Universal Content Delivery via Device Environment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require multiple content viewers for different client devices with varying hardware and operating systems, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs, and struggle with secure content distribution over networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a Java applet to determine the client device's environment and download a compatible content viewer, eliminating the need for multiple viewers and allowing secure, platform-specific content delivery by authenticating users and encrypting content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple content viewers are provided for different client devices with varying hardware and operating systems, then compatibility with diverse devices is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content delivery system where a single content delivery server can deliver content to multiple types of client devices (set-top boxes, personal computers, mobile devices) with different hardware and operating systems. The server automatically detects client device characteristics and delivers appropriate content formats, eliminating the need for multiple specialized content viewers and achieving multi-functionality from a single system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple content viewers are installed on client devices, then support for different operating systems and hardware is improved, but memory usage and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the content viewing functionality from the client device by implementing a viewerless content delivery system. Instead of installing content viewers on client devices, the content delivery server performs all processing and delivers only the necessary content data to the client. This eliminates the need for viewer software on client devices, freeing up memory and computational resources while maintaining support for different operating systems and hardware configurations.
3Ease of operation
If content is distributed over networks without secure mechanisms, then ease of access is improved, but security and content protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization actions before content delivery. The content delivery server authenticates client devices and users before delivering content, ensuring that only authorized clients can access protected content. This preliminary security check maintains ease of access for legitimate users while providing robust content protection, as the security mechanisms are transparently integrated into the content delivery process.
Data Source
AI summary
A media distribution system is provided whereby devices on a network are provided with native-mode, optimized content viewers adapted to receive and present digital content provided elsewhere on the network. An agent is downloaded to a device, where it gathers information regarding the device environment and uses that information to identify the appropriate application for that device. The appropriate application for a particular device is then downloaded to the device to enable the device to present the content to a user.