Copy Count Key Management for Streaming Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copyright protection methods for digital content, such as DTCP-IP, are inadequate as they only allow single copying and lack efficient management of copy numbers, leading to usability limitations and potential illegal copying due to the inability to transmit copy allowable numbers directly to receivers.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that uses a common key for encryption and a Copy Count key to manage and transmit the number of permissible copies, allowing receivers to decrypt and copy content within specified limits while preventing unauthorized copying by using distinct keys for each receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current copyright protection methods (DTCP-IP) are used, then security against unauthorized copying is maintained, but usability is limited due to inability to allow multiple copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into two distinct keys: a common key for decryption and a Copy Count key for managing copy permissions. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide multiple copies (improving usability) while maintaining copyright protection through the separate Copy Count key (preserving reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality properties to different parts of the key management system. The common key provides universal decryption capability for all authorized receivers, while the Copy Count key provides localized, receiver-specific copy control. This local quality differentiation enables flexible copy management while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If copy number management is simplified for usability, then ease of operation improves, but security against illegal copying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Copy Count key tracks and reports the number of copies made to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables automatic enforcement of copy limits, simplifying copy management for users while maintaining security through automated monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The Copy Count key acts as an intermediary between the common key system and the copy control mechanism. It mediates between the need for simple copy management (usability) and the need for strict copy limits (security), translating user-friendly copy operations into secure, tracked actions.
3Reliability
If distinct keys are used for each receiver, then security against unauthorized copying improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common key serves multiple functions: it enables decryption for all authorized receivers and establishes the base security level. This universality reduces complexity by eliminating the need for completely separate key pairs for each receiver, while the Copy Count key adds the necessary security layer for copy control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the decryption function and the copy control function into a unified key management system using two keys. This combining approach is simpler than implementing entirely separate systems for decryption and copy control, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.
4Ease of operation
If copy information is transmitted directly to receivers, then ease of operation improves, but information security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing the Copy Count key and copy permissions before any content transmission occurs. This pre-configuration ensures that copy information is securely established in advance, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities during transmission and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Copy Count key functions as a disposable, single-use element for each copy operation. Once a copy is made and the count is decremented, the specific copy permission is effectively disposed of, reducing long-term security risks while enabling easy operation for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus has a request determining part determining a request type for streaming contents from a communicating apparatus, a copy number managing part managing the number of copies permissible for the communicating apparatus, a stream number managing part managing the number of streams now in communication, a key-selection processing part selecting a first key corresponding to transfer of streaming contents permissible for one or more of copies or a second key corresponding to transfer of streaming contents for copies with generation management restriction or not permissible for copies, an encryption processing part generating encrypted streaming contents using the first or the second key, and a packet processing part generating a packet that includes the encrypted streaming contents and key information selected by the key-selection processing part and to include information on the number of copies to the packet when the first key is selected.