Set-Top Box Proxy via Smartphone for VOD Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite-based Video on Demand (VOD) systems face challenges in providing two-way communication for authentication and licensing in regions without widespread broadband infrastructure, leading to increased costs and user inconvenience, especially in countries like India and Indonesia where wireless connections are prevalent but not sufficient for satellite VOD solutions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless personal area network (PAN) is used to enable communication between a set-top box (STB) and a computing device, which acts as a proxy to connect to the internet, allowing the STB to communicate with a VOD server without requiring additional service plans or broadband connections, using technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for PAN connections and cellular data for wide area network (WAN) connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite VOD systems use conventional two-way communication via broadband connection, then authentication and licensing can be performed, but it increases cost and is not feasible in regions without broadband infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computing device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) as an intermediary between the STB and the VOD server. This intermediary device performs two functions: (1) communicates with the STB via PAN connection to receive VOD selection information, and (2) communicates with the VOD server via WAN connection to perform authentication and licensing. This mediator enables satellite VOD systems to operate in regions without broadband infrastructure by leveraging the computing device's internet connectivity.
2Reliability
If satellite companies require broadband connection for STB to communicate with VOD server, then authentication can be completed, but it excludes populations in countries without widespread broadband infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device leverages its own existing WAN connection and internet access capabilities to perform the authentication service for the STB. Instead of requiring the STB to have broadband infrastructure, the system uses the computing device's self-owned network resources to complete the authentication process, making the service accessible to users in regions without broadband infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional service accounts are purchased from service providers to provide Internet access to consumer electronics, then Internet functionality is enabled, but customer cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a remote control for the STB, a proxy for authentication communications, and leverages its existing WAN connection to provide internet access capabilities to the STB without requiring additional service accounts. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate paid internet service for the STB.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques where a computing device such as a smart phone can be leveraged to facilitate ratings data capture through a set top box (“STB”) associated with a content subscription service such as satellite television are described. In an exemplary embodiment, STB channel data can be communicated to the computing device via a personal area network (“PAN”) connection such as Bluetooth. The computing device in turn can forward the STB channel data to a remote server over a wide area network (“WAN”).