Streaming Device Co-Location Checks Using Token and IP Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining whether streaming devices under a single user account are co-located face issues such as computational waste, performance bottlenecks, and privacy concerns due to the collection of private user data.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the exchange of tokens between streaming devices to determine co-location by generating and sending random numbers and IP addresses, allowing devices to respond across a single subnet, thereby confirming their co-location without accessing private data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If protocols like SSDP are used to determine whether display devices are co-located, then location determination capability is improved, but device complexity and computational overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for location determination (device presence detection and IP address comparison) while discarding the complex SSDP protocol machinery. Instead of implementing full SSDP protocol stacks, the system uses simplified presence detection mechanisms and direct IP address comparison to achieve location determination with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical SSDP protocol exchange with a more efficient approach using device presence detection signals and IP address metadata. Instead of relying on complex service discovery protocol exchanges, the system substitutes this with lighter-weight presence detection and network layer information comparison.
2Measurement precision
If complex protocols are used to determine co-location, then location accuracy is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to computational overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimum necessary checks for co-location determination: detecting device presence and comparing IP addresses. Rather than executing complete protocol suites or comprehensive device fingerprinting, the system performs just enough verification to accurately determine co-location while maintaining high performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for co-location determination from complex protocol exchange metrics to simpler presence detection signals and IP address information. By shifting from time-consuming protocol handshake measurements to direct network layer parameter comparison, the system achieves accurate co-location determination with minimal computational overhead.
3Measurement precision
If private information from user's local area network is collected to determine co-location, then location determination capability is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the public, non-private IP address information needed for co-location determination while leaving private user data untouched. Instead of collecting comprehensive network information, device names, or user profiles, the system uses only the publicly routable IP address that devices naturally possess, thereby determining location without invading user privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IP address information as an intermediary that indirectly reveals location without directly accessing private user data. Rather than querying users for their location or scanning their private network configurations, the system uses the publicly available IP address as a mediator to infer co-location status, preserving user privacy while achieving the desired capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented methods and systems include determining whether a second streaming device can connect to a digital content system under the same account as a first streaming device based on the respective locations of the first streaming device and the second streaming device. For example, the methods and systems described herein can generate a challenge for both the first streaming device and the second streaming device that causes both devices to exchange specific information and report back. In response to determining that the received responses are correct, the disclosed methods and systems can allow the second streaming device to connect to the digital content system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.