Dynamic Policy Descriptors for On-Demand Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video on demand (VOD) and interactive service architectures face challenges in dynamic authorization and policy management, with current approaches being static and not adaptable at session setup time.
Innovation Solution
A token-based system for dynamic on demand session management, where a purchase token is generated and used for authorization, and dynamic policy descriptors are created by the purchase server for each session, enabling flexible and personalized management of assets, priorities, and conditional access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static policy management approaches are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and personalization for different devices and services deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy management where policy descriptors are generated at session setup time based on service type, device characteristics, and user preferences. This allows the system to adapt policies dynamically rather than using static pre-configured policies, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system flexible only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-generates policy descriptors and stores them in a database before session establishment. When a session is initiated, the appropriate pre-prepared policy descriptors are retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for complex real-time policy generation while maintaining adaptability. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by shifting computational complexity from runtime to setup time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic policy management is implemented at session setup time, then personalization and flexibility improve, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Policy descriptors are pre-generated and stored in the database before sessions are established. During session setup, the system only needs to retrieve the appropriate pre-prepared policy descriptors based on service type and device characteristics, rather than generating them in real-time. This dramatically reduces session setup time while maintaining personalization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates template-based policy descriptors that can be copied and adapted for different sessions. Instead of generating unique complex policies from scratch for each session, the system uses pre-defined templates that are instantiated with specific parameters, reducing processing time while maintaining personalization through parameter customization.
3Ease of operation
If uniform authentication method is used across various interactive content offerings, then ease of operation improves, but flexibility for different devices and services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal token-based authentication mechanism that works across all interactive content offerings and service types. The same purchase token and policy descriptor framework is used whether for VOD, IP streaming, or other interactive services, providing ease of operation through consistency while maintaining flexibility through configurable policy descriptors that adapt to specific service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains uniform authentication through a consistent token framework, but achieves service flexibility by changing policy parameters (such as bandwidth requirements, codec selections, and access rights) based on service type and device characteristics. The authentication structure remains uniform while the authorized parameters vary to provide flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Tokens and policy descriptors are used for dynamic on demand session management in a distributed and scalable architecture for on demand sessions and resource management. The architecture includes an on demand client, a purchase server, and a session manager. A purchase token is generated at the purchase server and assigned to the on demand client. The purchase token represents at least one requested asset. In response to an on demand session set-up request corresponding to the purchase token from the on demand client to the session manager, the purchase token is expanded to generate at least one dynamic policy management descriptor for the on demand session. This provides token-based purchase authorization and policy management for on demand services.