Optical Disc Content Reproduction and Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copy-protection systems, such as the Content Scrambling System (CSS), require licensed players to decrypt encrypted content on DVDs, limiting access for devices without a CSS decryption module and offering inadequate protection against digital copying.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method provide a way for reading apparatus without a CSS decryption module to access encrypted content by reproducing and encrypting content data using a different encryption scheme, storing it in a hidden area or remotely, allowing access through an access module or network, thereby enabling playback and protection against unauthorized copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CSS encryption is used to protect DVD content, then copy protection is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates because reading apparatus without CSS decryption modules cannot access the content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an unencrypted copy of the content data that can be accessed by reading apparatus without CSS decryption modules. The system stores both the encrypted original content and an unencrypted copy, allowing incompatible devices to access the unencrypted version while licensed devices continue to use the encrypted version
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the content data into two versions: encrypted content data accessible only by licensed players and unencrypted content data accessible by all reading apparatus. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing different access paths for different device types
2Reliability
If CSS decryption modules are required to access encrypted content, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because licensed players must exchange keys and perform decryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decryption requirement from the content access process by providing unencrypted content data alongside the encrypted version. Users can access content without going through the key exchange and decryption process, eliminating operational complexity while maintaining security options
3Reliability
If encrypted content data is stored on the recording medium, then copy protection is improved, but loss of information deteriorates because unlicensed players cannot retrieve usable content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and stores an unencrypted copy of the content data on the recording medium in addition to the encrypted original. This unencrypted copy ensures that content information remains accessible to unlicensed players and reading apparatus without CSS decryption modules, preventing information loss while maintaining the encrypted version for protected distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method are described to enable reading apparatus to access content data of an optical disc such as a DVD where the content data carried by the DVD is encrypted by an encryption technique that requires a decryption key or keys. Reproduced content data corresponding to the encrypted content data is provided and this reproduced content data, at least some of which may be encrypted using a different technique, is made available for access by a reading apparatus. The reproduced content data may be stored on the same optical disc as the encrypted content data or at a different location, for example on a storage medium which may be coupled to the reading apparatus or at a location on a network that can be accessed by the reading apparatus.