Data Distribution Auditing via Token Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for publishing and distributing media content face limitations in charging mechanisms, digital rights management, and auditing of content distribution, leading to inefficiencies and potential abuse in pricing and payment processes.
Innovation Solution
A data communications device equipped with a token and label processor filters and transmits media content based on labeling information, inserts unique identifiers or digital signatures, and maintains a data distribution log to generate billing and payment information, enabling publishers to audit content usage and distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fixed fee charging mechanisms are used, then distributors can simplify billing operations, but publishers cannot accurately track actual content usage and charge based on real consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting unique identifier tokens into content before distribution. This allows the content to be automatically tracked throughout the distribution chain without requiring complex measurement systems at each node. The tokens are embedded in advance, enabling accurate usage tracking when the content reaches end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses token identifiers as intermediaries between publishers and distributors. These tokens serve as a mediating mechanism that enables accurate usage tracking without requiring direct complex integration between publisher and distributor systems. The tokens carry identification information through the distribution chain, facilitating accurate measurement while keeping individual system complexities manageable.
2Reliability
If digital rights management techniques with digital signatures are implemented, then content authentication and access control are improved, but system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from complex digital rights management systems by using simple token identifiers. Instead of implementing full digital signature verification and digital rights management protocols, the solution takes out only the essential identification function, embedding unique tokens in content that can be tracked without requiring heavy cryptographic processing at each distribution node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, lightweight token identifiers rather than complex, persistent digital rights management structures. These tokens are inexpensive to generate and process, enabling reliable authentication and tracking without the high computational overhead of traditional digital signature systems. The tokens serve their purpose of identification and can be processed efficiently throughout the distribution chain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intermediate distributors re-distribute content, then content reach and distribution flexibility are improved, but tracking actual usage and preventing abuse become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using token identifiers that serve multiple functions throughout the distribution chain. The same token mechanism works whether content is distributed directly from publisher to user or through multiple intermediate distributors. This universal tracking approach maintains measurement precision across diverse distribution paths and flexible routing scenarios without requiring different tracking mechanisms for different distribution architectures.
4Measurement precision
If detailed usage tracking is implemented to enable accurate billing, then publisher revenue accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses token identifiers as simplified copies or representations of content usage information. Rather than tracking and processing detailed metadata about each content interaction, the system uses lightweight token copies that encapsulate the essential identification information. This allows accurate billing to be determined by simply counting and verifying tokens, significantly reducing processing time compared to analyzing detailed usage logs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to techniques for providing data distribution that supports auditing. Accordingly, a data communications device receives data from a data provider, the data containing label information. The data communications device filters the data based on the label information contained in the data. Next, the data communications device associates token information with the data whereby the token information enables later audits of transmission of the data traveling through the data communications device. Finally, the data communications device transmits the data and the token information toward a data receiver. Filtering of the data results in certain data being removed and/or directed to a specific data receiver based on labels within the data. The data communications device also inserts a signature into the token in order to identify the data communications device transmitting the data in a manner that cannot be forged.