Distributed Content Delivery System Using Contract Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media streaming systems are expensive and have complex, centralized architectures, making them costly and inefficient, which excludes small content aggregators and independent producers from providing media content due to high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A distributed content delivery system using contract software that enables peer-to-peer interactions between independent computer systems, eliminating the need for centralized control, with contract software enforcing inter-operator agreements automatically, allowing for efficient and cost-effective media streaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized media streaming system is used, then system control and coordination are simplified, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized streaming system into multiple independent peer computer systems, each capable of autonomous operation. Content providers, aggregators, and delivery systems are segmented as separate entities that interact through standardized contracts rather than hierarchical control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contract software as an intermediary layer between peer computer systems. These contracts define permitted interactions and automate coordination, replacing the need for centralized control while ensuring systematic coordination through automated contract execution and verification.
2Reliability
If proprietary streaming systems are deployed, then service quality and reliability are improved, but system cost increases making small providers ineligible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal contract-based framework that can be adopted by computer systems of any size or capability. The standardized contract interfaces allow small content providers and aggregators to participate in the streaming ecosystem using the same reliable mechanisms as larger providers, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables computer systems to automatically manage their own interactions through contract software that autonomously verifies permissions, manages content delivery rights, and coordinates streaming operations. This self-service capability reduces operational costs and eliminates the need for expensive centralized management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If manual oversight is implemented for inter-operator agreements, then contractual compliance is ensured, but system efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms through contract software that continuously monitors and verifies compliance with inter-operator agreements. The system automatically detects violations, enforces contract terms, and adjusts content delivery permissions based on compliance status, ensuring reliability without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual oversight mechanisms with automated software-based contract execution. Contract software automatically verifies compliance, manages permissions, and coordinates interactions between peer systems, substituting human administrative processes with efficient automated computational mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a content delivery system of networked computer systems, the content delivery system for effecting transmission of media assets to a user device having an output interface available to a user, the media asset being transmitted as a media stream for outputting to the user while the media stream is still being received at the user device. The content delivery system comprises a first computer system operated by a first operator and a second computer system operated by a second operator. Each of the first and second computer systems is configured to execute a respective instance of contract software for effecting the transmission of the media asset to the user device as the media stream. The contract software embodies a contract between the first operator and the second operator defining permitted interactions of their computer systems.