Unified DRM Header for Segmented Media Rights

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital rights management systems require multiple licenses and keys for different versions of segmented media content, leading to complexity in rendering and managing permissions across various devices with varying capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A segmented media content rights management system that generates a media content file with a file header object containing DRM-associated features, allowing seamless rendering of protected media content across devices by sequencing and replacing segments to ensure uniform DRM licensing, eliminating the need for multiple DRM keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple DRM licenses and keys are used for different versions of segmented media content, then security and protection from unauthorized sharing is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of managing permissions worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple DRM licenses and keys into a single unified license structure. Instead of managing separate licenses for each media content version, the system merges them into one comprehensive license that covers all versions, thereby maintaining security while reducing the complexity of license management across devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal DRM license that serves multiple functions across different media content versions. This single license structure can provision rights for multiple versions of segmented media content simultaneously, eliminating the need for device-specific license management and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protective security measures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple DRM licenses are used for different versions of media content, then protection from unauthorized distribution is improved, but ease of operation and rendering process worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple version-specific DRM licenses into a single unified license that provides protection across all media content versions. This consolidation maintains robust protection against unauthorized distribution while significantly simplifying the operational process by eliminating the need to manage and switch between multiple licenses during rendering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If version-specific DRM licensing is implemented, then security against unauthorized copying is improved, but adaptability across devices with varying capabilities worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal DRM license structure that can adapt to multiple device capabilities while maintaining consistent security. This single license type can provision rights for different versions of segmented media content based on device capabilities, eliminating the need for version-specific license customization and thereby improving cross-device adaptability while preserving security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3561704B1Segmented media content rights management
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3561704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Segmented media content rights management is described. In embodiment(s), a media device can receive segments of protected media content from media content streams that each include a different version of the protected media content. A media content file can be generated to include the segments of the protected media content that are sequenced to render the protected media content for viewing. A file header object can be instantiated in a file header of the media content file, where the file header object includes DRM-associated features, such as one or more DRM licenses, properties, and/or attributes that correspond to the media content file to provision all of the segments of the protected media content together.