Content Access System Format Switching via Identifier Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are required to purchase content again if they want to view the same content in a different format, such as switching from high-definition to standard definition, even if they have already paid for the high-definition version, without automatic access to lower format versions.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and communicates identifiers and rules to user devices, allowing access to content in different formats based on the initial format purchased, enabling viewing of lower or equal format content without additional purchase, using a subscription manager and conditional access system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is purchased in a specific format (e.g., high-definition), then the user can view content in that format, but the user cannot view the same content in a different format (e.g., standard definition) without making another purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content identifier system where a single purchase grants access to multiple format versions of the same content. The system associates different format versions (high-definition, standard definition, etc.) with a common content identifier, allowing the authorization system to recognize that purchasing one format automatically authorizes access to other formats of the same content without requiring separate purchases for each format version.
2Ease of operation
If the system requires separate purchases for each content format, then revenue is maximized, but user convenience and satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization by linking multiple format identifiers to a single content identifier before the user makes a purchase decision. When a user purchases content in one format, the system has already pre-established the authorization relationships, allowing automatic grant of access to other formats without requiring additional user actions, repeated purchases, or manual format switching.
3Reliability
If the system tracks and manages separate authorizations for each content format, then format-specific control is maintained, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between different format versions and the authorization system. Instead of managing separate authorization records for each format, the system uses the content identifier to group related formats together. The authorization system only needs to verify the content identifier and check the associated format list, significantly simplifying the authorization management process while maintaining accurate format-specific control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for accessing content includes a user device and a subscription manager that generates a first identifier associated with a first content in a first format and a second identifier associated with the first content in a second format. The system also includes a conditional access system that communicates a first identifier, the second identifier and rules to the user device. The user device accesses the first content with the first format in response purchasing the first content in the first format. The user device selects the first content in the second format and accesses the first content in the second format in response to purchasing the first content in the first format and the rules.