Set Top Box Subscription Mode Switching for Stored Content Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the issue of losing access to legally acquired and stored broadcast content when their subscription is terminated, as existing systems prevent access to both current and stored programming if subscription payments are not made.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable a receiving device, such as a set top box, to operate in two modes based on usage rights, allowing access to stored local programming even if subscription payments have ceased, while denying access to current broadcasts, with usage rights stored on an integrated circuit card like a smart card, ensuring exclusive access to stored content on the original device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the set top box prevents access to stored content when subscription is terminated, then the broadcaster maintains control over subscription content, but the user loses access to legally acquired content
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operating mode of the receiving device based on subscription status. When subscription is active, the device operates in first mode with full access. When subscription terminates, it transitions to second mode where stored content remains accessible. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing broadcaster control during subscription while preserving user access after termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The usage rights parameters are modified to reflect different access levels. The system changes the operational parameters of the receiving device from a binary access model to a multi-mode model, where mode indicators encode different permission sets. This parameter change enables differentiated access: full access when subscribed, limited access to stored content only when unsubscribed.
2Ease of operation
If the receiving device allows access to stored programming after subscription termination, then the user retains access to their library, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments access rights into different modes. The receiving device is divided into distinct operational states: first mode for active subscribers with full access, and second mode for terminated subscribers with restricted access to stored content only. This segmentation simplifies the control logic compared to implementing granular permission management for individual content items.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in at least two different operating modes. This universal design allows the same hardware and software platform to serve both subscribed and unsubscribed users with appropriate access levels, avoiding the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If usage rights are stored on an integrated circuit card, then access control is improved, but the device requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The usage rights information is extracted from the receiving device and stored on a separate integrated circuit card. This extraction improves access control reliability by providing a secure, portable storage medium that can be independently managed. The card can be inserted into or removed from the receiving device as needed, providing flexible and secure authentication.
Data Source
AI summary
A set top box for a television receiver has a paired viewing card. It is also coupled to a hard disc drive for the recording and storage of received broadcasting. If the viewer has a full subscription, the viewer is able to access and view subscription broadcasting by way of the set top box. If the subscription is no longer paid, different usage rights are associated with the set top box so that, while the set top box can no longer access the subscription broadcasting, the viewer is still able to access and play any previously stored subscription programming.