Video On Demand Rental System With Time-Window Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video on demand systems are limited in user control and access, requiring immediate viewing upon purchase and restricting the number of viewings within a short time frame, due to inherent delivery system limitations and device constraints.
Innovation Solution
A video on demand system is developed for the internet context, allowing users to rent content for a fixed period, enabling viewing at their chosen time on consumer electronics devices like Apple TV or iPod, with a 30-day rental period and a 24-hour window for unlimited viewing, using digital rights management to enforce time limits and support both high and standard definition content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If video content is delivered through cable television set top boxes with immediate playback requirements, then content delivery speed is improved, but user control and viewing flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and storing video content in its entirety to the set top box before viewing starts, enabling users to access content without immediate playback requirements and providing viewing flexibility within the rental period
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic time window management where users can view content multiple times within a 24-hour period starting from when playback begins, allowing flexible viewing schedules while maintaining content protection
2Ease of operation
If video content allows multiple viewings within a short time frame, then user viewing flexibility is improved, but content protection and access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms through digital rights management technology that tracks and monitors content access, enforcing time limits and viewing restrictions while allowing multiple viewings within the permitted 24-hour window
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical content protection mechanisms with digital rights management technology that uses software-based access control, encryption, and time-window enforcement to protect content while enabling flexible viewing
3Productivity
If video content requires immediate playback upon purchase, then content delivery efficiency is improved, but user convenience and time flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary content delivery by transferring the entire video file to the set top box in advance, enabling efficient delivery without requiring immediate playback and allowing users to view content at their convenience within the rental period
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a local copy of the video content on the user's set top box, enabling immediate access without continuous network connection and providing viewing flexibility while maintaining content protection through digital rights management
Data Source
AI summary
A video on demand system in the context of the Internet, for video rentals. A user accesses an on-line store to rent a video program or movie. The rental is for a limited time (such as 30 days) and within that thirty days, the video program or movie can only be viewed for a 24 hour time window. The time limits are enforced by the on-line store which maintains a database of each rental transaction and allows supply of the needed keys for decrypting the (encrypted) video or movie only if within the time limits.