Set-Top Box Bill Management via OCAP and SIP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current set-top box technologies lack advanced multimedia communication capabilities for bill management and payment, with limited integration of personalized data and secure, user-friendly interfaces, leading to inefficiencies in service delivery and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of personalized information and communication preferences within set-top boxes using the OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) enables enhanced multimedia communications, allowing for feature-rich telephony applications, intelligent agent management, and secure bill payment services through the storage of data in a structured format and utilization of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current set-top box technologies are used for bill management, then basic communication functions are provided, but advanced multimedia communication capabilities and personalized services are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the set-top box to perform diverse bill management functions including receiving bills, viewing bill details, making payments, scheduling payments, and receiving notifications through various communication modes (video, audio, text). The system integrates telephony applications, intelligent agents, and multimedia capabilities into a single platform, allowing one device to handle multiple communication tasks related to bill management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bill management system into distinct functional modules: bill receipt module, bill display module, payment processing module, notification module, and intelligent agent module. Each module handles specific tasks independently, allowing the complex system to be organized into manageable components that work together to provide comprehensive bill management services.
2Ease of operation
If personalized data is stored in STB to enhance user experience, then communication preferences and bill management features are improved, but security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary security layer through the use of encrypted data storage and secure communication protocols. The set-top box acts as a mediator between the user's personal information and the bill management system, protecting data through authentication mechanisms and secure transmission channels. This intermediary layer enables personalized services while maintaining security by verifying user identity and protecting stored information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where the set-top box automatically manages bill receipt, viewing, and payment processes without requiring extensive user intervention. The intelligent agent module autonomously handles notifications and payment scheduling based on pre-configured preferences, reducing the need for users to manually input sensitive information while maintaining security through automated authentication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If feature-rich telephony applications are integrated with STB, then communication capabilities are enhanced, but interoperability challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) as an intermediary standard that enables interoperability between diverse telephony applications and the set-top box. SIP acts as a universal language that allows different communication systems to work together seamlessly, facilitating feature-rich telephony services while ensuring compatibility across various platforms and networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by integrating multiple telephony application features including voice calls, video conferencing, messaging, and intelligent agent communications into a single interoperable system. The set-top box serves as a universal platform that can handle various communication protocols and application types, enabling diverse services to work together through standardized interfaces.
4Reliability
If secure data storage and processing are implemented for bill management, then security is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing structure into distinct secure modules: data storage module for encrypted information, authentication module for verifying user identity, communication module for secure data transmission, and processing module for bill management operations. Each module operates independently with defined security protocols, allowing the system to maintain strong security while organizing complexity into manageable segments.
Data Source
AI summary
One exemplary aspect is advanced multimedia communications via OCAP using customer specific profiles resident in the STB for bill management. Aspects of the invention also relate to managing payment preferences, auto payment of bills or invoices, managing bill notification preferences, triggering a notification to be sent to one or more of an associated device and the STB upon receipt of a bill, analyzing an incoming bill with an intelligent agent and optionally initiating a communication to the vendor associated with a bill based on the analysis, acquiring additional information about the bill including an image of the bill and/or additional details, and forwarding invoice information to a destination associated with the STB.