Data Use History Tracking for Copyright Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data protection systems struggle to effectively differentiate between personal and non-personal use of data, leading to inconvenience for users with multiple devices and inadequate copyright protection.

Innovation Solution

A data using apparatus that generates and manages data use history information to track usage across devices, allowing for the identification of overlapping usage and enabling selective management of data access based on attribute information, thereby limiting simultaneous use and enhancing copyright protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is encrypted and restricted to specified reproducing apparatuses, then copyright protection is improved, but user convenience deteriorates for users with multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic copy management where the copy control state can change based on accumulated copy counts. The system transitions between different authorization states (authorized, suspended, terminated) based on usage history, allowing flexible adaptation to personal use patterns while maintaining copyright protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reproducing apparatus autonomously manages copy permissions using internally stored copy control information and usage history. The system automatically determines whether copying is permitted based on accumulated copy counts and usage patterns, eliminating the need for continuous external authorization and enabling multi-device access for personal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If copy protection technologies are implemented, then copyright protection is improved, but they are not always in harmony with the range of personal use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoidpersonal use flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts copy management based on accumulated usage history and copy counts. Rather than static restrictions, the copy control state evolves with usage patterns, allowing personal use scenarios to develop naturally while maintaining protection boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of copy control from binary (authorized/not authorized) to multi-state (authorized, suspended, terminated) based on copy count thresholds. This allows the system to adapt to different usage intensities and patterns, accommodating personal use while preventing commercial exploitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If data is erased from recording apparatus after copying, then copyright protection is improved, but user convenience deteriorates for users with multiple reproducing apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reproducing apparatus autonomously manages data retention and copy permissions based on internal copy control information. The system automatically determines whether to retain copies or require re-copying based on accumulated usage history, eliminating the need for manual data management and enabling seamless multi-device access within personal use limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The data retention policy is dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts whether copies are retained or must be re-generated based on usage patterns and copy count accumulation, providing flexibility for personal use across multiple devices while maintaining copyright protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the number of registered member devices is limited, then copyright protection is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for personal use scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopyright protectionVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines device authorization based on accumulated copy counts and usage history rather than static registration limits. The copy control state adapts to the number and type of devices used, allowing personal use across multiple devices while preventing unauthorized commercial distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authorization parameter from fixed device registration counts to dynamic copy count thresholds. This allows the system to accommodate varying numbers of devices based on actual usage patterns, providing adaptability for personal use scenarios while maintaining copyright protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8307446B2Data using apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.11.06 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • US8307446B2 patent drawing
  • US8307446B2 patent drawing
  • US8307446B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a data using apparatus, first data use history information is generated in accordance with every use of data. The first data use history information represents a starting time and an ending time of every use of data. The first data use history information is sent toward an external apparatus. Second data use history information is received from the external apparatus. Calculation is made as to first data use terms between the starting times and the ending times represented by the first data use history information. Calculation is made as to second data use terms between starting times and ending times represented by the second data use history information. Multiple apparatus use notice information is generated when at least one of the calculated first data use terms and at least one of the calculated second data use terms overlap each other.