RSS Feed Access Control via Embedded One-Time Tokens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RSS and podcasting technologies lack effective access control mechanisms, leading to overburdened servers due to frequent polling by RSS reader software and lack of control over content within feeds, especially with increasing file sizes and media usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses one-time tokens with a hash function to control access to network content within structured documents, allowing for payment-based access, duration limits, and other forms of control, even for non-JavaScript capable or cookie-aware software, by chaining access controls from the document to its items and using intermediaries to manage token validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RSS reader software frequently polls structured documents for content updates, then content delivery is maintained, but server overhead becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by embedding access control tokens and usage metadata directly into the structured document at the time of content delivery. This allows the document to carry its own access control information, eliminating the need for frequent server polling to check access rights or content availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured document serves itself by including embedded access control tokens and usage tracking information. The document can independently verify access rights and manage its own delivery without requiring continuous server intervention or polling, thereby reducing server overhead while maintaining content delivery functionality.
2Reliability
If access control is implemented within structured documents, then content control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing access control tokens as separate, self-contained elements within the structured document. These tokens act as mediators that carry access control information independently from the main content, allowing for granular control without significantly complicating the overall document structure or requiring complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control mechanism is segmented into discrete tokens embedded within the structured document. Each token can be independently validated and managed, separating the access control function from the content itself. This segmentation allows for simplified processing and reduced complexity while maintaining effective content control.
3Reliability
If one-time tokens with hash functions are used for access control, then security is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-computing and embedding hash values and access control tokens into the structured document at the time of content delivery. This allows the document to contain all necessary security information in advance, reducing the processing burden during subsequent access validation and improving security without significantly increasing processing requirements at access time.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to methods of controlling access to one or more items of network content referenced within a structured document such as an RSS feed. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to podcasting, where the access control is based on monetary payment, presentation of coupons or other promotional devices, or other forms of web commerce; or may limit the duration of accessibility of the content, the number of times it can be downloaded, or other characteristics of access.