Sharable Content Links with Use Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users lack control over how digital content is accessed once uploaded to a web server, as they cannot restrict access effectively, leading to potential unauthorized downloads.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that allows users to share digital content as sharable links with specified use restrictions, enabling control over access by determining whether restrictions prevent access to server-stored content items and granting access only when restrictions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital content is made available for download from servers to enable easy sharing, then sharing convenience is improved, but control over access is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access control into multiple independent restriction types (password protection, expiration dates, download limits, authentication requirements). Each restriction can be independently configured and combined, allowing granular control over content access while maintaining simple sharing initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where restrictions can be modified, added, or removed at any time after content is shared. The system adapts access conditions based on user actions, time progression, and restriction criteria, enabling flexible control that evolves with sharing needs.
2Reliability
If access restrictions are added to sharable links to prevent unauthorized downloads, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal restriction framework that handles multiple types of access control (passwords, expiration, download limits, authentication) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate control mechanisms into one cohesive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls access by modifying parameters of the sharable link itself (adding password parameters, expiration date parameters, download count parameters). By encoding control logic directly into link parameters, the system manages complexity within the link structure rather than requiring external control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple types of access restrictions are implemented on sharable links, then access control precision is improved, but ease of use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to apply only the specific restrictions they need rather than requiring all possible control mechanisms. Users can selectively enable password protection, expiration dates, or download limits based on their sharing requirements, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining precise control where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Sharable content item links with use restrictions. In one embodiment, for example, a method comprises: receiving, from a client computing device used by an authenticated link submitter, a first request to access a server-stored content item at a sharable link; wherein the link submitter is authenticated according to a first authentication factor; responsive to receiving the first request, prompting the link submitter to enter/submit a second authentication factor; and providing access to the server-stored content item at the shareable link responsive to receiving the second authentication factor from the link submitter.