Apparatus Check and Content Code Selection for Copyright Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for protecting digital content from unauthorized reproduction and illegal copying are inadequate, as encryption keys can leak, and incorrect content codes can be executed on unauthorized devices, making it difficult to trace illegal processing.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that performs an apparatus check using a certificate stored in memory, selecting and executing a content code corresponding to the identified apparatus, with a hierarchical key structure ensuring only authorized devices can decrypt and use encrypted content codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contents are encrypted to prevent illegal copying, then copyright protection is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to encryption key leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoidencryption key leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the encryption key into multiple segments: a master key stored in the information processing apparatus and individual encryption keys stored in the information recording medium. This segmentation ensures that even if the master key is compromised, the individual encryption keys remain secure, preventing complete system compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a key management unit as an intermediary component that securely stores and manages encryption keys. This intermediary layer between the master key and individual encryption keys provides an additional security barrier, controlling key distribution and preventing direct exposure of cryptographic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple content codes are prepared for different apparatus types, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of executing incorrect content codes on unauthorized devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus compatibilityVSAvoidunauthorized execution prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating content codes with specific characteristics tailored to different apparatus types. Each content code includes apparatus-type-specific information and encryption keys, ensuring that only the correct apparatus can successfully decrypt and execute the code. This localized customization prevents unauthorized devices from executing content codes intended for other apparatus types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical apparatus identification methods with cryptographic verification mechanisms. Instead of relying on simple hardware detection, the system uses encryption keys and cryptographic operations to verify apparatus authenticity and authorization status, providing a more secure and reliable selection mechanism for content code execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If apparatus check is performed using identification information, then unauthorized device execution is prevented, but the ability to trace illegal processing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized execution preventionVSAvoidillegal processing traceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds identification information about the information processing apparatus into the information recording medium during the legitimate reproduction process. This creates a copy of the apparatus identification data within the recorded content, which can later be used to trace and identify devices involved in illegal processing while maintaining the security measures in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8185732B2Selecting and executing a content code corresponding to an information processing apparatus based on apparatus check information at the time of processing using the content code

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a data processing unit that acquires content codes including a data processing program recorded in an information recording medium and executes data processing according to the content codes; and a memory that stores an apparatus certificate including an apparatus identifier of the information processing apparatus. The data processing unit is configured to execute an apparatus checking process applying the apparatus certificate stored in the memory on the basis of a code for apparatus checking process included in the content codes, acquire the apparatus identifier recorded in the apparatus certificate after the apparatus checking process, and execute data processing applying content codes corresponding to the acquired apparatus identifier.