Patent Application
20060277566
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to information transmission networks, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for linking a plurality of user devices to a single service location.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, with all the digital rollouts and retail settop boxes that are subsidized by a multiple systems operator (MSO), a problem that has been identified in the past is coming back to light. In the event an MSO has to provide more than one settop box to a service location (e.g., a subscriber residence), the extra settop boxes are typically configured to receive the same set of services as the primary settop box. Additionally, these additional settop boxes are typically provided to the subscriber at a discount. Occasionally, some consumers are tempted to take delivery of two or more settop boxes and subsequently share those devices, as well as the cost of the subscribed services, with other non-subscribing residences. In the past, this dilemma was remedied in part by implementing master/slave settop boxes. Because these settop boxes are tied together through signaling over the cable or by a secondary connection (such as a twisted pair line), the slave settop box cannot function unless it is positioned in near the master settop box since the two devices must be connected. However, this master/slave configuration as well as the extra cabling that may be required can limit the effectiveness of tying a settop box to a single residence.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for linking a plurality of user devices (e.g., settop boxes) to a single service location.
In one embodiment, a method for enabling at least one of a plurality of user devices to provide a service flow is described. More specifically, a code is transmitted (e.g., by settop boxes) to a home identification device (HID) to be combined with an HID identification number. The combined response, which is comprised of the code and the HID identification number, is then transmitted from the HID and received by the user device(s). If the combined response is equivalent to at least one predetermined match key, which is stored in the user device(s), that user device(s) is permitted to provide the service flow to a respective display device(s).
In a second embodiment, a configuration code that assigns a user device identification number and provides at least one match key is received. A code from a home identification device (HID) in accordance to said user device identification number is subsequently received (e.g., by a settop box). Lastly, a service flow is provided to the at least one display device (e.g., from the settop box) if said code is equivalent to said at least one match key.
In a third embodiment, a home identification device (HID) identification number is received (e.g., by a settop box). The HID identification number and a user device code are then combined to form a combined code. Afterwards, the combined code is transmitted (e.g., by the settop box) to a headend, wherein the headend processes the combined code to determine if a service flow will be provided/continued to the at least one display device.
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The network 100 comprises at least one service location 120, that is supported by a corresponding Home Identification device (HID) 114. The HID 114 is coupled to a headend 110 and at least one settop box (STB) 1181 . . . n. In one embodiment, the headend 110 is connected to at least one service provider 102 (e.g., a voice services provider, data services provider, etc.) through a communication network,108 (e.g., the Internet). In one embodiment, the headend 110 may be coupled to the service provider 102 through a direct connection and/or via the communication network 108.
The service location 120 is typically a residence, but may be any area or building that is supported by an HID 114. The service location 120 typically contains a plurality of user devices, such as personal computers (PCs) or settop boxes 1181 . . . n. Depending on the embodiment, the HID 114 may be positioned inside the service location (as depicted by HID 114n), attached to the outside of the service location (as depicted by HID 1141), or built into the tap near the service location, such as mounted on a pole or placed underground (not shown). If the HID 114 is built into the tap in order to service more than one service location, the HID 114 will employ unique data for each drop. Every HID has a unique device identifier that is known to the headend 110. By utilizing this unique device identifier, the headend 110 (specifically, the headend computer controller (HCC) 112) may initialize the appropriate STBs and link them to a particular HID 114.
The settop box 118 may be an end-user or cable service subscriber electronic device that is connected to a communications channel (e.g., phone, ISDN, cable television line, etc.) and produces output on a display device (e.g., a conventional television screen, monitor, projection television, and the like). Specifically, one embodiment of the settop box 118 may be an apparatus similar to the Motorola DCT2500 or the Scientific-Atlanta EXPLORER 8000. The settop box 118 is typically connected to a cable operator RF feed and drives a corresponding display unit or television set (not shown). The video segments may be received via a packet stream (e.g. Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) Transport Stream or video-over-IP) or as analog video.
The headend 110 may be any physical site where modulation, demodulation, and processing (controlling, monitoring, etc.) equipment is kept and operated. The headend 110 typically comprises a master facility that receives television signals for processing and distributing over the network system 100. In one embodiment, the headend 110 is a building or large structure that contains electronic equipment used to receive and re-transmit video over the network system 100. In one embodiment, a headend computer controller (HCC) (e.g., a digital addressable controller (DAC)) 112 resides within the headend 110. The HCC 112 is a component that communicates with the HIDs and STBs positioned downstream. In one embodiment, the HCC 112 is able to manage and monitor all of the HID devices connected to the headend 110 since the HID devices transmit codes (or unit ID numbers) to the HCC 112 through the set top boxes for identification purposes. The HCC 112 is also familiar with the algorithms utilized by an HID to mask or encrypt the transmitted codes. Due to the relationship between the HCC 112 and HIDs, the HCC 112 is capable to download the appropriate HID information to pertinent STBs so that it can effectively “marry” or link the devices together.
The downstream port 216 of the HID 214 allows a plurality of user devices (e.g. settop boxes 1181 . . . n) to be connected to and communicate with the HID 214. In one embodiment, the HID 214 may communicate with a STB by using baseband signaling over cable (although special splitters may be required). Alternatively, a simple AM or FSK signal may be utilized. Similarly, a band limited AM modulation of signals may be utilized.
At step 306, the combined response (e.g., a verification signal) is received from the HID. In one embodiment, the HID (via the transmitter 202) sends the combination of the code and unique identification value to the appropriate STB (e.g., the STB that originally sent the code), which promptly receives it.
At step 308, the combined response is compared with at least one match key. In one embodiment, the STB subsequently compares the combined code (e.g., an alphanumeric code) that was previous received in step 306 to an expected value (e.g., a match key). A match key is typically a predetermined number that is provided to the STB at some earlier time and may be stored in a database or in memory of the STB.
At step 310, a service flow is provided to at least one display device if the combined code matches the match key. A service flow may be defined as the provisioning of a content stream that may comprise audio data, visual data, multimedia data, and the like. In one embodiment, the STB utilizes a processor to compare the received combined response with the stored match key. Only if the two values are identical will the STB permit service to flow to an associated television or display unit. However, if the combined code does not match the expected response value, the STB will prevent the reception of service. Similarly, if the correct response is not received in a predetermined period of time, the STB will not provide service flow to the television in one embodiment. The method 300 then continues to step 312 and ends.
At step 406, a code (e.g., a verification signal) is received from an HID in accordance to the user device identification number. In one embodiment, the HID 214 transmits a series of codes numbered 1, 2, and 3 which are received by STB1, STB2, and STB3, respectively. Because the codes produced by the HID are intended specifically for these particular settop boxes, any foreign or unauthorized settop box will not function upon receiving a code. Notably, these HID codes are unique to the HID device. Each STB then compares the HID identification number it received from HID 214 with the stored match key(s).
At step 408, a service flow is provided to the display device(s) if the received code is equivalent to the match key(s). In one embodiment, if the identification number matches the expected response value (e.g., the match key stored in a database or memory), then the STB will allow service to flow through to an associated television or display device. However, if the code does not match the expected response value, or the correct response is not received in a predetermined period of time, the STB will prevent the reception of service. Thus, the settop box will not function if a foreign or unauthorized HID transmits the code. The method 400 then continues to step 410 and ends.
At step 506, a user device code and the HID identification number are combined to form a combined code. In one embodiment, the settop box generates a combined code by using the previously received HID identification number along with a particular settop ID code (i.e., the user device code), which is unique to that particular settop box. In one embodiment, this combined code may be hashed or cryptographically secured. At step 508, the combined code is transmitted to a headend 110. In one embodiment, the settop box sends the combined code, via the HID, to the HCC 112 that resides in the headend 110. The HCC 112 then processes the combined code and makes a determination of whether a service flow should be provided to the settop box. More specifically, the HCC 112 inspects the combined code to ensure that the HID is properly associated with the particular settop box (i.e., the settop box is in the proper service location and is authorized to function with that particular HID). If the combined code complies with the HCC 112, the transmission of data is allowed. The method 500 then continues to step 510 and ends.
In another embodiment, each settop box executes a timer that requires a specific message from the HCC 112 to keep them in service. In order for the HCC 112 to transmit the requisite message to each STB, the HCC 112 requires that each STB periodically (or on demand) send a unique STB ID code back to the HCC 112 via the HID's upstream port 222 for examination. Examples of the STB ID code may include the HID identification number itself or some other unique STB identifier merged with the HID identification number.
In an alternative embodiment, the STB may send the STB ID code to the HCC 112. The HCC 112 subsequently examines the path the signal traversed through the data receivers in the headend. Although this method would not identify the STB or HID placement to a definitive service location, it would provide the general area (e.g., a small section of a town) in which the STB resides.
The memory 603 may store all or portions of one or more programs and/or data to implement the processes and methods described above. Although one or more aspects of the invention are disclosed as being implemented as a computer (e.g., a settop box, HID, etc.) executing a software program, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Such implementations may include a number of processors independently executing various programs and dedicated hardware, such as ASICs.
The computer 600 may be programmed with an operating system, which may be OS/2, Java Virtual Machine, Linux, Solaris, Unix, Windows, Windows95, Windows98, Windows NT, and Windows2000, WindowsME, and WindowsXP, among other known platforms. At least a portion of an operating system may be disposed in the memory 603. The memory 603 may include one or more of the following random access memory, read only memory, magneto-resistive read/write memory, optical read/write memory, cache memory, magnetic read/write memory, and the like, as well as signal-bearing media as described below.
An aspect of the invention is implemented as a program product for use with a computer system. Program(s) of the program product defines functions of embodiments and can be contained on a variety of signal-bearing media, which include, but are not limited to: (i) information permanently stored on non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive or a DVD drive); (ii) alterable information stored on writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or read/writable CD or read/writable DVD); or (iii) information conveyed to a computer by a communications medium, such as through a computer or telephone network, including wireless communications. The latter embodiment specifically includes information downloaded from the Internet and other networks. Such signal-bearing media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct functions of the invention, represent embodiments of the invention.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
