Dynamic Authorization Tokens for Digital Content Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are inadequate in preventing unauthorized copying and transformation of digital content, despite legal deterrents like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, as individuals continue to distribute content without authorization using peer-to-peer networks and other means.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides dynamic authorization for accessing content stored in computer readable media, using a database with master and second authorization tokens stored in a server and wireless memory device, respectively, to determine access based on correlations between these tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional static authorization methods are used, then implementation is simple, but protection against unauthorized copying and transformation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authorization by generating different authorization tokens at different times. The authorization token changes based on temporal factors, transforming a static authorization system into a dynamic one. This resolves the contradiction by providing stronger protection (improved reliability) through time-varying tokens while maintaining manageable system complexity through systematic token generation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing authorization rules and token generation mechanisms before content distribution. The authorization framework is set up in advance with defined protocols for token creation and validation, enabling reliable protection without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems.
2Reliability
If multiple authorization tokens are used across different media, then access control is strengthened, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authorization system into distinct components: first authorization tokens stored on content carriers (CDs, DVDs, etc.), second authorization tokens stored on client devices, and a centralized server that coordinates verification. This segmentation strengthens access control by distributing security functions across multiple media while managing complexity through clear separation of responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the content carrier and the client device. It receives authorization requests, verifies the correlation between first and second tokens, and makes the final access decision. This intermediary approach strengthens security by centralizing verification logic while simplifying the client-side implementation.
3Reliability
If dynamic token correlation verification is implemented, then unauthorized distribution is reduced, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cryptographic hashing to create compact representations of authorization tokens. Instead of verifying entire token datasets, the server verifies hash values that are computationally derived from the original tokens. This copying approach maintains strong protection against unauthorized distribution while significantly reducing processing requirements through efficient hash comparison.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A content player receives a content carrier, which includes a first computer readable medium and a second computer readable medium, and determines whether a valid license exists for accessing content or a segment of content carried in the first computer readable medium. The first computer readable medium includes a first authorization token, and the second computer readable medium includes a second authorization token. The first and second authorization tokens or some portions thereof are associated with each other and are associated with the segment of content. The content player uses at least the first and second authorization tokens in determining whether to grant access to the segment of content.