Multi-Dimensional Policy Merging for Content Entitlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems face complexity in implementing and enforcing multi-dimensional rules for content entitlement, particularly in satellite television, where conditions such as viewing windows, device compatibility, and geographical restrictions require a flexible and extensible solution to manage authorization and usage rights.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for provisioning multi-dimensional rule-based entitlement using a policy management module that merges conditions and rules to generate a policy hierarchy, including customer, device, and provider dimensions, creating a configuration file for enforcing content access and usage rights, allowing for complex offers and rules without manual coding updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual coding updates are used to implement content entitlement rules, then system flexibility is limited, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates entitlement rules by merging policies from multiple sources (service provider policies, third-party device policies, customer account policies) based on real-time conditions and parameters. This dynamic generation eliminates the need for manual coding updates while maintaining high flexibility in adapting to different content distribution scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional policy framework that evaluates entitlement across multiple dimensions simultaneously (service provider dimension, third-party device dimension, customer account dimension). This dimensional approach allows complex rules to be managed through structured policy merging rather than manual coding, reducing implementation complexity while increasing adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-dimensional rules are enforced, then content entitlement management becomes more accurate, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments complex entitlement management into distinct policy components from different sources (service provider policies, third-party device policies, customer account policies). Each policy segment is evaluated independently across multiple dimensions, then merged to produce the final entitlement decision. This segmentation improves accuracy while managing complexity through modular policy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy merging mechanism that acts as an intermediary between multiple policy sources and the final entitlement decision. This intermediary automatically merges and resolves conflicts between policies from different sources, ensuring accurate entitlement management without requiring the system to directly manage the complexity of all individual policy interactions.
3Device complexity
If traditional entitlement systems are used, then implementation is simpler, but adaptability to new content types and devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal policy framework that can evaluate entitlement across multiple content types (video, music, images) and device types (set-top boxes, mobile devices, tablets) through a single unified mechanism. The multi-dimensional policy merging approach automatically adapts to new content and device types without requiring system redesign, maintaining simplicity while maximizing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of provisioning entitlement including: receiving within a headend and at a policy management module first conditions and rules for content from a service provider or a third party device; and generating, for a point of presence (POP) device of a customer, a policy for entitlement and usage of content (merged policy). The generating of the merged policy includes: merging conditions and rules of policies including the first conditions and rules to generate the merged policy based on a predetermined hierarchy of the policies. Rules and conditions of the merged policy are multi-dimensional to include customer, POP device, and provider dimensions; and generating a configuration file including conditions or condition based parameters. The method further includes: presenting an offer for the content to the customer via the POP device; receiving an acceptance of the offer from the POP device; and enforcing the merged policy according to the configuration file.