Protected Data Path Validation for DRM Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital rights management (DRM) schemes are susceptible to being broken, allowing unauthorized access and copying of copyrighted media content, as they rely on software implementations that can be circumvented.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a protected data path within computing platforms that isolates copyrighted content from application programs and operating systems, using a media processor with dedicated circuitry to process and render media without exposing encrypted data to system interconnects, and employing validation processes to ensure the integrity of this protected path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software-based DRM schemes are used, then media content can be accessed and processed by application programs, but the DRM schemes are susceptible to being broken and circumvented
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the media processing architecture into distinct protected and unprotected zones. A dedicated media processor handles encrypted media content in an isolated environment, while the main CPU and application programs operate in an unprotected environment. This segmentation prevents application programs from accessing encrypted media data, thereby maintaining DRM security while enabling media playback functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The media processor acts as an intermediary between the storage device and the system bus. It receives encrypted media data, processes it in an isolated environment, and outputs only decrypted audio/video signals to display and audio devices. This intermediary prevents direct access to encrypted data by the main system, securing DRM content while enabling media playback.
2Productivity
If encrypted media data is exposed to system interconnects and processors, then media processing can be performed, but unauthorized access and copying become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a segmented architecture where encrypted media data remains isolated in a protected zone handled by the media processor. The main CPU and system interconnects are separated from encrypted data paths. This segmentation enables media processing functionality while preventing unauthorized access to copyrighted content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the encrypted media processing functionality from the main system into a separate media processor. This extracted component handles all operations on encrypted data in isolation, removing the security vulnerability of exposing encrypted data to the general system interconnects while maintaining full media processing capability.
3Reliability
If a protected data path is implemented, then copyrighted content is isolated from application programs, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the media processing functions and DRM protection mechanisms into a single integrated media processor. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex protection layers and interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining content protection integrity. The media processor handles both media playback and security functions in one unified component.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for validating protected data paths for digital rights management of digital objects are disclosed. Some embodiments disclosed herein may comprise processes or apparatus for transferring data from one or more peripherals to one or more computers or digital data processing systems for the latter to process, store, and/or further transfer and/or for transferring data from the computers or digital data processing systems to the peripherals. Some embodiments disclosed herein may comprise processes or apparatus for interconnecting or communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium within a single computer or digital data processing system.