Content Access Locks for Multi-Criteria Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling access to content from various sources lack robustness in restricting access based on multiple criteria, such as time, device, user, and content characteristics, limiting their effectiveness in managing access across different devices and platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for defining 'locks' that restrict access to content based on combinations of criteria, including time, device, user, and content characteristics, allowing for multiple locks to be associated with a device and activated or deactivated remotely, with password-based access control, and the ability to transfer lock information between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lockout systems are used to limit access to content, then access control to selected content is provided, but the system lacks robustness in restricting access based on multiple criteria such as time, device, user, and content characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is segmented into multiple independent lockout criteria (time-based, device-based, user-based, content-based), each functioning as a separate controllable element. This allows the system to maintain reliable access control while improving adaptability by combining different segmentation criteria in various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal access control system where a single framework can handle multiple types of restriction criteria (time, device, user, content). This multi-functional approach enables the system to provide robust access control across diverse scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each criterion type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locks are associated with a device to provide comprehensive access control, then access restriction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lockout criteria are nested within a unified access control framework, where time-based, device-based, user-based, and content-based restrictions are contained within a single manageable system. This nesting approach allows comprehensive access restriction capability while reducing perceived complexity through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components that mediate between the user and multiple lockout criteria. These intermediaries simplify the user interface and management process, allowing users to configure and manage multiple locks without directly encountering the underlying complexity of coordinating different restriction types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access control is implemented across multiple devices and platforms, then versatility is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is designed with universality, providing a single multi-functional framework that operates across multiple devices and platforms (televisions, set-top boxes, mobile devices). This universal design improves versatility while managing implementation complexity through standardized protocols and unified management architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying mechanisms to distribute access control configurations across multiple devices. Lockout criteria and control parameters can be replicated and applied to different devices without requiring complete system reconfiguration, thereby improving cross-device versatility while reducing implementation complexity through template-based deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.