Distributed Database Digital Rights Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in scaling user account management and access control for digital content, particularly in managing multiple versions and copies of content assets, which complicates access control and storage, often requiring reliance on third-party rights managers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed database, such as a blockchain, to store and manage encryption keys for encrypted content assets, allowing rights holders to control access by distributing identifiers associated with transactions, enabling secure and scalable access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple copies or versions of content assets are stored for user access, then user access control and content availability are improved, but storage space consumption and access control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where a single original content asset is encrypted with multiple different encryption keys, creating multiple encrypted versions that can be distributed to different users. Each user receives a copy encrypted with their specific key, allowing wide distribution without replicating the original unencrypted content, thus saving storage space while maintaining access control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The content asset is segmented into multiple encrypted versions, each protected by a different encryption key. Instead of storing one master copy that all users access, the system creates segmented encrypted copies tailored to specific users or user groups, reducing the need to store multiple full versions of the original content while maintaining granular access control
2Ease of operation
If a third-party rights manager is used to manage user accounts and access control, then access management functionality is provided, but system complexity and dependency on external systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential access control functionality from complex third-party rights management systems by implementing a simplified cryptographic approach. Instead of relying on external systems to manage user accounts and permissions, the system uses encryption keys and digital signatures that can be independently verified, removing the dependency on third-party infrastructure while maintaining secure access management
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access control where users can independently verify their access rights through cryptographic verification. The rights holder can distribute encrypted content and verification mechanisms that allow users to autonomously determine whether they have permission to access specific content, eliminating the need for continuous interaction with third-party rights management systems
3Productivity
If user accounts are granted permissions to access content on a central server, then content distribution is enabled, but scalability across multiple users becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal encryption framework where a single encryption key management system can serve multiple users and multiple content assets simultaneously. The cryptographic infrastructure is designed to handle any number of users and content items through standardized key generation and distribution processes, allowing the system to scale from small to large deployments without requiring fundamental architectural changes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for managing digital rights. A transaction may be generated and may comprise an identifier and a decryption key. The decryption key may be configured to decrypt at least a portion of an encrypted content asset accessible by one or more user devices. The transaction may be caused to be stored in a distributed database.