Hardware DRM Device Time Managed Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital rights management technologies fail to provide offline, time-based access control to digital content stored on portable devices, lacking the ability to restrict access to storage devices, volumes, folders, or files without network involvement, which is inadequate for scenarios requiring limited-time access, such as rented content or exams.
Innovation Solution
A system that manages read and write access to a data storage device by determining requests and granting access for a predetermined period, enforced by components residing on the device, allowing or blocking access and terminating it after the designated time, using a hardware-based content access blocking component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional DRM software is used to limit access to protected files, then access control to files is provided, but offline time-based control of access to the storage device itself is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
A hardware-based DRM device is introduced as an intermediary between the storage device and the user, mediating access control operations. This hardware component enables offline time-based access control by maintaining local authorization data and enforcing time limits without requiring continuous network connectivity or host OS involvement.
2Ease of operation
If content is downloaded onto portable storage devices for offline access, then convenience of offline access is improved, but control over limited-time access is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware-based DRM device performs self-service by maintaining local authorization data and automatically enforcing time-based access control without requiring external verification. The device independently tracks access duration and terminates access when time limits are reached, ensuring reliable enforcement while enabling offline convenience.
3Device complexity
If end users voluntarily return content to maintain access control, then simplicity of current system is maintained, but reliability of access termination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A hardware-based DRM device is introduced as an intermediary that automatically manages access termination based on time limits stored in its authorization data. This eliminates reliance on user voluntary action while maintaining system simplicity, as the hardware component handles termination automatically when authorization conditions are no longer met.
4Extent of automation
If network involvement is required for DRM enforcement, then centralized control is achieved, but offline access control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The DRM system is segmented into independent functional components, with authorization data stored locally in the hardware-based DRM device. This segmentation allows the device to enforce access control policies offline using locally stored time-based authorization information, while still maintaining centralized control capabilities when connected to a network.
Data Source
AI summary
Time managed read and write access to a data storage device. As a part of time managed read and write access to a data storage device, a request for read and/or write access to the data storage device is accessed and it is determined whether the request for read and/or write access to the data storage device is to be granted. Based on the determination, read and/or write access to the data storage device is either allowed or blocked. If read and/or write access is allowed, read and/or write access is terminated after passage of a predetermined period of time.