DRM Policy Updates via HTTP and RTSP Protocol Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems lack the ability to update policies for protected content dynamically, restricting users from changing rights and restrictions midstream or transferring content between devices, and often apply a single set of policies to an entire file.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protocol that allows for policy updates through extensions to protocols like HTTP and RTSP, utilizing root and leaf licenses to securely deliver and update DRM policies, enabling flexible rights management and content key updates during streaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DRM policies are bound to the entire file with a single set of rights and restrictions, then content protection is simplified and enforced consistently, but the system lacks flexibility to update policies midstream or transfer content between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DRM policy structure by introducing segment-level policies that can be independently updated and applied to specific portions of content, rather than requiring updates to the entire file. This allows selective policy updates midstream without affecting the whole content file.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static file-level policies to dynamic segment-level policies that can be modified during content playback. The architecture enables policies to be updated in real-time for specific content segments while maintaining protection for other segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DRM binds content to a specific machine or device, then content protection and license control are strengthened, but users cannot transfer content between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides content into protectable segments with individual licenses, allowing selective transfer of specific segments between devices while maintaining protection. Users can transfer particular content portions without compromising the security of the entire content library.
Solution Approach 2:
Different protection levels and transfer permissions are applied to different content segments based on their specific requirements. Each segment can have customized license terms allowing transfer to specific devices under controlled conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single set of policies applies to the entire content file, then policy management is simplified, but the system cannot apply different policies to different portions of the content
Solution Approach 1:
The content is divided into multiple protectable segments, each with its own policy set. This segmentation enables different policies to be applied to different portions of the same content file, such as allowing transfer for one segment while maintaining strict protection for another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal and spatial dimension to policy application by enabling policies to vary across different content segments and time periods. This multi-dimensional approach allows sophisticated policy management without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments permit policy updates, such as DRM policy updates, to be delivered and updated for a given piece of protected content. In at least some embodiments, various protocols can be extended to permit policy updates to be represented and carried by the protocol. In one embodiment, Hypertext Transport Protocol or HTTP is utilized to carry the policy updates. In another embodiment, Real Time Streaming Protocol or RTSP is used to carry policy updates.