Set-Top Box Telephony Association via User Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face difficulties in automatically associating different interfaces between television and telephony devices, requiring significant programming efforts and risking service interruptions when changes occur, especially in converged networks where devices may be replaced or purchased individually.
Innovation Solution
A user-assisted method involving a set-top box and a telephony device, where a code is generated and displayed on the television screen, allowing users to manually associate their devices by transmitting the code through the telephony device to a server, which identifies and links the set-top box and telephony device addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual association methods are used between set-top box and MTA, then association can be established, but programming effort increases and service interruptions risk increases when changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service association where the set-top box and MTA automatically associate with each other through a user-initiated code entry process. The set-top box generates an association code that the user enters into the MTA, allowing the devices to automatically establish and maintain their association without requiring operator programming or configuration changes when devices are replaced.
2Ease of manufacture
If automated association is implemented, then programming effort is reduced, but devices may lack the capability to self-associate when replaced or purchased individually
Solution Approach 1:
The set-top box performs preliminary action by generating and displaying an association code before the MTA needs to be configured. This pre-generated code contains the necessary association information, allowing the MTA to be easily configured by simply entering the code, whether the MTA is new, replaced, or individually purchased. This eliminates the need for complex programming while maintaining adaptability to device changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If central home gateway devices are used for service convergence, then service integration is achieved, but device address identification and association becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The association code acts as an intermediary that bridges the set-top box and MTA in a converged network environment. Instead of requiring direct identification and association of device addresses through complex network protocols, the code serves as a simple mediator that the user enters into the MTA, automatically establishing the association without requiring the MTA or set-top box to directly identify each other's addresses through complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for user assisted association between a television and a telephony device is provided. A set-top box requests an identification code from a server. The server identifies the set-top box, generates the code and transmits it to the set-top box. The set-top box displays the code and a user transmits the code back to the server via a telephony device. The server identifies the telephony device, and using the code, associates between the set-top box and the telephony device.