Self-Decaying Digital Media Files for DRM Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital rights management systems face challenges in protecting audiovisual content from illicit copying, as they often require internet connectivity for access and can be compromised once access is granted, limiting their usefulness and forcing content providers to choose between unprotected files usable on any device or protected files limited to a few devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for self-decaying digital media files using embedded decay information, such as time stamps and decay rates, that decrypts the content to a decayed state over time or with usage, rendering illicit copies futile by reducing their usefulness, while allowing validated playback with optional network key downloads for higher quality access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital media files are protected with DRM wrapping, then intellectual property rights are protected, but the files can be compromised once access is granted and require internet connectivity for access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding decay information directly into the digital media file during the encoding stage. This decay information includes timestamps and decay rates that are pre-configured to automatically degrade the content over time or after a certain number of plays, eliminating the need for ongoing internet connectivity or external monitoring systems to enforce security.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital media file performs self-service by containing its own decay mechanism through embedded decay information. The file automatically decays itself without requiring external DRM systems, servers, or internet connectivity. The decay process is self-contained within the file structure, allowing the content to protect itself while maintaining ease of access through local playback devices.
2Reliability
If digital media files are protected with DRM wrapping, then intellectual property rights are protected, but the files are limited to a few devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-embedding decay information directly into the digital media file during encoding. This allows the file to be distributed widely across multiple devices without requiring device-specific DRM configurations or internet connectivity. The decay mechanism is built into the file itself, enabling universal playback while maintaining security through automatic degradation of illicit copies.
3Reliability
If decay information is embedded with encrypted information, then illicit copying is prevented, but the file structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the digital media file into distinct components: the encrypted payload and the decay information. The decay information is separated as metadata or side data that works in conjunction with the encrypted content but maintains a clear structural distinction. This segmentation allows the decay mechanism to function independently without complicating the overall file structure, as the decay parameters are stored as separate, manageable data elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Information, such as audio visual information, is secured by self-decay of the information over time. For instance, a date stamp and decay rate embedded in an encrypted audio or visual digital media file can be applied to decrypt the file to a predetermined decayed state, such as a degraded playback quality. One or more keys can be included with the information to allow undecayed decryption but expire after use or a predetermined time period. In one embodiment, the decayed state can comprise gaps formed at intervals in the information, the gaps having increased length for decreased quality. In an alternative embodiment, the decayed state can be a reduced sample rate for a compressed digital media file.