Content Delivery System Using Peer-to-Peer Networks for Satellite Resource Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite television systems face inefficiencies in delivering content to a small audience, as broadcasting to multiple users simultaneously is costly and may not be cost-effective, and there is a need for secure authorization and storage methods to reduce piracy.

Innovation Solution

A content delivery system that allows content to be downloaded and stored on user devices, using various communication means, including satellites, with secure authorization and peer-to-peer networks to manage content distribution, ensuring secure and efficient delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If satellite broadcasting is used to deliver content to multiple users simultaneously, then content delivery capability is improved, but satellite resource consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery capabilityVSAvoidsatellite resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments content delivery into two distinct modes: satellite broadcasting for initial content distribution and terrestrial peer-to-peer networks for subsequent content sharing. This segmentation allows the satellite to deliver content once to multiple receivers, after which local terrestrial networks handle further distribution, reducing repeated satellite resource consumption while maintaining high content delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If satellite broadcasting is used to provide content access, then content availability is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates for small audiences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent availabilityVSAvoidcost-effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic content delivery system that adapts the distribution method based on audience size and content sharing needs. For small audiences or localized content sharing, the system dynamically switches from satellite broadcasting to terrestrial peer-to-peer networks, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining content availability through multiple delivery pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If content is made accessible to multiple users, then content distribution capability is improved, but security against piracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent distribution capabilityVSAvoidsecurity against piracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces terrestrial peer-to-peer networks as an intermediary layer between satellite broadcasting and end-user devices. This intermediary enables secure, authenticated content sharing among authorized users locally, maintaining security controls while facilitating widespread content distribution. The peer-to-peer network acts as a controlled intermediary that prevents unauthorized access while enabling legitimate content sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7890047B2Method and system for file sharing between a group of user devices using obtained permissions
Publication Date: 2011.02.15 DIRECTV LLC
  • US7890047B2 patent drawing
  • US7890047B2 patent drawing
  • US7890047B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.