DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM, METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM DIRECTED TO USER INTERACTION WITH MEDIA CONTENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributed system including a plurality of first nodes and a plurality of second nodes. At least one first node of the plurality of first nodes includes at least one data portion including encrypted information related to user interaction with media content of a user of a plurality of users. Each data portion of the at least one data portion is cryptographically hashed. At least one second node of the plurality of second nodes includes a first distributed ledger including a first account of the user and at least one non-fungible token, NFT. The distributed system includes at least one third node including a media player.

Claims

1. A distributed system, comprising: a plurality of first nodes, a plurality of second nodes, and at least one third node, wherein at least one first node of the plurality of first nodes comprises at least one data portion comprising encrypted information related to user interaction with media content of a user of a plurality of users, wherein each data portion of the at least one data portion is cryptographically hashed, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, wherein at least one second node of the plurality of second nodes comprises a first distributed ledger comprising a first account of the user and at least one non-fungible token (NFT), wherein each NFT of the at least one NFT comprises a hash value defined for a respective data portion of the at least one data portion, and wherein the at least one third node comprises a media player adapted to generate the information related to user interaction with media content.

2. The distributed system of claim 1, wherein the first distributed ledger comprises an indication of ownership for each NFT of the at least one NFT, wherein the indication of ownership for the NFT which comprises the hash value defined for the data portion comprising the encrypted information related to user interaction with media content of the user indicates that the NFT is owned by the first account of the user.

3. The distributed system of claim 1, wherein each data portion of the at least one data portion is a data portion a user of the plurality of users agrees that the at least one first node comprises this data portion.

4. The distributed system of claim 1, wherein the first account of the user receives a first token or a portion of the first token for each user interaction with media content of the user.

5. The distributed system of claim 4, wherein the distributed system further comprises at least one fourth node, wherein the at least one fourth node comprises a second distributed ledger comprising a second account of the user, wherein the second account of the user receives a second token or a portion of the second token for each data portion the user agrees that the at least one first node of the plurality of first nodes comprises this data portion.

6. The distributed system of claim 1, wherein each first node of the plurality of first nodes comprises a distributed hash table comprising hash values, each defined for a particular data portion, and, for each hash value, at least one identifier of a plurality of identifiers, wherein each identifier is assigned to a first node.

7. A method, comprising: generating, by a media player, information related to user interaction with media content of a user of a plurality of users; encrypting the information; generating at least one data portion comprising the encrypted information; cryptographically hashing each data portion of the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion; and generating a first distributed ledger comprising a first account of the user and at least one non-fungible token (NFT), wherein each NFT of the at least one NFT comprises a hash value defined for a respective data portion of the at least one data portion.

8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 7.

9. A computer-readable medium comprising instruction which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 7.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention may be derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and/or the figures. Thereby, all described and/or visually depicted features for themselves and/or in any combination may form an advantageous subject matter and/or features of the present invention independent of their combination in the individual claims or their dependencies. Furthermore, in the figures, same reference signs may indicate same or similar objects.

[0025] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a distributed system according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 schematically shows the embodiment of the distributed system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a distributed system 1 according to the present invention. A user 3 of a plurality of users 5 and each of the users 5 may interact with the distributed system 1. Particularly, the user 3 may consume media content provided by the distributed system 1, e.g., media content displayed on a display of a portable device of the user 3, such as a smartphone of the user 3. Similarly, each of the users 5 may consume media content provided by the distributed system 1, e.g., media content displayed on a display of a respective portable device of each respective user, such as a smartphone of that user. When the user 3 or each of the users 5 visits the streaming site 7, i.e., streaming website, for the first time, the user 3 or each of the users 5 may be regarded as a new user. The user 3 and each of the users 5 can consume media content provided by the streaming site 7 and displayed on the display of a respective device of the respective user. The user 3 and each of the users 5 can consume a first portion of the media content without registering on the streaming site 7 and without generating a user profile. The user 3 and each of the users 5 can consume a second portion of the media content only after they have registered on the streaming site 7 and a user profile has been generated for the particular user. The user 3 and each of the users 5 can each decide to register on the streaming site 7 and can each decide that a respective user profile is generated for each particular user. Particularly, the user 3 can visit the streaming site 7 for the first time, consume the first portion of the media content, register on the streaming site 7, and consume the second portion of the media content after the registration. The user profile for each user can comprise the name of the user, the date of birth of the user, a photo of the user, and/or a unique user ID. In FIG. 1, the registration on the streaming site 7 is labelled with reference sign 9.

[0028] When the user 3 or any of the users 5 registers on the streaming site 7, an API, application programming interface, request 11 comprising the unique user ID of the respective user is sent to a first server 13 of the distributed system 1 and a user record 15 is generated for the particular user and stored on the first server 13. Further, a user data set 17 is generated for the particular user and stored on the first server 13. The user data set 17 may comprise a MySQL table configured to store information related to user interaction with media content of the particular user generated by a media player 19. In case multiple users 5 register on the streaming site 7, for each user an API request 11 comprising the unique user ID of the respective user is sent to the first server 13 and a user record 15 is generated for the particular user and stored on the first server 13. Further, a user data set 17 is generated for each of the users 5 and stored on the first server 13. The user data set 17 of each user 5 may comprise a MySQL table configured to store information related to user interaction with media content of the particular user generated by the media player 19.

[0029] The unique user ID resulting from the registration 9 of a particular user is also forwarded to the media player 19, such that the media player 19 can monitor the media content consumed by a particular user and can monitor the user interaction with the media content of the particular user. The media player 19 is adapted to generate the information related to user interaction with media content for each of the registered users 5 and to forward the information to the first server 13.

[0030] Further, when the user 3 or any of the users 5 registers on the streaming site 7, labelled with reference sign 9, a first distributed ledger 21 and a second distributed ledger 23 is generated or modified. The first distributed ledger 21 may be an Ethereum distributed ledger. The second distributed ledger 23 may be a Binance Smart Chain. When the user 3 registers on the streaming site 7, the first distributed ledger 21 is generated or modified such that the first distributed ledger 21 comprises a first account of the user 3, at least one non-fungible token, NFT, 25 for the user 3, and an indication of ownership for each NFT 25 for the user 3 indicating that the NFT 25 is owned by the first account of the user 3. Further, when the user 3 registers on the streaming site 7, the second distributed ledger 23 is generated or modified such that the second distributed ledger 23 comprises a second account of the user 3. Similarly, when any particular user of the users 5 registers on the streaming site 7, the first distributed ledger 21 is generated or modified such that the first distributed ledger 21 comprises a first account of the particular user, at least one NFT 25 for the particular user, and an indication of ownership for each NFT 25 for the particular user indicating that the NFT 25 is owned by the first account of the particular user. Further, when the particular user registers on the streaming site 7, the second distributed ledger 23 is generated or modified such that the second distributed ledger 23 comprises a second account of the particular user 3.

[0031] As already described, the media player 19 is adapted to generate the information related to user interaction with media content for each of the registered users 5. Each time a registered user 5 interacts with media content provided by the distributed system 1, information related to the interaction is generated and encrypted according to a first coding technology. For example, if the user 3 is registered and the user 3 interacts with media content provided by the distributed system 1, information related to this interaction is generated and encrypted according to the first coding technology resulting in encrypted information related to the user interaction with the media content of the user 3. Depending on the size of the encrypted information, the encrypted information may form a data portion or may be divided into multiple data portions such that the at least one data portion comprises the encrypted information. Preferably, in case multiple data portions are provided, each data portion is different from the other data portions such that no two data portions are identical to keep corresponding memory free. The content of each data portion comprises the encrypted information or a portion of the encrypted information. Since the information is encrypted, data security for each user of the distributed system 1 is improved.

[0032] Each data portion of the at least one data portion is cryptographically hashed, particularly according to a second coding technology which is different from the first coding technology, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion. Since the respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, the hash values differ for two data portions of a pair of data portions for each pair of data portions which comprise different contents. For example, the user 3 interacts with media content and data portions are generated comprising encrypted information related to this interaction. Each of the data portions comprising the encrypted information is cryptographically hashed such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content, i.e., the portions of the encrypted information, of the data portions. Therefore, for each data portion a respective hash value is generated. Since each hash value generated for the data portions is defined based on the content, content addressing can be provided by the distributed system 1. Preferably, in case two hash values are identical, one of the two hash values and the corresponding data portion are disregarded to keep corresponding memory free. Preferably, a hash table comprising the hash values is provided.

[0033] Each NFT 25 of the at least one NFT 25 comprises a hash value defined for a respective data portion. For example, each NFT 25 which is owned by the first account of the user 3 comprises at least one hash value for a respective data portion. Preferably, each NFT 25 comprises one hash value defined for a respective data portion or multiple hash values, each defined for a respective data portion, wherein the data portion or the data portions correspond to a single user interaction with media content of the user 3. Since each NFT 25 comprises a hash value or multiple hash values and not the encrypted information related to user interaction with media content itself, data security for each user of the distributed system 1 is further improved. Preferably, for each interaction with media content of the user 3, a new NFT 25 is generated and the first distributed ledger 21 is modified to comprise the new NFT 25 and an indication of ownership for the new NFT 25, wherein the indication of ownership for the new NFT 25 indicates that the new NFT 25 is owned by the first account of the user 3. Similarly, for each user of the users 5, each NFT 25 which is owned by the first account of a particular user comprises at least one hash value for a respective data portion. Preferably, each NFT 25 comprises one hash value defined for a respective data portion or multiple hash values, each defined for a respective data portion, wherein the data portion or the data portions correspond to a single user interaction with media content of the particular user. Preferably, for each interaction with media content of the particular user, a new NFT 25 is generated and the first distributed ledger 21 is modified to comprise the new NFT 25 and an indication of ownership for the new NFT 25, wherein the indication of ownership for the new NFT 25 indicates that the new NFT 25 is owned by the first account of the particular user.

[0034] Further, the first distributed ledger 21 comprises a plurality of first tokens 27. The first account of the user 3 receives a first token 27 or a portion of the first token 27 for each user interaction with media content of the user 3. Similarly, the first account of a particular user receives a first token 27 or a portion of the first token 27 for each user interaction with media content of that particular user. Therefore, if a user interacts with media content, the first account of that user receives a first token 27 or a portion of the first token 27. Since the first account of a user receives a first token 27 or a portion of the first token 27, in case the user interacts with media content, each user is encouraged to interact with media content. Particularly, the first distributed ledger 21 comprises an indication of ownership for each first token 27 or for each portion of the first token 27, wherein the indication of ownership for each first token 27 or for each portion of the first token 27 indicates that the first token 27 or the portion of the first token 27 is owned by the first account of a particular user. Each first token 27 can also be regarded as a transaction token.

[0035] Further, the distributed system comprises a first computer program 29 adapted to receive the information related to user interaction with media content of a particular user generated by the media player 19. For example, the first computer program 29 may be executed by a portable device of the particular user, such as a smartphone of the particular user, which is employed by the particular user to consume media content provided by the distributed system 1, e.g., media content displayed on a display of the portable device of the particular user. The first computer program 29 comprises a first component 31, which may be adapted to form or comprise a mobile app. Further, the first computer program 29 comprises a second component 33, which may be adapted to form or comprise a browser plugin.

[0036] Particularly, the first component 31 is adapted to receive the information related to user interaction with media content of a particular user generated by the media player 19. If a registered user interacts with media content and the first component 31 is executed by a device of the registered user, the device of the user displays information relating to the information related to this user interaction with the media content and displays a first option for the user to select in case the user agrees that the information related to this user interaction is sent for encryption, generation of at least one data portion, cryptographically hashing the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, and generating or modifying a respective NFT 25 or multiple NFTs 25 to comprise the respective hash value or hash values. Further, if the registered user interacts with media content and the first component 31 is executed by the device of the registered user, the device of the user displays information relating to the information related to this user interaction with the media content and displays a second option for the user to select in case the user does not agree that the information related to this user interaction is sent for encryption, generation of at least one data portion, cryptographically hashing the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, and generating or modifying a respective NFT 25 or multiple NFTs 25 to comprise the respective hash value or hash values.

[0037] It is further preferred that the second component 33 is adapted to receive information related to browsing behavior of a particular user generated by a browser executed by the device of the user. If a registered user interacts with the browser and the second component 33 is executed by the device of the registered user, the device of the user displays information relating to the browsing behavior and displays a first option for the user to select in case the user agrees that the information related to this browsing behavior is sent for encryption, generation of at least one data portion, cryptographically hashing the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, and generating or modifying a respective NFT 25 or multiple NFTs 25 to comprise the respective hash value or hash values. Further, if the registered user interacts with the browser and the second component 33 is executed by the device of the registered user, the device of the user displays information relating to the browsing behavior and displays a second option for the user to select in case the user does not agree that the information related to this browsing behavior is sent for encryption, generation of at least one data portion, cryptographically hashing the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion, and generating or modifying a respective NFT 25 or multiple NFTs 25 to comprise the respective hash value or hash values.

[0038] Therefore, by employing the first component 31 and/or the second component 33, each user can select the first option or the second option depending on whether the user agrees that particular information may further be employed by the distributed system 1. Particularly, each data portion of the at least one data portion is a data portion comprising the information for which the consent is given by the respective user who interacted with the media content. Particularly, the consent is given by the respective user that this information is further employed by the distributed system 1. Therefore, information may only further be employed by the distributed system 1 in case consent is given by the user, which improves data security for the user.

[0039] Further, the second distributed ledger 23 comprises a plurality of second tokens 35. The second account of the user 3 receives a second token 35 or a portion of the second token 35 for each data portion the user 3 agrees that the information contained in the data portion is further employed by the distributed system 1. Similarly, the second account of a particular user receives a second token 35 or a portion of the second token 35 for each data portion the particular user agrees that the information contained in the data portion is further employed by the distributed system 1. Therefore, if a user agrees that an information may be further employed by the distributed system 1, the second account of that user receives a second token 35 or a portion of the second token 35. Since the second account of a user receives a second token 35 or a portion of the second token 35 in case the user agrees that an information may be further employed by the distributed system 1, each user is encouraged to agree that information related to the activity of the user is further employed by the distributed system 1. Particularly, the second distributed ledger 23 comprises an indication of ownership for each second token 35 or for each portion of the second token 35, wherein the indication of ownership for each second token 35 or for each portion of the second token 35 indicates that the second token 35 or the portion of the second token 35 is owned by the second account of a particular user. Each second token 35 can also be regarded as a QUID token.

[0040] The distributed system 1 comprises a second server 37. The second server 37 comprises the at least one data portion comprising encrypted information related to user interaction with media content of the user 3 of a plurality of users 5. Particularly, the second server 37 comprises a first node 39 which comprises the at least one data portion. Each data portion of the at least one data portion is a data portion the user 3 or any of the users 5 agrees that the at least one first node 39 comprises this data portion.

[0041] Preferably, the distributed system 1 comprises a second computer program which is adapted to receive particular information from the media player 19 and/or the first computer program 29 in case the consent is given by a user with respect to this particular information. The second computer program is adapted to generate or modify the first distributed ledger 21 and the second distributed ledger 23, to encrypt the information related to user interaction with media content according to the first coding technology, generate the at least one data portion, send the at least one data portion to the first node 39, cryptographically hash the at least one data portion according to the second coding technology and generate or modify the NFTs 25 to include the corresponding hash values in the first distributed ledger 21.

[0042] FIG. 2 schematically shows the embodiment of the distributed system 1 of FIG. 1. The distributed system 1 comprises a plurality of first nodes 39, a plurality of second nodes 41, a third node 43, and a plurality of fourth nodes 45. Each of the first nodes 39, each of the second nodes 41, the third node 43, and each of the fourth nodes 45 may be implemented on different servers. For example, each server may comprise a first node 39, a second node 41, and a fourth node 45. In this case, a further server may be provided to comprise the third node 43. Alternatively, one server may be provided for each node such that each server comprises either a first node 39, a second node 41, a third node 43, or a fourth node 45, i.e., each of the first nodes 39, each of the second nodes 41, the third node 43, and each of the fourth nodes 45 may be implemented on a different server. The first nodes 39, the second nodes 41, the third node 43, and the fourth nodes 45 communicate with each other, pass messages to each other, and coordinate their tasks, illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2.

[0043] Each of the first nodes 39 comprises at least one data portion comprising encrypted information related to user interaction with media content of a user. Preferably, each data portion of the data portions is a unique data portion, such that for each pair of data portions the contents of the data portions are different. Preferably, in case two data portions are identical, one of the two data portions is disregarded to keep corresponding memory free. Preferably, different first nodes 39 comprises different data portions such that the usage of memory for all first nodes 39 is kept at a minimum. Each data portion is a data portion a user of the plurality of users 5 agrees that one of the first nodes 39 comprises this data portion. Therefore, the first nodes 39 comprise only data portions for which a consent of a user exists that these data portions can be further employed by the distributed system 1. Each first node 39 of the plurality of first nodes 39 comprises a copy of the hash table, which can also be regarded as a distributed hash table, comprising the hash values, each defined for a particular data portion. Further, the hash table comprises for each hash value at least one identifier of a plurality of identifiers, wherein each identifier is assigned to a first node 39. The hash table provides a mapping of hash values and identifiers, wherein each identifier is an identifier of a first node 39 that comprises the data portion for which the corresponding hash value is defined. The second server 39 shown in FIG. 1 comprises one of the first nodes 39. Each of the first nodes 39 may be an IPFS node.

[0044] The first distributed ledger 21 comprises the first accounts of the users, the NFTs 25, each comprising a hash value defined for a respective data portion, and the indications of ownership for each NFT 25. Further, the first distributed ledger 21 comprises the first tokens 27 or the portions of the first tokens 27, and the indications of ownership for each first token 27 or for each portion of the first token 27. The third node 43 comprises the media player 19 adapted to generate the information related to user interaction with media content. The second distributed ledger 23 comprises the second accounts of the users, the second tokens 35 or the portions of the second tokens 35.

[0045] The distributed system 1 is particularly adapted to perform a method comprising the following steps: generating, by a media player 19, information related to user interaction with media content of a user 3 of a plurality of users 5; encrypting the information; generating at least one data portion comprising the encrypted information; cryptographically hashing each data portion of the at least one data portion, such that for each data portion a respective hash value is defined based on the content of the respective data portion; and generating a first distributed ledger 21 comprising a first account of the user 3 and at least one non-fungible token, NFT, 25, wherein each NFT 25 of the at least one NFT 25 comprises a hash value defined for a respective data portion of the at least one data portion.

[0046] In summary, the distributed system 1 improves data security for each user of the distributed system 1, since the information related to user interaction with media content generated by the media player is encrypted and hash values based on the encrypted information are provided in a distributed ledger which protects the data from manipulation. Further, only information is included in the data portions to which a user who the information relates to has expressed his/her consent which further improves the data security for the user. Further, the NFT 25 or the NFTs 25 of a particular user can be transferred to another party's or user's first account making the other party or user the owner of the NFT 25 or the NFTs 25 providing a simple and secure way to transfer the rights to the data between different parties.

[0047] It is additionally pointed out that “comprising” does not rule out other elements, and “a” or “an” does not rule out a multiplicity. It is also pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be disclosed as in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictive.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0048] 1 distributed system [0049] 3 user [0050] 5 plurality of users [0051] 7 streaming site [0052] 9 registration [0053] 11 API request [0054] 13 first server [0055] 15 user record [0056] 17 user data set [0057] 19 media player [0058] 21 first distributed ledger [0059] 23 second distributed ledger [0060] 25 non-fungible token, NFT [0061] 27 first token [0062] 29 first computer program [0063] 31 first component [0064] 33 second component [0065] 35 second token [0066] 37 second server [0067] 39 first node [0068] 41 second node [0069] 43 third node [0070] 45 fourth node