Mobile Content Viewing Account Transfer for Cross-Device Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems fail to provide a user-friendly environment for viewing desired content on portable devices and do not address the issue of users separating from viewing devices during content rental, nor do they support content viewing on multiple devices using a mobile information terminal.
Innovation Solution
A content distribution system utilizing a mobile information terminal that transmits user identification and password to a content distribution server, receives an account for desired content, and shares it with a viewing device via short-range wireless communication, enabling seamless viewing and control over content playback on multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DRM technology is used to protect copyright by encrypting content and using unique viewing device information for decryption, then content security is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an account as an intermediary that bridges the mobile information terminal and viewing device. The account stores viewing rights information and is transmitted between devices, eliminating the need for direct complex DRM handshaking between the terminal and viewing device. This mediator simplifies the overall system while maintaining security through the account-based authorization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the viewing rights information in the form of an account that can be transmitted between devices. Instead of directly copying encrypted content or complex authentication data, the system copies the essential viewing authorization in a simplified account format that can be easily transmitted and stored, reducing complexity while preserving security.
2Reliability
If content is rented to a specific viewing device using DRM authentication, then copyright protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when users need to view content on multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the account universal by allowing it to be transmitted from the mobile information terminal to any viewing device. The account contains viewing rights information that is not tied to a specific device but can be used across multiple devices. This multi-functionality enables users to view rented content on different devices while maintaining copyright protection through the account-based authorization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the viewing rights information from any specific device by extracting it into a standalone account that can be independently transmitted. This segmentation allows the viewing rights to be decoupled from device-specific DRM credentials, enabling flexible cross-device viewing while maintaining security through the account mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a user separates from the viewing device during content rental, then portability is improved, but control over content playback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the viewing device continuously monitor the presence of the mobile information terminal through short-range wireless communication. When the terminal is detected within range, the system automatically resumes or continues playback. When the terminal moves away and is no longer detected, playback is automatically suspended. This feedback loop enables automatic control that responds to the user's physical presence without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing playback based on the detected presence of the mobile information terminal. The viewing device independently determines whether to play, pause, or suspend content based on whether the terminal is within communication range, eliminating the need for users to manually control playback when moving between locations.
4Ease of operation
If short-range wireless communication is used to transmit account information between mobile terminal and viewing device, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential signal interference or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing continuous monitoring and verification of the short-range wireless communication link. The system proactively detects potential communication failures or signal loss and takes preventive actions such as suspending playback before complete data loss occurs. This cushioning approach mitigates the reliability risks of wireless communication by preparing for potential failures in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A content viewing method uses a viewing system including a content distribution server distributing contents, a mobile information terminal, and a viewing device reproducing a content. The mobile information terminal transmits user identification information and a user password to the content distribution server. The content distribution server authenticates the mobile information terminal based on the user identification information and the user password. The mobile information terminal transmits an account issue request requesting an account for reproducing a desired content to the content distribution server. The content distribution server issues the account based on the account issue request and transmits the account to the mobile information terminal. The mobile information terminal stores the account. The mobile information terminal transmits the account by short-range wireless communication. The viewing device stores the account received by short-range wireless communication. The viewing device reproduces the desired content using the stored account.