Cross-DRM Access via License Metadata Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Incompatibilities between different digital rights management (DRM) systems hinder users from accessing digital media on multiple devices, as each system restricts content to the device on which it was downloaded, limiting flexibility and access control.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable access to digital content by receiving and verifying license metadata from one DRM system, using an authorization module to derive access data, and enabling access across different DRM systems, allowing varying levels of access based on credentials such as user, device, or domain identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-based DRM system restricts content to specific device, then content security is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces license metadata as an intermediary that bridges different DRM systems. The authorization module verifies license metadata from one DRM system and derives access data that works with another DRM system, enabling cross-system compatibility while maintaining security through verified credentials
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization module performs multiple functions: verifying license metadata from different DRM systems, deriving access data, and enabling content access across various devices and systems. This multi-functional approach allows a single module to handle diverse DRM protocols and device types
2Measurement precision
If identity-based DRM system requires username and password, then access control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of license metadata and credentials before content access is requested. By pre-validating user identity and device credentials through the authorization module, the system prepares access permissions in advance, reducing operational friction during actual content access
3Ease of operation
If domain-based DRM system allows access within domain, then ease of operation is improved, but access control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different verification strictness levels to different access scenarios. Within a trusted domain, the system uses more lenient verification for ease of access, while maintaining stricter credential verification at domain boundaries or for sensitive operations, achieving both ease of operation and precise control where needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DRM systems are implemented for different devices, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DRM verification functions into a single authorization module that handles license metadata from different DRM systems. By combining verification logic for identity-based, device-based, and domain-based DRM into one module, the system achieves multi-device compatibility without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for allowing access to digitally protected content are disclosed. License metadata and credentials from multiple types of digital rights management systems may be used to grant access to content protected by a different type of digital rights management system. Hierarchical levels of access to the content may be granted based on at least one of license metadata and credentials.