Time-Shift Viewing Across Device Groups Without Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems limit time-shift viewing to within the same device or between two devices, and require user authentication, which can lead to unauthorized access and infringe copyright laws when using multiple devices for time-shift viewing.
Innovation Solution
A content distribution system that manages groups of audio-visual devices, allowing time-shift viewing without user authentication by transmitting permission and viewing information between devices within the same group, preventing unauthorized access through a device group management unit, viewing state management unit, and time shift control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is implemented to prevent unauthorized viewing, then security against copyright infringement is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to password input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses device identifiers as digital copies of authentication credentials. Instead of requiring users to input passwords, the system automatically transmits device identifier information between devices to authenticate time-shift viewing requests, eliminating manual authentication while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic device identification and authentication without user intervention. The transmitting device automatically sends its device identifier to the reception device, and the system automatically verifies authorization based on device group membership, eliminating the need for manual password input from users
2Ease of operation
If time-shift viewing is enabled between multiple devices without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unauthorized viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces device identifiers as an intermediary authentication mechanism. The device identifier serves as a mediator that automatically proves the legitimacy of the time-shift viewing request without requiring user authentication, enabling seamless cross-device viewing while preventing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the transmitting device sends device identifier information to the reception device, which then automatically verifies authorization based on device group membership. This automated feedback mechanism ensures security without interfering with user convenience
3Reliability
If device group management is implemented to control access, then prevention of unauthorized viewing is improved, but device complexity increases due to group management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes device identifiers serve multiple functions: they uniquely identify devices, authenticate time-shift viewing requests, and determine device group membership. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate authentication systems and complex access control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A content distribution system is provided, in which time-shift viewing among a plurality of devices can be realized. The system includes, a device group management unit which manages a group to which audio-visual devices capable of realizing time-shift viewing mutually belong; a viewing state management unit which acquires viewing information of a content by the audio-visual device, and a time shift control unit which transmits permission information for viewing the content in a time-shifted manner and the viewing information of the content acquired by the viewing state management unit, to the audio-visual device included in the group managed by the device group management unit, in response to a time shift request issued by the audio-visual device.