Set-Top Box Resource Sharing Group for HD Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home networks face challenges in managing increasing data rates required for evolving video standards from standard definition to high definition, necessitating efficient resource sharing among set-top boxes (STBs) to support applications like HD TV.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming a STB resource sharing group within a home network, where STBs can communicate to share hardware and software resources, with one STB acting as an elected master to manage resource allocation and another as a client to request and share resources, enabling bi-directional sharing of tuners, storage, and other capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual STBs are equipped with full HD capabilities, then each device can independently support HD TV services, but the overall system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges resources across multiple STBs by creating a resource sharing group where hardware components (tuners, storage, processors) are pooled together. The elected master STB coordinates resource allocation, allowing any member STB to access HD capabilities through shared resources rather than requiring each device to have full HD hardware independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling STBs to serve dual roles: as resource providers (sharing their HD capabilities) and as resource consumers (accessing shared HD resources). The elected master STB performs multiple functions including resource management, coordination, and allocation, making the system universally capable of supporting HD services across all members without individual upgrades.
2Productivity
If resource sharing is implemented across multiple STBs, then the overall data handling capacity increases, but the system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource sharing system into distinct functional components: member STBs that provide and consume resources, and an elected master STB that handles coordination and management. This segmentation divides the complex coordination task into manageable parts, where the master manages resource allocation while members focus on resource provision and consumption, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elected master STB acts as an intermediary between member STBs, mediating resource requests and allocations. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer coordination between all members (which would create exponential complexity), the master serves as a central mediator that simplifies interactions, manages resource state, and coordinates data flow, thereby reducing coordination overhead while maintaining high data handling capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If STBs share resources bidirectionally, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but the management and control mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource sharing where STBs can transition between roles as resource providers and consumers based on current needs. The system dynamically elects a master STB and allows flexible resource allocation where any member can request and receive resources from others. This dynamic adaptability enables efficient bidirectional sharing while the master-based control mechanism manages complexity by providing structured coordination for these dynamic changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A STB resource sharing (RS) group of a home network comprises a plurality of STBs. In the STB RS group, a STB communicates with one or more other STBs to mutually share available device resources comprising hardware and software resources, and/or capabilities. The STB functions as an elected master (EM) or a STB RS client in the STB RS group. As an EM, the STB receives advertisements from other STBs to determine available resources. The determined available resources are announced to other STBs in the STB RS group. The STB manages the use of the determined available resources according to resource sharing requests received from other STBs. As a STB RS client, the STB advertises inherent resources to an EM of the STB RS group. The STB receives announcements from the EM for available resources in the STB RS group. The STB shares its available resources, accordingly.