Virtual Channel Map Masking via Bitmask Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Content distributors face challenges in controlling access to virtual channels, as existing systems lack efficient methods to restrict access to specific virtual channels based on user permissions or payment plans, leading to potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a bitmask to control access to virtual channels by sending a mapping of virtual channels to resources and a bitmask to terminals, allowing terminals to generate a new virtual channel map that excludes or ignores unauthorized channels, with updates possible via user requests, controller instructions, or scheduled events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bitmask is sent to terminals to control access to virtual channels, then access security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control mechanism into a bitmask data structure where each bit represents a specific virtual channel. This allows independent control of access to individual channels while maintaining a compact representation that doesn't significantly increase device complexity. The bitmask is processed by existing terminal equipment through additional software logic rather than requiring new hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bitmask acts as an intermediary between the access control policy and the terminal equipment. Instead of modifying terminal hardware or creating complex authentication protocols, the patent introduces a simple binary mask that mediates access decisions. This intermediary layer enables fine-grained control while keeping the underlying system architecture relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If individual bitmask updates are sent to each terminal, then access control precision is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by sending only the necessary portions of bitmask information to terminals. Rather than transmitting complete bitmask data to every terminal regardless of need, the system sends targeted updates only when and where required. This reduces communication overhead while maintaining precise access control for each terminal based on its specific authorization level.
3Reliability
If virtual channel access is restricted based on user permissions, then content distribution security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation of access control from complex permission sets to a simple bitmask integer. Each bit in the mask corresponds to a virtual channel, allowing the system to represent and process access permissions as a single numerical value. This parameter transformation simplifies the data structure while enabling fine-grained control, reducing the complexity burden despite enhanced security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods and systems for adding or removing virtual channels from a terminal. A controller may send a virtual channel map to one or more terminals. The controller may also send a bitmask to one or more terminals. Each bit of the bitmask may indicate whether a virtual channel should be ignored. The channels that a terminal is permitted to receive may be altered by updating the bitmask.