Set-Top Box Blackout Enforcement via Location-Based Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively restrict access to video content, particularly in scenarios where viewers attempt to circumvent regional restrictions using remote devices, leading to a need for improved methods to enforce blackouts and manage content accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a set-top box device with a processor and memory, communicating via a private IPTV network, to determine if a blackout enforcement application is installed on a remote user device, and redirecting or blocking video content based on location data to enforce access restrictions, including the option to lift restrictions upon payment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video content is made accessible via remote devices, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but regional restriction enforcement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a set-top box as an intermediary device between the video content delivery system and the remote user device. The set-top box receives location data, determines whether the user is in a restricted market zone, and controls whether to redirect video content to the remote device. This intermediary mechanism enables remote access convenience while maintaining reliable regional restriction enforcement through centralized location-based control.
2Reliability
If location-based restriction enforcement is implemented, then content protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the set-top box automatically receives location data, determines market zone restrictions, and controls video content redirection without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously enforces content protection by comparing location information against restricted zones and automatically blocking or allowing access, thereby achieving reliable content protection while minimizing the operational complexity burden on users.
3Ease of operation
If remote access to video content is allowed, then user experience is improved, but unauthorized viewing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining location-based access rights before video content is delivered to the remote device. The set-top box receives location data, checks whether the location falls within a restricted market zone, and only then decides whether to allow or block content redirection. This pre-authorization mechanism enhances user experience for legitimate remote access while preventing unauthorized viewing by blocking access in advance for restricted locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and method of restricting access to video content. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for video content at a set-top box located at a first location, the request received from a remote user device located at a second location. The method also includes initiating recording of the video content at the set-top box when the video content is unrestricted at the first location and when the video content is restricted at the second location. The method also includes, when the video content is unrestricted at the second location, initiating sending the video content to the remote user device.