Transcode Module for Secure Media Placeshifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most set-top boxes (STBs) and digital video recorders (DVRs) lack the processing capability to effectively transcode media streams for placeshifting and secure media content transmission over networks, particularly due to insecure digital communications.
Innovation Solution
A transcode module is introduced that can be physically connected to host devices via interfaces like USB, equipped with a processor to decrypt, transcode, and re-encrypt media streams, ensuring secure transmission to remote players while maintaining security through authentication and cryptography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transcode module is added to enable transcoding and placeshifting functionality, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate transcode module as an intermediary device that interfaces between the host device and the network. This module contains the processing capability for decryption, transcoding, and re-encryption, allowing the host device to gain placeshifting functionality without permanently altering its internal structure. The transcode module acts as a mediator that adds adaptability while isolating the complexity from the host device.
2Reliability
If processing capability is enhanced to support secure placeshifting, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security and transcoding processing functions into a separate transcode module, distinct from the host device. This module specifically handles decryption of incoming streams, transcoding to appropriate formats, and re-encryption for secure network transmission. By segmenting these complex security functions into a dedicated module, the system achieves high reliability and security without burdening the host device with excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transcoding is performed to enable placeshifting, then adaptability is improved, but processing capability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transcode module serves as an intermediary that performs all computationally intensive transcoding operations. It receives encrypted streams from the host device, decrypts them, transcodes to formats suitable for various remote devices (mobile phones, PDAs, portable media players), and re-encrypts for secure transmission. This intermediary approach enables the host device to provide placeshifting service without needing to possess high processing capability itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A set-top box (STB), digital video recorder (DVR), video player or other host device receives and interacts with a transcode module to provide enhanced transcoding capabilities that may be useful in placeshifting or other applications. The transcode module includes a host interface that couples to and communicates with the host device. The transcode module also includes a processor that receives an encrypted media stream from the host device via the bus interface, decrypts the encrypted media stream, transcodes the encrypted media stream to a different format, re-encrypts the transcoded stream, and provides the re-encrypted media stream to the host device via the host interface. The transcoded media content may be placeshifted to a remote player, stored at the host, or used for any other purpose.