based on submission of a valid username and password by the customer/user.