Secure Content Distribution via Key-Based Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital rights management (DRM) systems are limited in their ability to securely distribute and license content across various platforms and devices, often requiring usernames and passwords, which can be forgotten or compromised, and are primarily designed for audio and video content, restricting the types of content that can be distributed and the audience reach.
Innovation Solution
A method for secure content publishing and licensing that uses encryption with media and private keys, allowing content to be securely distributed to devices without relying on usernames and passwords, enabling offline access and conditional access across multiple content renderers, and aggregating analytics for fraud detection and content piracy reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DRM systems use usernames and passwords for content access control, then user authentication is implemented, but security is compromised because credentials can be forgotten, shared, or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical authentication system (usernames and passwords) with a cryptographic key-based system. Each user device generates and stores private keys locally, eliminating the need for credential management while maintaining security. The system uses public-key infrastructure where private keys never leave the device, solving both security and ease of operation concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication by allowing user devices to autonomously generate and manage their own private keys without requiring centralized credential distribution or user memory. The cryptographic system automatically handles authentication through key pairs, eliminating password-related issues entirely.
2Reliability
If DRM systems are designed for specific content formats and platforms, then content protection is effective for those formats, but the system lacks versatility for distributing different types of content across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DRM system where a single cryptographic framework protects multiple content types (audio, video, documents, etc.) across diverse platforms and devices. The system uses format-agnostic encryption where content is protected by media keys that can be applied to any file type, and user devices can authenticate and access content regardless of the specific platform or content format through the unified key-based authentication mechanism.
3Reliability
If content is encrypted with strong encryption, then security is improved, but key distribution and management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into distinct components: user devices generate and securely store private keys locally, while the server manages public keys and media keys separately. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex key management system, as each component handles only its specific key type, simplifying overall key distribution and management while maintaining strong encryption security.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method for secure publication of content is described. The method may include encrypting content with a media key. The method may also include providing the encrypted content to a client device associated with a private key and a public key. The private key may be stored at the client device. The method may also include encrypting the media key with the public key. The method may also include providing the encrypted media key to the client device.