IP-Based Subscriber ID Authorization for Media Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for authorizing access to media services on computing devices, such as TVs and smartphones, require users to manually enter usernames and passwords, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that authorizes computing devices to access network services by determining a subscriber ID associated with their IP address, using a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) device to verify authorization, allowing access without the need for manual login credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual login credentials (username and password) are required for service authorization, then security control is maintained, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authorization by automatically determining subscriber ID based on IP address and validating service access rights without requiring manual intervention. The authorization server autonomously performs the entire authentication process by querying subscriber information and determining service eligibility based on network connection alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the authorization server acts as a mediator between the computing device and the service. Instead of direct user authentication, the system uses IP address as an intermediary identifier to automatically retrieve subscriber information and determine service access rights, eliminating the need for manual credentials.
2Ease of operation
If IP address-based automatic authorization is implemented, then ease of access is improved, but security control and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the authorization server continuously queries subscriber information and service access rights based on the IP address. The server receives feedback about the subscriber's service entitlements and dynamically determines authorization status, ensuring reliable and up-to-date access control without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service access rights and subscriber information in the authorization server before actual access is needed. The system has advance knowledge of which services a subscriber is entitled to access, allowing for rapid and reliable authorization decisions without real-time manual verification.
3Loss of time
If manual login process is eliminated, then authorization time is reduced, but system complexity for IP address determination and subscriber ID association increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization server performs multiple functions: it determines IP address, retrieves subscriber ID, validates service access rights, and makes authorization decisions. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single multi-functional authorization server, the system reduces overall system complexity while enabling rapid automatic authorization without manual login.
4Ease of operation
If service access is provided without manual credentials, then user convenience is improved, but potential for unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual login system with an automated network-based authorization mechanism. Instead of requiring physical entry of credentials, the system uses IP address-based automatic determination of subscriber ID and service access rights, substituting manual mechanical authentication with automated digital verification that is both convenient and secure.
Data Source
AI summary
Services may be accessed across a network. In order to provide access to the services, a user or more particularly a user's device may be authorized to access the requested service based on an IP address associated with the service request. A subscriber identifier is determined based on the IP address of the request and used to authorize the requested service.