Dynamic QR Code Verification for Streaming Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no reliable method to accurately determine if a streaming content stream is being viewed, leading to unnecessary costs from ongoing streaming even when the content is not being watched, known as background streaming.
Innovation Solution
A QR code is dynamically generated and displayed with the streaming content, allowing viewers to scan it to confirm the stream's viewability, which connects to an API to verify the stream's active status and continue playback if scanned, or pause the stream if not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If continuous streaming is provided without verification, then viewer convenience is maintained, but unnecessary streaming costs occur when content is not being watched
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic verification by displaying QR codes at intervals during content playback and checking for scan confirmations at regular time periods. This allows the system to periodically verify active viewing without requiring continuous user interaction, balancing convenience with cost efficiency by only interrupting streams when verification is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where QR codes are displayed and scan confirmations are received back at the streaming server. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust streaming continuation based on actual viewing status, stopping streams that are not being actively viewed while maintaining streams that are, thereby reducing unnecessary costs without compromising viewer experience.
2Loss of energy
If QR code scanning verification is implemented, then streaming cost efficiency is improved, but viewer experience may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial verification by not requiring scans for every time period, but only when verification is needed based on streaming status. The QR code is displayed for a limited duration during specific time periods rather than continuously, providing just enough verification to detect background streaming without excessive interruptions to the viewing experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The QR code is displayed in advance during active time periods before streaming termination decisions are made. This preliminary action gives viewers an opportunity to scan and confirm active viewing before the system potentially terminates the stream, preventing unwanted interruptions while still enabling cost-efficient verification.
3Measurement precision
If QR code is displayed during content stream, then active viewing verification is achieved, but stream termination may occur due to missed scans
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a time cushion by displaying the QR code for an extended duration during the time period and allowing multiple scan opportunities. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if a viewer misses the initial QR code display or is temporarily unavailable, they still have adequate time to scan and confirm active viewing, preventing false terminations while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the verification process by displaying QR codes only during time periods when active viewing is expected and adapting to viewer behavior patterns. The verification intensity and timing are dynamically modified based on content type, time of day, and historical viewing data, maintaining both verification accuracy and stream reliability through flexible adaptation rather than rigid rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for employing QR code scanning to identify instances of background streaming. In certain embodiments, a method may comprise verifying a content stream is being viewed, including generating a scannable indicator including metadata related to a content stream, displaying the scannable indicator during the content stream, receiving a message indicating that the scannable indicator has been scanned, and continuing to display the content stream based on the message.