Browser-Based IRM Controls for Digital Content Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Information Right Management (IRM) systems require the installation of dedicated software components, which can interfere with other system components and may be restricted by operating systems, leading to conflicts and limitations in managing access permissions for digital content.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system that enforces and manages IRM capabilities through a browser, allowing users to access and manipulate protected digital content without installing additional software, by interacting with a server and utilizing browser-based IRM controls, such as plugins, scripts, or embedded browser controls, to enforce permissions and audit user activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated software components (services, device drivers, plugins) are installed to implement IRM controls, then access permission management capability is improved, but system component conflicts and interference with existing software increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess permission management capabilityVSAvoidsystem component conflicts and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that hosts the IRM control logic and communicates with clients through standard protocols. Instead of installing dedicated IRM software components on each client device, the server acts as a mediator that provides authentication and authorization services, thereby achieving access permission management without direct client-side software conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the IRM system universal by implementing it as a web-based solution that can be accessed through any standard web browser. The server provides multi-functional capabilities including authentication, authorization, and document management through a unified web interface, eliminating the need for device-specific software installations and reducing system conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If replacement application or dedicated plugins are installed to handle editing or viewing of protected documents, then document protection capability is improved, but device operation transparency and system performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument protection capabilityVSAvoiddevice operation transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of installing dedicated software components with a network-based web service architecture. The IRM functionality is delivered through web protocols and standard browser capabilities, substituting the need for local software installations with remote service access, thereby maintaining document protection while preserving system transparency and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables standard web browsers to serve themselves as the execution environment for IRM controls. The browser's existing capabilities are leveraged to handle authenticated document viewing and editing without requiring additional software components, making the system easier to operate while maintaining protection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If dedicated software components are installed to enforce IRM controls, then access control enforcement is improved, but installation restrictions and device compatibility limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control enforcementVSAvoiddevice compatibility and installation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal IRM solution by implementing it as a web-based system that can be accessed from any device with a web browser. The server provides platform-independent access control enforcement, eliminating device compatibility limitations and installation restrictions associated with dedicated software components while maintaining reliable access control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10713370B2Information rights management through editors implemented in a browser

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 SECLORE TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

A system and method is described for implementing or managing IRM controls over digital content through a browser. The computer implementing or managing IRM controls over digital content through a browser includes at least one user device and a server. The user device includes a browser, the server comprises a database to store a plurality of IRM rights data and corresponding user permission, an identifier module to identify the user, an editor module to allow the user to view, edit, copy, paste and print the digital content based on the user permission defined for any respective protected document within the user device or downloaded through the Internet.