Broadcast DRM License Segmentation for Unidirectional Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadcast content management systems face challenges in secure and cost-effective management of digital rights due to the need for specialized hardware and large DRM licenses that are not adaptable for broadcast channels, particularly in unidirectional communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital rights management (DRM) service that allows for the generation and transmission of DRM licenses within a broadcast signal, using an entitlement management message (EMM) field, enabling secure content management without bidirectional communication and reducing hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized CAS hardware and functionality are implemented in broadcast systems, then content security and protection are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized CAS hardware with software-based DRM functionality that can operate on standard processing devices. The DRM service implements content protection through software modules rather than dedicated hardware cards, eliminating the need for specialized decryption smart cards and CAS hardware while maintaining security through software-based license management and content protection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRM service is designed to provide universal content protection across multiple platforms and devices without requiring device-specific hardware. The same DRM infrastructure serves both broadcast and broadband delivery, and can protect different types of content (video, audio, data) across various client devices (set-top boxes, PCs, mobile devices) using standard processing capabilities rather than specialized hardware.
2Reliability
If conventional DRM licenses are used in broadcast channels, then content protection is improved, but transmission adaptability deteriorates due to license size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DRM license into multiple smaller components that can be transmitted efficiently over broadcast channels. Instead of sending a single large license file, the system divides license data into smaller units that fit within broadcast constraints, and uses selective encryption to protect only the critical portions that need to be transmitted, leaving other portions to be derived or obtained through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of license size by using selective encryption and optimized license formats. Rather than transmitting complete conventional DRM licenses which are too large for broadcast channels, the system encrypts only essential license portions and uses key derivation mechanisms to reconstruct full licenses at the client side, effectively reducing the transmitted data size while maintaining protection strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional communication channels are used for DRM services, then license management flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase for unidirectional broadcast scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring DRM licenses and authorization data to be embedded directly within the broadcast content stream itself. Rather than requiring post-delivery communication channels to manage licenses, the system prepares and includes all necessary license information, encryption keys, and authorization data in advance within the broadcast signal, enabling clients to autonomously manage their licenses without needing bidirectional communication for license acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The DRM system enables self-service by allowing client devices to autonomously obtain and manage their own licenses directly from the broadcast stream without requiring interaction with external DRM servers. The broadcast signal carries all necessary authorization information, and clients can independently process, store, and use these licenses for content decryption and playback without needing bidirectional communication channels for license management.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to, among other things, systems and methods for managing the secure management and distribution of electronic content over broadcast and/or broadband communication channels. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may allow for implementation of a digital rights management service in connection with bidirectional communication channels and/or unidirectional communication channels, such as a broadcast signal. Various embodiments may allow for the generation and/or transmission of a digital rights management license in a field included in a broadcast signal. The license may be used by a client device to securely manage a received broadcast signal in accordance with associated rules and/or rights.