Software STB System for Digital Device Service Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physical set-top boxes (STBs) for digital broadcasting services are costly, require human installation, and have limitations in updating, upgrading, and maintenance, leading to inconvenience for users.

Innovation Solution

A software-based STB system that enables processing and delivery of charged broadcasting services through digital devices such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets, allowing for various charged services like video on demand and electronic program guides, without the need for physical hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical set-top box is provided for charged broadcasting services, then service functionality is achieved, but installation cost and time increase due to human resource requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical mechanical set-top box with a software-based virtual set-top box that runs on existing digital devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical installation while maintaining all charged broadcasting service functionalities, directly resolving the contradiction between service accessibility and installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the set-top box functionality through software implementation. Instead of deploying physical hardware, the system replicates STB functions in software form on user devices, enabling service delivery without physical installation overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If a physical set-top box is used, then charged services can be delivered, but maintenance and upgrade flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice deliveryVSAvoidupdate flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic software-based STB system that can be easily updated, upgraded, and modified without physical hardware changes. The virtual STB runs as software on user devices, allowing flexible adaptation to new services and technologies, directly addressing the limitation of physical STB maintenance and upgrade rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual set-top box is designed to be universally compatible with multiple digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs). This multi-platform approach enhances adaptability and versatility, allowing the same software solution to serve different devices and service requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If physical STBs are deployed, then broadcasting services are provided, but overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provisionVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive physical set-top box hardware with inexpensive software implementations that run on existing user devices. This approach eliminates the need to purchase and deploy costly physical STBs for each user, significantly reducing overall system costs while maintaining reliable service provision through software-based delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2879398B1Digital device and method of processing a service thereof
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2879398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2879398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2879398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiment(s) for a service system, a digital device, and a method of processing a service therefor are disclosed in the present specification. In this case, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of processing a service in the digital device includes the steps of downloading and installing one or more STB applications configured to process the service, outputting an icon configured to approach the installed STB applications on a first service board supporting an RF mode, receiving a selection of an STB application icon among the STB applications, and outputting content processed by the selected STB application according to a result of a service authentication and a second service board for the selected STB application.