DRM License Manager Binding Application Data via Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital rights management (DRM) technologies require personalized encryption for each device, making it impractical for certain content types, such as free content, and lack effective mechanisms to tie software application functionality to licenses, allowing for easy unauthorized use and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A DRM license manager system that binds essential application data to a software license through encryption, ensuring decryption only occurs if license conditions are met, using a license checker to verify the presence and validity of the license during runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personalized encryption is used for each device, then security is improved, but device complexity and content distribution difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the DRM system into two parts: a network-independent application package that can be freely distributed, and a separate license file containing the encryption key that provides security. This segmentation allows the application to be distributed without personalization while maintaining security through the separate license mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a license file as an intermediary between the application and the security system. The license file contains the encryption key and usage rights information, acting as a mediator that provides security without requiring the application itself to be personalized for each device.
2Ease of operation
If simple license checks are performed, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of protection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the license verification with the application execution process by embedding the encryption key check within the application code itself. The application automatically verifies the license and decrypts necessary data during runtime, combining simplicity of operation with reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary encryption of essential application data using the license key before distribution. During runtime, the application automatically decrypts this data if the license is present, performing the security check in advance and maintaining reliable protection without complicating user operation.
3Reliability
If license binding to application functionality is implemented, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding the license verification and decryption logic directly within the application code. The application automatically checks for the license file and decrypts essential data during execution without requiring external DRM infrastructure, achieving reliable protection with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device, and system including a digital rights management (DRM) license manager to protect software applications from unauthorized use. The DRM license manager system binds essential application data to a software license. This binding is achieved by adding an encryption key to a software license and encrypting the application data with that key. The essential application data is any kind of data which is required for proper operation of the program, such as media files, game levels or state tables. The DRM license manager system performs a check and decrypt operation of the essential application data during program run time. It requires that the license is available on the system. It also ensures that the decryption operation can only take place if the conditions defined in the license are met.