Video Content Gifting via Set-Top Box and Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current television systems limit the sharing of video content among viewers, restricting opportunities for users to easily gift or share video content with friends and family.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables video content gifting through a set-top box device and video content gifting server, allowing users to purchase and send video content as gifts to other subscribers, with options for viewing preferences and notifications, utilizing a video content control module and gifting module to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If television systems limit the distribution of video content to personal home entertainment, then content security and licensing control are improved, but user ability to share content with friends and family deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments content distribution into different modes: traditional personal entertainment mode and new gifting mode. The gifting functionality is segmented as a separate feature that can be activated independently, allowing content to be shared with specific recipients while maintaining security through controlled distribution channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gifting server and gift token mechanism as intermediaries between the content provider and the recipient. The gift token acts as a mediator that carries entitlement information, enabling secure content sharing without compromising licensing control. The server mediates the distribution process by validating gifts and managing content delivery to authorized devices.
2Device complexity
If video content is distributed through traditional television systems, then content delivery infrastructure is simplified, but user interaction and sharing opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gifting server and set-top box modifications provide multi-functionality by enabling both traditional content viewing and new gifting capabilities within the same infrastructure. The system maintains backward compatibility while adding forward-looking sharing features, allowing users to both consume and distribute content through the existing television system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where users can independently purchase content, select recipients, customize gifting messages, and manage delivery preferences without requiring manual intervention from content providers. The automated gift token generation and distribution processes reduce operational complexity while enhancing user interaction capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If video content gifting functionality is added to existing systems, then content sharing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gift tokens as copies or representations of content entitlement rather than distributing the actual content. This copying approach simplifies the system by working with metadata and entitlement information rather than handling large video files during the gifting process. The gift token is a lightweight copy that carries all necessary distribution instructions and recipient information.
Solution Approach 2:
The gifting functionality is nested within the existing set-top box and television system architecture rather than requiring completely separate infrastructure. The gift token contains nested information including recipient identifiers, content entitlements, and delivery instructions, creating a compact structure that integrates multiple functions within a single data element.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering video content is disclosed that includes receiving a request at a video content gifting server from a first set-top box device. The request indicates a selection to purchase video content for a second subscriber associated with a second set-top box device. The method also includes sending notification information to the second set-top box device. The notification information indicates that the video content has been purchased for the second subscriber. Further, the method includes receiving viewing preferences data at the video content gifting server from the second set-top box device. The viewing preferences data indicates a particular time that the second subscriber is to receive the video content. Additionally, the method includes sending video content download data to a particular network entity. The video content download data includes instructions to send the video content to the second set-top box device at the particular time.