Partial Encryption of Program Data and Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing copy protection systems for pay-per-view systems face challenges in preventing unauthorized copying and theft of digital content due to vulnerabilities in data transmission systems, which result in substantial revenue losses for content providers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the encryption of data and encryption keys using a combination of single wrap and triple wrap encryption processes, where program keys are dynamically generated and encrypted, and non-encrypted PSI data is transmitted to assist the receiver in decrypting the encrypted program, ensuring secure content protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is applied to protect digital content, then security against unauthorized copying is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple encryption processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption process into distinct components: program-specific encryption for content protection and PSI data encryption for metadata protection. Each segment uses appropriate encryption strength, avoiding unnecessary complexity in areas where it isn't needed while maintaining security where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different encryption approaches are applied to different parts of the data stream based on their security requirements. Program content receives strong encryption with dynamic keys, while PSI data receives encryption with static keys, optimizing the balance between security and complexity for each local requirement.
2Reliability
If strong encryption is used to prevent theft of content, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to key management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts key management complexity from the content decryption process by separating program keys from PSI data. Receivers only need to decrypt PSI data using static keys to obtain program keys, which are then used for content decryption. This extraction simplifies the operational burden on receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
PSI data acts as an intermediary that carries program keys from the transmitter to the receiver. Instead of requiring direct key distribution or complex authentication, the PSI data structure serves as a mediator that automatically delivers the necessary decryption information to authorized receivers.
3Reliability
If all data including PSI is encrypted to maximize security, then security is improved, but loss of information increases because receivers cannot locate encrypted programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial encryption by encrypting only the portions of PSI data that contain sensitive program key information, while leaving other PSI data unencrypted. This selective approach provides sufficient security for critical information while maintaining readability and locatability of program data in the transport stream.
Data Source
AI summary
At a transmitter, a program is encrypting according to a one program key, the program key is encrypted, and the encrypted program, the encrypted program key, and non-encrypted PSI data to a receiver are transmitted. At a receiver, the encrypted program, the encrypted program key, and the non-encrypted PSI data are received, the encrypted program key is decrypted, the encrypted program is located according to the non-encrypted PSI data, and the located encrypted program is decrypted according to decrypted program key.