DRM-Based Audience Measurement Using Media Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audience measurement systems for media content consumption are invasive, costly, and often require significant hardware and software installations, which can deter participation and increase privacy concerns among consumers.
Innovation Solution
A digital rights management system that enables a cooperative media handler and a cooperative digital rights manager to facilitate audience measurement by preparing and managing measurement rights agreements, allowing consumers to control their media usage data collection, reducing the need for extensive installations, and providing non-invasive measurement techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional audience measurement systems install home units with data logging and processing capabilities, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media handler as an intermediary component that already exists in modern media devices. Instead of installing complex dedicated measurement hardware, the system leverages the existing media handler to capture measurement data during normal media processing operations. This intermediary approach allows precise measurement of media consumption without adding separate complex measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the media handler universal by enabling it to perform both its original media processing function and the additional function of audience measurement. The media handler processes media content for playback while simultaneously capturing measurement data, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional systems require extensive hardware and software installations, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive installation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing components and infrastructure that already exist in the media device. The media handler and digital rights management system are pre-installed and operational, automatically providing measurement capabilities without requiring separate installation visits or additional hardware setup. The system serves itself by repurposing existing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing the measurement infrastructure in advance through the pre-installation of media handlers and digital rights management systems. These components are configured beforehand to automatically capture measurement data, eliminating the need for subsequent installation visits and reducing the operational burden on both the measurement entity and participating households.
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement systems collect detailed exposure information, then measurement precision is improved, but privacy concerns increase among consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the digital rights management system as an intermediary layer between the measurement process and consumer data. The DRM system, which already manages content access and licensing, is extended to handle measurement data collection. This intermediary approach allows precise tracking of media consumption while maintaining consumer control through existing DRM authorization mechanisms and privacy policies.
4Reliability
If traditional systems require field technician visits for installation and removal, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing pre-installed media handlers and DRM systems that automatically provide measurement capabilities without requiring field technician visits. The existing infrastructure performs measurement functions autonomously, eliminating the need for repeated installation and removal operations while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent automated data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
Digital rights management systems and methods for audience measurement are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include enabling a media handler implemented by a media device to begin presenting first media based on a first digital license associated with the first media. Such example methods also include retrieving a second digital license different from the first digital license from a license server separate from the media device. Such example methods further include causing the media handler to perform a first media monitoring operation based on the second digital license, the first media monitoring operation being deactivated by default.