Account Linking Mechanism for Cross-Network Content Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a mechanism for managed network operators to partner with service providers to allow subscribers to access protected content across different networks, particularly for on-demand or premium content, with minimal user input and seamless account linking, enabling content delivery on various devices and platforms.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method and apparatus for content management and account linking across multiple networks, where a unique identifier is generated for authorized users, allowing protected content delivery across networks, and a business rules engine controls content and message exchange to achieve desired business goals, enabling single sign-on and efficient content access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate account systems are used for different networks, then each network can independently manage its content and services, but users must provide multiple inputs and cannot access content across networks seamlessly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate network accounts into a unified account system where a single user identifier can represent a user across multiple content delivery networks. The account linking mechanism merges authentication and authorization functions across networks, allowing users to access content on any network without providing multiple inputs or creating separate accounts for each network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal account system that functions across different networks and content types. The unified account can authenticate users, manage subscriptions, and control access to protected content on various networks simultaneously. This multi-functional account system eliminates the need for network-specific authentication while maintaining independent content management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If account linking is implemented across multiple networks, then users can access content on any device and platform, but the system complexity for managing identifiers and permissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary account linking mechanism that acts as a mediator between users and multiple networks. This intermediary system translates user identifiers into network-specific access credentials, managing the complexity of cross-network authentication centrally. The intermediary handles identifier mapping, permission translation, and subscription verification across networks, reducing the burden on individual networks while enabling universal access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of user credentials and permissions that can be presented to different networks without exposing the underlying complexity. Instead of requiring users to manage multiple real accounts, the system generates appropriate credential copies for each network context, maintaining security and control while enabling seamless cross-network access.
3Reliability
If a unified account system is created, then single sign-on is enabled across networks, but the difficulty of detecting and managing user identities across different networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where networks report user authentication status, subscription information, and access permissions back to the central account linking system. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate user identity information across networks, verify permissions in real-time, and update access rights dynamically. The feedback mechanism ensures reliable single sign-on by continuously synchronizing user state information across the distributed network environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing protected content to subscribers of a managed (e.g., MSO) network via a content source accessible via an internetwork such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a user accesses a service provider portal (e.g., website), and requests content. The service provider determines whether the requesting user is permitted to access the content, and what rights or restrictions are associated with the user. This includes authenticating the user as a subscriber of the MSO, and determining the subscriber's subscription level. In another embodiment, a user's account with the MSO and service provider may be federated, thus a given user will have MSO-specific information regarding its identity (such as login information, GUID, etc.) and is able to perform a single sign on to request and receive content.