Terminal Service Discovery via Multi-Network Entry Point Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DVB over IP systems have limitations in discovering and accessing a comprehensive list of audio and video services, as they typically stop searching once an entry point is found, and are not well-suited for multiple entry points offering different services or conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow a terminal to transmit name resolution requests using an audio/video services entry point discovery protocol, receiving addresses from both wire-based and wireless networks, and storing these addresses to connect to multiple service providers and lists, enabling access to a broader range of services by utilizing a gateway with integrated SD&S and DNS servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the terminal stops searching for entry points once one is found, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of services discovered is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice discovery process complexityVSAvoidquantity of services discovered
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adapts its service discovery behavior by maintaining a configurable number of entry points in a list rather than using a fixed single entry point. This allows the system to flexibly adjust between discovering more services (higher quantity) or simplifying the discovery process (lower complexity) based on operational needs and network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal performs preliminary actions by proactively discovering and storing multiple entry points before actually needing to access services. This advance preparation enables the terminal to have a ready pool of entry points, ensuring comprehensive service discovery is completed beforehand rather than during service access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the terminal accesses multiple entry points from different networks, then the quantity of services discovered increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of services discoveredVSAvoidservice discovery process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service discovery process is segmented into distinct phases: discovering multiple entry points from different networks (first network and second network), storing them in a structured list, and then selectively accessing them. This segmentation allows the terminal to manage the complexity of multi-network discovery by breaking it down into manageable steps rather than handling all networks simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal acts as an intermediary that receives and manages entry points from multiple independent name servers associated with different networks. By centralizing the management of these diverse entry points in a unified list structure, the terminal mediates between the heterogeneity of multiple networks and the need for unified service access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal stores multiple entry point addresses, then the adaptability to different networks improves, but the loss of time for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different networksVSAvoidtime for processing entry points
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple entry point addresses are stored in advance in a list structure before actual service access is needed. This preliminary storage eliminates the need for time-consuming discovery processes during service access, as the terminal already has a ready pool of validated entry points from different networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal dynamically selects and accesses entry points from the stored list based on current service requirements and network conditions. This dynamic selection process optimizes the balance between adaptability (choosing the best network) and time efficiency (avoiding unnecessary processing of all stored entry points).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1874007B1Method of receiving audio/video services, corresponding terminal and system
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 THOMSON LICENSING SA
  • EP1874007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1874007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1874007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of receiving audio/video services comprising a step of transmitting a name resolution request according to an audio/video services entry point discovery protocol. In order to allow access to varied services, the method comprises: - steps (75, 77) of receiving first and second addresses corresponding to, respectively, a first (210) and a second (203) entry point used for distributing service signalling, the addresses being provided by, respectively first (212) and second (203) name servers associated with distinct networks - a step of storing the first and second entry point addresses.