Managing access to set-top box objects using television conditional access system
April 7, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesSubscriber information maintenance system and methods Verification of the source of program information in a conditional access system Access and storage of secure group communication cryptographic keys System and method for using internet based caller ID for controlling access to an object stored in a computer Set-top electronics and network interface unit arrangement Conditional access system Authorization of services in a conditional access system System and method for using internet based caller ID for controlling access to an object stored in a computer Source authentication of download information in a conditional access system Patent #: 6526508 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 09287247 filed on 04/07/1999US Classes:709/229, Network resources access controlling709/225, Computer network access regulating709/227, COMPUTER-TO-COMPUTER SESSION/CONNECTION ESTABLISHING709/228, Session/connection parameter setting725/110, Connection to external network at receiver (e.g., set-top box)380/239, Encrypted code control signal380/279, Key distribution center713/155, Central trusted authority provides computer authentication713/156, By certificate713/172Intelligent tokenExaminersPrimary: Chin, WellingtonAssistant: Ho, Chuong Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassG06F 1516AbstractMethods for using a conditional access system to modify access control information maintained at a set-top box or another client system. The access control information regulates the availability of information or entertainment services at the client or controls the ability of scripts executed at the client to access objects defined at the client. The conditional access system can be a conventional conditional access, such as those used by cable television providers, that has been adapted to modify the access control information. The access control information includes multiple entries, each being referenced by a token identifier. The conditional access system transmits a command and an accompanying token to the client to instruct the client how to modify the access control information. The entry that is to be modified is identified by comparing the token with the token identifiers. By modifying access control information in this manner, the entity that operates the conditional access system is capable of regulating the availability of resources or services at the client. For example, a selected level of a tiered information service can be made available to the client.Field of SearchAuthentication of an entity and a messageSecurity levels Object protection Particular communication authentication technique Mutual entity authentication Having key exchange Intelligent token Central trusted authority provides computer authentication By certificate Network resources access controlling COMPUTER-TO-COMPUTER SESSION/CONNECTION ESTABLISHING Session/connection parameter setting Computer network access regulating USER-REQUESTED VIDEO PROGRAM SYSTEM ACCESS CONTROL OR BLOCKING Of specific channel Of specific program (e.g., based on program rating) With encryption or scrambling of video signal Connection to external network at receiver (e.g., set-top box) Transmission network Having significant intermediate network unit (e.g., hub, substation, etc.) Encrypted code control signal Including addressed decoder control signal Having program ID or authorization Having command signal for receiver Video electric signal modification (e.g., scrambling) Including authentication Symmetric key cryptography Key distribution center Key distribution | |
