Alternative Playlist for Locked Media Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media content distribution methods fail to effectively enforce release date and other access conditions for locked media content, allowing unauthorized access and undermining content protection.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that determines whether playback conditions are met for locked media content, either locally or remotely, and if not satisfied, plays an alternative media content playlist, which can include locally stored or network-received content, tailored to the user's preferences and location, to ensure content is only accessible after specified conditions are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If file encryption and decryption methods are used to distribute content securely, then content protection is improved, but unauthorized access may still occur through condition manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent protectionVSAvoidunauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of playback conditions (time, location, device) before allowing content decryption and playback. This prevents unauthorized access by checking conditions in advance rather than relying solely on encryption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary verification system is introduced between the encrypted content and the playback device. This intermediary checks whether playback conditions are satisfied and only permits decryption when conditions are met, adding a layer of protection beyond simple encryption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If playback conditions are strictly enforced, then content protection is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent protectionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically verifies playback conditions and manages the alternative content playlist without requiring manual user intervention. Users simply select content and the system handles condition checking and alternative content provision, maintaining convenience while enforcing protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If locked content is made unavailable when conditions are not met, then content protection is improved, but user engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent protectionVSAvoiduser engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply blocking access when conditions are not met, the system converts this situation into an opportunity by providing alternative content playlists. These alternatives keep users engaged while protecting the locked content, transforming a potential negative experience into a beneficial one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects locked content, maintains user engagement through alternative content, and provides a seamless user experience. The alternative content playlist feature allows the system to handle both content protection and user entertainment needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2827267B1Alternate content playlist for locked media content
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP2827267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2827267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2827267B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, and methods disclosed herein include systems and methods for providing alternative content playlists for locked media content. Media content may be locked according to certain pre-conditions, such as a release date. Prior to the pre-conditions being met, e.g., on a date earlier than the release date, the content may be locked to prevent user access. During such locked period, a user may be presented with an alternative content playlist with media content that is available to be accessed by the user.