Dynamic Rights Expression Controller for Digital Content Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Digital Rights Management systems fail to effectively control usage rights based on dynamic conditions, leading to challenges in preventing unauthorized copying and distribution of digital works, especially in open and untrusted computing environments like personal computers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow stakeholders to specify and control usage rights through a rights expression, which includes conditions for use, such as time-based or event-triggered permissions, enabling dynamic management of usage rights associated with digital content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-based solutions are used to prevent unauthorized copying, then document protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because legitimate rights cannot be exercised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rights management system comprising a rights holder, a rights user, and a controlling entity that acts as an intermediary between content owners and users. This mediator manages authorization dynamically, verifying rights and conditions before allowing access, thus preventing unauthorized copying while enabling legitimate use without hardware restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic rights management where authorization is not fixed but can be modified in real-time based on conditions. The controlling entity can grant, revoke, or modify rights dynamically, allowing flexible control over document usage while maintaining protection, eliminating the need for static hardware-based solutions
2Reliability
If secure containers or encrypted documents are used, then document protection during delivery is improved, but effectiveness deteriorates because clear documents can be obtained and redistributed in violation of rights
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization verification before document delivery. The controlling entity checks rights and conditions in advance, and only authorized users receive decryption keys or access permissions. This preliminary control prevents unauthorized redistribution by ensuring only properly authorized users can access the clear document
Solution Approach 2:
The rights management system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the controlling entity monitors document usage and can revoke authorization if violations are detected. This feedback loop maintains protection by dynamically responding to usage patterns and preventing unauthorized redistribution through active surveillance and control
3Reliability
If trusted systems with new hardware are introduced, then unauthorized use prevention is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to architectural alterations
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than altering system architecture with trusted hardware, the patent introduces a software-based intermediary (controlling entity) that operates within existing systems. This mediator manages rights verification and control without requiring changes to underlying hardware architecture, thus preventing unauthorized use while maintaining system simplicity and compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-based trusted system mechanisms with software-based rights management. Instead of requiring special hardware components or architectural changes, the system uses software agents and protocols to enforce rights, eliminating the need for complex hardware modifications while achieving similar protection goals
4Ease of operation
If open and untrusted systems like personal computers are used, then ease of operation is improved, but document protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a rights-managing intermediary that operates within open systems like personal computers. This mediator verifies user authorization and controls document access dynamically, providing protection within untrusted environments without requiring the system itself to be trusted or modified
Solution Approach 2:
The rights management system dynamically adapts to open environments by continuously verifying authorization and controlling access in real-time. Rather than relying on static trust relationships, the system dynamically grants or denies access based on current rights and conditions, enabling protection in open, untrusted systems while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a rights expression specifying a manner of use of an item, including specifying by a provider of an item a rights expression indicating a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a condition for use of the item by the recipient, the condition indicating that the use by the recipient of the item is subject to control; associating the rights expression with the item; and controlling the use by the recipient of the item based on the condition in the rights expression. In further exemplary embodiments, the use by the recipient of the item is subject to control by a stakeholder and/or a provider of the item and can be used to provide consumer protection based on parameters of use.