Set-Top Box Parental Control for Multiple WHDI End Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current set-top box (STB) systems lack the capability to detect wireless home digital interface (WHDI) devices and configure parental controls for multiple end devices (EDs) simultaneously, which limits access restriction and content delivery to multiple devices with the same or different content.
Innovation Solution
The system involves a set-top box (STB) that receives content access requests from end devices (EDs) via wireless high definition multimedia interface connections, verifies ED identifications, and configures parental control restrictions by mapping media access control (MAC) addresses and matching access codes/pins to allow or deny content access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single STB serves multiple EDs simultaneously with the same or different content, then accessibility and availability of content to multiple devices is improved, but the ability to restrict access to specific EDs through parental control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parental control mechanism by creating individual access codes and pin sets for each end device (ED) in the database. Each ED has its own unique authentication credentials stored separately, allowing the STB to distinguish between different devices and apply device-specific parental control restrictions while maintaining the ability to serve multiple devices simultaneously with the same or different content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the STB implements detection of WHDI devices and configuration of parental control for multiple EDs, then the functionality and control capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal database structure within the STB that serves multiple functions: storing ED identification information, mapping MAC addresses, storing access codes, and managing parental control restrictions. This multi-functional database approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex subsystems into a single manageable structure, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive device detection and parental control configuration.
3Reliability
If the STB verifies ED identification and maps MAC addresses to configure parental control, then the security and control accuracy is improved, but the processing time and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing and storing ED identification information and MAC address mappings in the STB database before content access is requested. When an ED attempts to access content, the verification process simply retrieves pre-stored data rather than performing complex real-time identification, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate security verification and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer-readable recording media implementing detection of wireless home digital interface (WHDI) devices and the configuration of parental control for each. Authenticating through a set-top box (STB) at least one end device (ED), being a WHDI device, on a wireless network. The STB includes a database that provides access codes/set of pins for each ED that is added to the wireless network. When an identification of an ED is already in the database of the STB, and parental control is part of a content access request, a MAC address of the ED is authenticated and an access code/set of pins is obtained. The content access request is processed when the access code/set of pins obtained matches the access code/set of pins that is configured in the database of the STB.