Local Web Server DRM Decoding for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Terminal apparatuses with operating systems like iOS and Android face difficulties in decoding DRM media content due to the inability to modify or add functions to built-in media device players, limiting the flexibility and compatibility of DRM decoding modules.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus with a local web server module that converts local file paths of DRM media content data into URL paths for web servers, allowing for decoding and playback using a native unit and media device player, while managing licenses and security to ensure authorized reproduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an exclusive DRM decoding module is directly built in the terminal apparatus, then DRM security is improved, but adaptability and ease of modification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDRM securityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local web server as an intermediary component between the DRM content and the media player. The web server receives DRM content via URL paths, converts them to local file paths, and manages the decoding process. This intermediary approach maintains security through URL path obfuscation while enabling adaptability through the modular web server architecture that can be modified independently of the operating system's built-in player.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If source code of built-in media device player is modified to add DRM function, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the DRM decoding functionality into a separate local web server module that operates independently from the built-in media player. Instead of modifying the player's source code, the web server handles DRM content delivery through URL path conversion and local file path generation. This segmentation preserves the original player's ease of operation while adding DRM functionality through a separate, manageable component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If exclusive DRM decoding module is built in operating system, then DRM protection is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of adding functions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDRM protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The local web server is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a DRM decoding interface and a content delivery mechanism. It handles URL path reception, conversion to local file paths, and coordination with the media player, thereby consolidating multiple functions into a single module. This reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function while maintaining strong DRM protection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2728825B1Terminal apparatus with DRM decoding function and DRM decoding method in terminal apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 INKA ENTWORKS INC
  • EP2728825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2728825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2728825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a terminal apparatus with a DRM decoding function and a DRM decoding method in a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus with a DRM decoding function comprises a native unit which is provided with a local file memory for storing DRM media content data and an application program for driving a media device player using an operating system; and a DRM decoding unit which reads the DRM media content data from the local file memory using a URL path for web server, when it is required from the application program to reproduce the DRM media content data, and decodes the read DRM media content data, and provides the decoded DRM media content data to the media device player. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the DRM media content data in the terminal apparatus without the exclusive DRM decoding module.