DRMS Device Registration via Proximity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital content producers face challenges in controlling the distribution of protected digital content, as existing solutions either impose excessive restrictions on users or fail to prevent unauthorized use, limiting the flexibility for consumers to access their purchased content across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that registers network devices connected to a digital rights management system (DRMS) to ensure only authorized and proximate devices can access protected content, allowing a limited number of devices to play content simultaneously, with the option to register portable devices and enforce a cooling-off period for new registrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full digital rights management system is implemented to prevent unauthorized acquisition and distribution of protected digital content, then intellectual property protection is improved, but consumer flexibility and ease of use deteriorate due to excessive restrictions on legitimate use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different restriction levels for different use scenarios. Legitimate uses within the home ecosystem are permitted with minimal restrictions, while unauthorized distribution attempts are blocked. This allows the DRM system to be selective rather than uniformly restrictive, maintaining consumer flexibility for authorized uses while protecting intellectual property.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts access permissions based on the specific context of each request. Rather than imposing static restrictions, the DRM system evaluates each access attempt against the ecosystem rules and user authorization status, allowing legitimate accesses to proceed while blocking unauthorized ones. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting restrictions to actual usage patterns rather than applying blanket limitations.
2Reliability
If the total number of device transfers is limited to prevent unauthorized distribution, then intellectual property protection is improved, but consumer versatility deteriorates because consumers cannot use multiple types of devices for playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by allowing a single authorized license to work across multiple different types of devices within the home ecosystem. Rather than limiting consumers to one device type, the system permits playback on various devices (set-top boxes, personal computers, personal video recorders, etc.) as long as they are within the authorized home environment. This resolves the contradiction by making the DRM system device-agnostic while maintaining distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the authorization model into two independent dimensions: the number of devices a consumer can own/licenses they can purchase, and the number of devices that can simultaneously access content. This segmentation allows consumers to own multiple devices and purchase licenses for each, while the system controls simultaneous access through location-based verification. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling ownership/ licensing from simultaneous access control.
3Ease of operation
If consumers are allowed to download digital content to local PCs and distribute it freely, then consumer convenience is improved, but unauthorized distribution risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the home ecosystem as an intermediary layer between the content and the devices. Rather than allowing direct peer-to-peer distribution, all content access must route through the ecosystem's verification mechanism that checks device location and authorization status. This intermediary controls content flow, allowing convenient access for authorized devices while preventing unauthorized distribution, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring device location and authorization status in real-time. When a device attempts to access content, the system verifies its location within the home ecosystem and its authorization status before permitting access. This feedback mechanism dynamically controls content distribution, allowing convenient access for legitimate uses while automatically blocking unauthorized distribution attempts, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factor prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of registering network devices in a digital rights management system (DRMS) includes receiving a digital certificate transmitted by the network device requesting registration and verifying the validity of the certificate. The DRMS may then send cryptographic information to the applying network device. The network device may be authorized for registration via a user interface to the DRMS. The DRMS may conduct a proximity test to determine of the network device is proximate to the DRMS. If the certificate is validated, authorization is received, and the proximity test indicates that the network device is proximate to the DRMS, the network device may be registered. A registered network device is then authorized to play protected digital content.