Set-Top Box Mesh Network Bandwidth Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current set-top boxes do not effectively share bandwidth between devices, limiting the delivery of high-quality media content and inefficiently utilizing licensed and unlicensed spectra, especially in scenarios where additional bandwidth is needed due to increased demand or technical issues like rain fade.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where set-top boxes equipped with both licensed and unlicensed spectrum transceivers can share bandwidth by querying neighboring devices for available frequencies and bandwidth, allowing for the combination of media content streams over licensed and unlicensed spectra to meet demand, and even provide connectivity during outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If set-top boxes use only licensed spectrum for media content delivery, then service reliability is maintained, but bandwidth availability is insufficient to meet increasing demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth availabilityVSAvoidservice reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources into a unified bandwidth sharing network. STBs with available unlicensed bandwidth form a mesh network that complements the licensed spectrum infrastructure, increasing total bandwidth availability while maintaining service reliability through diverse transmission paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the parameter of spectrum utilization by allowing STBs to switch between licensed and unlicensed bands based on real-time bandwidth availability and service requirements. This enables flexible allocation of spectrum resources to meet varying demand while ensuring reliable delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If set-top boxes operate independently without bandwidth sharing, then device complexity is low, but bandwidth utilization efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

STBs autonomously query neighboring STBs for available bandwidth and automatically route media content through the mesh network without requiring complex centralized control. Each STB manages its own bandwidth sharing relationships, reducing overall system complexity while improving utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal bandwidth sharing mechanism that works across different STBs, licensed and unlicensed spectrums, and various transmission scenarios. This multi-functional approach improves bandwidth utilization without significantly increasing device complexity through standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If unlicensed spectrum is used for bandwidth sharing, then bandwidth availability increases, but signal reliability deteriorates due to interference and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidsignal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses licensed spectrum STBs as intermediary nodes that relay content from the licensed infrastructure to the unlicensed mesh network. This intermediary approach allows unlicensed bandwidth to be utilized while maintaining signal reliability through the stable licensed spectrum backbone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares redundant transmission paths using both licensed and unlicensed spectrums before service disruptions occur. When unlicensed signals experience interference or rain fade, the system can switch to licensed spectrum paths, cushioning against reliability deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If more set-top boxes are deployed in homes, then service coverage is improved, but bandwidth demand increases beyond available licensed spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverageVSAvoidbandwidth demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to bandwidth sharing by creating a mesh network where STBs in different locations share unlicensed spectrum resources. This dimensional expansion allows the system to serve more STBs beyond the limits of licensed spectrum by utilizing the spatial distribution of unlicensed bands across the neighborhood

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10021449B2Licensed and unlicensed spectrum set-top box

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Novel tools and techniques are described for providing media content to a plurality of set-top boxes (“STBs”) over a licensed spectrum and over an unlicensed spectrum. In an aspect, each of the plurality of STBs might comprise a first transceiver configured to receive media content or data over a licensed spectrum and a second transceiver configured to receive and send media content or data over an unlicensed spectrum. The first STB of the plurality of STBs might receive a first portion of the media content at the first transceiver and receive a second portion of the media content at the second transceiver from a second STB of the plurality of STBs. The plurality of STBs might query each other to determine available frequencies and/or bandwidth, and might store results of the query in a table in local memory or in a database accessible by all of the plurality of STBs.