Television Receiver Location Tracking for Piracy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unauthorized use of television receivers, such as piracy and account packing, is difficult to detect in satellite television distribution systems due to the lack of bi-directional connection, making it challenging for providers to identify and prevent unauthorized usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication network that allows television receivers to communicate with a data collection system, enabling the triangulation of receiver locations and detection of unauthorized usage, with the system capable of transmitting disablement commands to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a television receiver is placed into use in any geographic region within reception range of the satellite, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to detect unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the television receiver periodically communicates with the satellite to report its location and operational status. The satellite receives this feedback data and uses it to detect unauthorized use by comparing the reported location with authorized service areas. This allows the system to maintain ease of operation while enabling detection of piracy and account packing through continuous monitoring of receiver location data.
2Ease of operation
If a television receiver is disconnected from the phone line to prevent detection, then the reliability of unauthorized use prevention deteriorates, but the ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the television receiver and the satellite system. Instead of requiring a direct phone line connection that can be disconnected, the receiver uses wireless communication (such as cellular networks or other wireless protocols) to transmit location and status data to the satellite. This intermediary communication channel cannot be easily disconnected by the user, ensuring reliable detection while maintaining ease of operation for the end user.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, method and apparatus are described for reducing unauthorized usage in a television distribution system. A television receiver communicates with base stations of a wireless communication network. Based on the communications with the base station, the television receiver identifies its location and transmits the location information to a data collection system through the wireless communication network. The data collection system utilizes the location information to identify unauthorized uses of the television receiver.