Web-Based STB Control via Home Network Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video services are limited by the processing power and memory of set-top boxes (STBs), making it difficult to provide full-featured user interfaces and interactive applications, and existing network technologies are not well-suited for seamless service discovery and use on non-leased consumer devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of web-based user interfaces and applications on consumer devices, such as Smart TVs and smartphones, that allow for device discovery and content management on a network, using protocols like DLNA and HTTP, enabling non-leased devices to access and control leased devices for media content management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If web-based user interfaces and applications are implemented on consumer devices, then user interface functionality and interactivity are improved, but device complexity and network protocol requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces web-based protocols (HTTP, HTTPS) and standard network protocols (DLNA, UPnP) as intermediaries between consumer devices and leased devices. These protocols enable complex user interface functionality without requiring the devices themselves to be complex, as the protocol layer handles the complexity of communication and data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal web-based user interfaces that can run on multiple types of consumer devices (smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, PCs) using standard web browsers. This multi-functionality approach allows the same interface to operate across diverse devices without requiring device-specific implementations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-leased devices are enabled to access and control leased devices, then service accessibility and user experience are improved, but network security and content protection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs secure protocol layers (HTTPS, encrypted DLNA communications) as intermediaries that enable non-leased devices to access leased devices while maintaining security. The protocol layer acts as a secure gateway that authenticates devices and encrypts content transmission, allowing accessibility without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements authentication and authorization feedback mechanisms where leased devices verify incoming requests from non-leased devices before granting access. This feedback loop ensures that only authorized devices can access protected content, maintaining network security while enabling broad accessibility.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If device discovery protocols are implemented across the network, then service discovery capability is improved, but network traffic and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic device discovery protocols where devices announce their presence at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces network traffic compared to constant discovery while still enabling services to detect and measure available devices efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary device registration and announcement mechanisms where devices register their presence with the network before needing service discovery. This preliminary action reduces the need for continuous discovery traffic, as devices can be located through pre-established network knowledge rather than active scanning.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for downloading selected multimedia content and applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods enable various options or functionalities for programming content over a home network. A web-based user interface on a consumer device controls a set-top box (STB) over a local home network is utilized. An initial process connects the consumer device to an application server for the necessary web software. After discovery of both the consumer device and the STB on the local home network, an initial page of the application is loaded and the application calls the web services on the STB via the home network to retrieve data and control the STB with a compatible web browser on the consumer device.