Electronic File Distribution Irregularity Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Right holders in digital multimedia industries face challenges in detecting irregularities and unauthorized distribution of electronic files within provider networks, as they lack direct access to download data from server computers and rely on provider network-provided data, which hinders the detection of fraud.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that identifies irregularities in electronic file distribution by acquiring time series data from server computers, performing transformations, filtering using a local robust model, and conducting multivariate outlier detection to calculate an outlier metric, which is then evaluated and used to control the distribution of electronic files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If right holders rely on provider network-provided data to assess distribution numbers, then they can obtain distribution information without direct server access, but they cannot detect irregularities or unauthorized distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data analysis device as an intermediary between provider networks and right holders. This device collects data from multiple provider networks, performs transformations and outlier detection, and provides analyzed results to right holders. The intermediary handles the complexity of data processing while right holders receive simplified, actionable insights about distribution irregularities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring distribution data from multiple provider networks, comparing it against expected patterns through statistical analysis, and generating alerts when irregularities are detected. This feedback loop enables right holders to respond to unauthorized distribution in real-time rather than relying on potentially manipulated provider reports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If provider networks control all distribution data, then they can manage their systems efficiently, but right holders lack the means to directly assess download numbers and detect fraud

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverevenue assuranceVSAvoidirregularity detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function from the distribution function. Instead of relying on provider networks to both distribute files and report data, the system separates these functions by having right holders (through the data analysis device) independently monitor distribution patterns across multiple provider networks. This segmentation enables reliable revenue assurance by verifying that reported distribution numbers match actual observed patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data analysis device performs multiple functions: collecting data from various provider networks, transforming the data into comparable formats, detecting outliers through statistical analysis, and generating alerts. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive reliability verification without requiring separate systems for each task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If right holders need direct access to server download data to detect irregularities, then they can identify unauthorized distribution, but they would require complex technical infrastructure and server access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem implementation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The data analysis device serves as an intermediary that obtains distribution data from provider networks through standard interfaces rather than requiring direct server access. This intermediary approach maintains high fraud detection accuracy by analyzing actual distribution patterns while avoiding the operational complexity of direct server integration and authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of direct server access and technical infrastructure deployment with a data analysis approach that uses statistical methods and outlier detection. Instead of physically accessing servers, the system substitutes complex technical infrastructure with algorithmic analysis of provided data, significantly simplifying implementation while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3625716B1Method and system to identify irregularities in the distribution of electronic files within provider networks
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 VIENNA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
  • EP3625716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3625716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3625716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method to assess the distribution of electronic files (1) within provider networks (2), wherein each provider network (2) comprises at least one server computer (3) which distributes the electronic files (1) to a multitude of client computers (4) within the provider network (2). The invention also relates to an electronic data analysis device and a system for implementing such a method.