DRM Time Control Module for Content Channel Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadcast content protection systems lack the ability to manage play-out times of stored content, especially when content is downloaded in advance or distributed via physical carriers, as they do not utilize DRM agents aware of absolute time, leading to limitations in controlling access and scheduling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where encrypted content information is provided with disjoint time windows for generic entitlement control data and specific entitlement management data, allowing the service provider to efficiently manage play-out times and communication bandwidth by broadcasting or streaming fast-changing keys at scheduled times, enabling decryption and rendering of content information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content information is distributed via broadcast channels during off-peak hours and stored locally, then the amount of channels available to end-users is increased, but control over play-out time becomes difficult without DRM systems aware of absolute time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by distributing and storing encrypted content information in advance during off-peak hours, before the actual play-out time. The content is prepared and made available locally at end-user devices beforehand, enabling on-demand playback during peak hours without requiring real-time broadcast resources. This resolves the contradiction by separating the content distribution phase from the play-out phase, allowing channel multiplication while maintaining time control through pre-configured playback schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a time control module that acts as a mediator between the stored content and the playback system. This module uses absolute time information to control when decrypted content should be played back, ensuring that pre-distributed content is delivered at the correct times without requiring continuous DRM verification. The intermediary time control mechanism resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while enabling precise play-out control.
2Measurement precision
If DRM systems with absolute time awareness are implemented to control play-out time, then time control precision is improved, but device complexity and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time control functionality from the complex DRM system and implements it as a separate, dedicated time control module. This module independently handles absolute time verification and playback scheduling without requiring the full DRM infrastructure to be constantly active. By separating the time control function, the system achieves precise time control while reducing overall device complexity and DRM system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The time control module operates autonomously using locally stored absolute time information to determine when content should be played back. It self-manages the playback scheduling without requiring continuous external verification or complex DRM negotiations, thereby achieving precise time control with minimal system overhead and reduced device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If decryption keys are provided simultaneously with encrypted content, then ease of operation is improved, but control over content access timing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery process into two distinct phases: content distribution and key provision. Encrypted content is distributed and stored first during off-peak hours, while decryption keys are provided separately at the appropriate time through the time control module. This segmentation maintains ease of operation by ensuring keys are available when needed, while simultaneously preserving play-out time control by releasing keys only at authorized times, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and time control.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention mostly uses conventional procedures with regard to enabling specific end-user to decrypt encrypted content information, but supplies the decryption keys, which are identical for all end-users, only after the end-user has received the encrypted content information and after the end-user has received the subscription information comprised in the specific entitlement management data that specifies the individual rights to access the content information. This approach provides additional control over the conditions under which the content information is played-out by the end-user, and enables to temporally better manage the communication bandwidth available to the service provider.