Secure In-Flight Media Preview via Segmented Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the distribution of early window video content to in-flight entertainment systems, there is a need for a secure method that allows customers to preview media content without compromising the security of the video files, as existing security measures prevent airlines from confirming the correct content delivery while preventing unauthorized copying.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a media receiving server with a computing system, storage device, and media sampling software that generates preview samples by creating a series of still digital images and audio clips from the video file, allowing secure preview access through a customer portal without compromising the original content's security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures prevent unauthorized copying of early window content, then content security is improved, but the ability to preview content before distribution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full video content into multiple individual image frames that are distributed separately to the IFE system. These frames are scattered throughout the video file at different time intervals, making it impossible to reconstruct the complete movie from the distributed portions. This allows the airline to receive and preview content portions without being able to assemble or distribute the complete unauthorized copy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only specific portions (individual image frames) from the complete video content for distribution to the IFE system, while retaining the full video file secured at the source. This extraction allows the airline to preview and verify content delivery without possessing the complete movie file, thus maintaining security while enabling preview capability.
2Loss of information
If complete video files are distributed to IFE systems, then content verification is improved, but the risk of unauthorized copying and distribution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distributing complete video files, the patent distributes only segmented portions (individual image frames) scattered throughout the video. The airline can verify content delivery by receiving and reviewing these distributed frames, which are sufficient to confirm the video title and content identity without providing enough material to reconstruct or distribute unauthorized copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of content distribution from complete video files to fragmented image sequences. This parameter change maintains the ability to verify content identity (through review of distributed frames) while dramatically reducing the risk of unauthorized copying, as the fragmented nature prevents meaningful reconstruction of the complete work.
3Adaptability or versatility
If early window content is made available shortly after theatrical release, then customer attraction is improved, but the value to movie studios is worsened due to reduced theatre attendance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables airlines to receive and preview segmented portions of early window content through a secure distribution system. By distributing only fragmented image frames rather than complete files, the system allows airlines to offer early window movies to attract passengers while preventing the creation of unauthorized copies that would harm studio revenue across multiple distribution channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secure distribution system as an intermediary between the movie studio and the airline's IFE system. This intermediary controls and monitors the distribution of segmented content portions, enabling early window releases to airlines while maintaining security protocols that protect studio interests and prevent unauthorized distribution that would harm theatre attendance and revenue.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing preview samples of media content, such as early window movies, which is secure against unauthorized copying of the media content. The system includes a media receiving server configured to receive secure media content, such as early window movies, from a movie provider. The media receiving server generates a preview sample including a video sample including a series of still digital images from the video file, each separated by a time interval in the video file from the other still digital images in the series of still digital images; and an audio sample including a series of audio clips from the video file, each separated by a time interval in the video file from the other audio clips in the series of audio clips. A customer of the media content can review the sample preview on a customer portal, but cannot access the original media content.