Content Server Enforcing Copyright Rules During Device Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to enable seamless transfer of digital content between devices while adhering to copyright protection rules, limiting user mobility and interoperability, and restricting access to content across different devices within a network.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for delivering and managing copyright-protected content between devices, involving a content server that determines and enforces usage rules, generates compatible copies, and marks original content as unavailable for further transfer, ensuring compliance with content protection rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is transferred between devices without restrictions, then user mobility and interoperability are improved, but copyright protection and content security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content server as an intermediary between the content source and receiving devices. This server acts as a mediator that enforces content protection rules, manages licensing information, and controls the transfer process. The server receives transfer requests, validates them against protection rules, and only permits transfers that comply with copyright restrictions, thus enabling content mobility while maintaining security through this intermediate control layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic content protection rules that can change based on the receiving device's capabilities and the specific content being transferred. The system evaluates device characteristics, content type, and transfer context to dynamically adjust protection measures. This allows the system to be more permissive with trusted or capable devices while maintaining strict protection for vulnerable scenarios, balancing mobility and security adaptively.
2Reliability
If content transfer is restricted to maintain copyright protection, then content security is improved, but user mobility and device interoperability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of transfer requests against content protection rules before actual content transfer occurs. The content server assesses the receiving device's capabilities, the content's protection requirements, and the transfer context in advance. Licensing information and protection rules are validated beforehand, and only pre-approved transfers are permitted. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while enabling legitimate transfers to proceed smoothly without interruption.
3Ease of operation
If content is made available on multiple devices, then user accessibility is improved, but control over content usage and distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the content server continuously monitors content usage across multiple devices. When content is transferred to a receiving device, the server receives usage information and feedback about the content's status. This feedback loop allows the server to track where content is located, how it is being used, and whether protection rules are being violated. Based on this feedback, the server can dynamically adjust licensing information and control access, maintaining usage control even as content is distributed across multiple devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for transferring data and content between devices while maintaining protection of the content. In one embodiment, one or more content protection rules are associated with the content. These rules include for example subscriber-specific, device-specific and/or content-specific rules on use, copying, or distribution. Content may be provided from a first device to second devices compliant with the rules. In one variant, a mobile version of the content is generated and provides to the requesting device. The original version of content is rendered unusable when the mobile version of the content is provided to the second device, and may only be useable again when the content is removed or otherwise disabled on the second device.