Variable Billing for Partial Video Content Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video-on-demand systems offer an all-or-nothing approach, limiting users' flexibility in viewing options, as they cannot purchase or view partial content, such as specific scenes from a movie, without buying the entire film.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to select and view portions of video content, with a server and set-top box infrastructure that monitors viewing duration and applies a variable pricing structure, enabling users to watch selected scenes without purchasing the entire content, and providing a graphical user interface for navigation and selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional all-or-nothing VOD purchasing is used, then the system is simple to implement, but user flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The video content is divided into discrete time-based segments or portions that can be independently purchased and viewed. The system segments the continuous video stream into manageable units (e.g., first portion, second portion, third portion) that users can select individually, enabling flexible viewing without requiring the entire content.
Solution Approach 2:
The pricing and viewing system transitions from a static all-or-nothing model to a dynamic model where pricing varies based on viewing duration and content portion selected. The system dynamically adjusts billing based on actual viewing behavior, allowing users to pay only for the portions they watch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If partial content viewing is enabled, then user flexibility improves, but billing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor actual viewing duration and content portions consumed. Usage data is collected and fed back to the billing system, which then calculates charges based on the actual amount of content viewed, ensuring accurate billing while simplifying the user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The billing system uses variable pricing parameters that change based on viewing duration and content type. Instead of a fixed price for entire content, the system applies different price points for different portions and viewing durations, making the billing structure adaptable to user needs.
3Quantity of substance
If variable pricing based on viewing duration is implemented, then cost reduction for users is achieved, but measurement and monitoring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors and tracks viewing duration without requiring manual input or user action. The monitoring function operates autonomously, collecting usage data and generating bills based on actual viewing behavior, reducing the burden on users while enabling precise cost calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for soliciting a selection of video content from a user after presenting the user with an interface showing the user the video content currently available for viewing. The system provides the user an option of both viewing the content in its entirety and partially viewing the content. With the partial viewing options the user may select and view a scene or scenes, or may navigate through the content to find the portion or “snippet” of the content they wish to view. The system tracks the length of viewing and the client is charged in accordance with the amount of content viewed.