Recording Blacked-Out Media via Remote Intermediary Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are unable to record media content items that are blacked out due to geographic restrictions, preventing users from accessing or recording live events like sports or concerts when their equipment is located within a certain distance from the event venue.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows recording of blacked out media content items by determining if the user device is outside the blackout region, associating user devices with the same profile, and accessing the media content for recording during the blackout period, with the recorded content being transmitted to the user device after the blackout expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distribution facility blacks out media content on user equipment within geographic distance from the event venue, then venue protection is achieved, but the user cannot record or access the media content during the blackout period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote user device located outside the blackout region as an intermediary. This device receives the media content signal from the distribution facility, records it, and then transmits the recorded content back to the original user device. The intermediary device enables content access while maintaining the geographic blackout restriction at the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the recording function from the user equipment within the blackout region. By using a distinct remote user device outside the restricted area to perform the recording, the system segments the functionality across different geographic locations, allowing the original device to play back content without violating the blackout restriction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system prevents recording of blacked out content on user equipment, then geographic restrictions are maintained, but users lose the ability to access restricted content after the blackout period
Solution Approach 1:
The remote user device performs preliminary recording of the media content during the blackout period before the restriction expires. By capturing the content in advance while outside the blackout region, the system preserves access to the content for later playback after the blackout period ends, eliminating the time loss for the original user.
3Reliability
If user equipment is located within the blackout region, then venue protection is enforced, but the user device cannot receive or record the media content signal
Solution Approach 1:
The remote user device creates a copy of the media content signal by receiving and recording it outside the blackout region. This copy can then be transmitted back to the original user device, allowing the user to access the content information without the original device needing to receive the signal directly during the blackout period.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and associated methods are described for providing recording of a blacked out media content item. A system receives a request from a first user device associated with a profile to record a media content item scheduled to broadcast on a second user device (different from the first user device) associated with the profile, at a second location. The system determines that the media content item is subject to a blackout during a blackout period within a blackout region. The system determines that the first user device and the second user device are associated with the same profile and that the first user device is at a first location outside the blackout region. The system then accesses the media content item for recording on the second user device during the blackout period. The system further transmits the recorded media content item to the first user device after expiry of the blackout period.