WO2007111917A2

WO2007111917A2 - Digital media distribution system

Info

Publication number: WO2007111917A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/007070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher R. Elbring
Original assignee: Veriplay Llc
Priority date: 2006-03-23
Filing date: 2007-03-22
Publication date: 2007-10-04
Also published as: WO2007111917A3; US20070239608A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the distribution of digital media. In particular, the present invention relates to portable devices that facilitate and control the distribution of digital media.

Description

Digital Media Distribution System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the distribution of digital media.

In particular, the present invention relates to portable devices and

systems that facilitate and control the distribution of digital media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Historically, distribution of digital media has relied on individual

components containing the media, a 3rd party media player and a

distribution device (e.g. DVD, CD, etc.) which combine to create a system

for playing the file. This method of media distribution has resulted in a

number of problems that distributors of content continually attempt to

address:

1. Piracy

2. Cost of distribution

3. Universality

4. Integration

[0003] Piracy (illegal copying of digital media) is the largest of these

problems. The reason for this is that digital media allows for the quick

and easy creation of copies that are identical in all aspects. to the

original. No widely adopted solution exists today to stop people with limited technical knowledge from making perfect copies of digital content

and selling it at a steep discount to the original. Cost of distribution is

also a major problem for deploying content as single use media per copy

costs are very high (i.e. the cost of the deployment media is almost the

same cost as the content on it) and security is typically low (generic, non-

secure 3rd party systems are used for playing the content). Universality

is also important to distributors as the media they use must be

compatible with a large universe of devices. Current single-use media is

not universal and requires specialized, expensive physical connections to

play the media content (such as a DVD player). Integration is also a key

component of a digital media deployment system. Current deployment

methods rely on 3rd party hardware and software to function. This

reliance creates security problems as the system is only as secure as the

weakest link. Further, these non-integrated systems require the digital

content to leave the media and effectively be copied to a 3rd party device,

computer or video system in order to be played. . Current digital media

distribution systems include such products as Apple iPod Video and

TIVO Software Player. While these products offer some advantages they do not address the above problems that continue to vex developers

of digital media distribution systems.

[0004] The use of USB-based memory devices is well known in the art.

U.S. Patent No. 6,986,030 discloses a portable memory device in which

the software on the portable memory device will automatically execute

after the host computing device recognizes the presence of the portable

device. The device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,986,030 does not

contain digital media for distribution; it merely contains information

relating to the configuration information for a program on a host

computing device. Further, the portable memory device disclosed in

U.S. Patent No. 6,986,030 lacks a means of tying the data on the memory

device, the media player, and the memory device together thereby

providing a secure means of distributing digital data. As such, the

device of U.S. Patent No. 6,986,030 fails to cure the problems associated

with current digital media distribution systems.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0114643 discloses a memory

device containing data processing applications which execute on a host

computer when the device and the computer are operationally connected. The device disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0114643 does

not contain digital media for distribution; it merely contains a data

processing application to be run on a host computing device. Moreover,

the device of U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0114643 is not suitable for

use in a digital media distribution system in accordance with the instant

invention. In particular, the portable memory device disclosed in U.S.

Patent Application No. 2005/0114643 lacks a means of tying the data on

the memory device, the media player, and the memory device together

thereby providing a secure means of distributing digital data. As such,

the device of U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0114643 fails to cure the

problems associated with current digital media distribution systems.

[0006] The current digital media distribution systems, including prior

USB-based memory devices, fail to address the needs of both distributors

and consumers of digital media. As such, there is a need for a digital

media distribution system that reduces piracy, reduces the cost of

distribution, is compatible with a large number of devices and is fully

integrated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One embodiment of the instant invention encompasses a system

that facilitates and controls the distribution of digital media.

[0008] Another embodiment of the instant invention encompasses a

Digital Rights Management System.

[0009] Another embodiment of the instant invention encompasses a

system which combines inputs from a media file, identifying information

from a USB-based device and/or other identifying information, and an

encryption key generator to create output on the USB-based device.

[0010] A further embodiment of the instant invention encompasses a

system to securely record media files to USB-based memory devices

using a Digital Rights Management System, a proprietary and/or linked

media player and a file encryption system.

[0011] Yet another embodiment of the invention encompasses a device

that contains an encrypted file that contains the media data, an

executable file that is a media player and a key file that inextricably ties

the media data, the media player and the USB device together. [0012] Another embodiment of the instant invention encompasses a

digital media distribution system comprising a digital rights

management system, identifying information from a USB, encryption key

generator information and inputs it into an application that outputs to a

USB-based device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 shows the general outline of the components of the

system.

[0014] Figure 2 is a description of the Digital Media Distribution

Manager (DMDM) application and its component pieces.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a closed system implementation of the DMDM

system.

[0016] Figure 4 shows closed system process flow.

[0017] Figure 5 shows open system implementation of the DMDM

system.

[0018] Figure 6 shows the process flow of an Open System

Implementation of the DMDM System. [0019] Figure 7 shows pre-processing of a USB flash device for open

system implementation or closed system implementation.

[0020] Figure 8 shows media player pre-processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A system that facilitates and controls the distribution of digital

media is described. For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the

principles of the present invention are described by referring to various

exemplary embodiments thereof. Although the preferred embodiments

of the invention are particularly disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in

the art will readily recognize that the same principles are equally

applicable to, and can be implemented with other systems and methods,

and that any such variation would be within such modifications that do

not part from the scope of the present invention. Before explaining the

disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be

understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the

details of any particular embodiment shown, since of course the

invention is capable of other embodiments. The terminology used herein

is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Further, although certain methods are described with reference to certain steps that are

presented herein in a certain order, in many instances, these steps may

be performed in any order as may be appreciated by one skilled in the

art, and the methods are not limited to the particular arrangement of

steps disclosed herein.

[0022] The present invention provides a Digital Rights Management

System to securely record media files to USB -based memory devices

using a proprietary or linked media player and a file encryption system.

The system is comprised of an application which combines inputs from a

media file, identifying information from the USB-based device and/or

other identifying information and an encryption key generator to create

output on the USB-based device. The output on the device contains an

encrypted file that contains the media data, an executable file that is a

media player and a key file that inextricably ties the media data, the

media player and the USB device together.

[0023] The invention provides a efficient and secure means of

distributing digital media. The instant invention allows for the secure

deployment of digital media by requiring digital media content only to play when combined with a unique/proprietary media player, a specific

I/O device and a decryption key. The components, when combined,

create a digital rights management system that inextricably ties media

content to reusable media. In summary, we have created a platform of

copy-proof media on a reusable media device.

[0024] The instant invention solves the problem of cost of distribution as

it utilizes reusable devices/media and does not rely on 3rd party software

for playing the content. The instant system links the reusable device,

the content, and the player together to create a system not currently

possible with other media. Further, the instant invention addresses the

issue of universality by leveraging the largest deployed base of I/O

connectivity, the Universal Serial Bus port shipped on 99% of computers

and digital devices today. USB ports are low cost and ubiquitous and

the system of the instant invention does not require the purchase of any

additional hardware or software to operate on a computer or video

system with the USB port enabled with standard USB functionality and

video capabilities. [0025] The system of the instant invention is fully-integrated so the

digital content never leaves the reusable I/O device when played and

remains secure. If any of the integrated components is removed, the

content is rendered unusable and, therefore, worthless. Beyond a

standard USB port and U3 standard functionality, the instant invention

does not rely on 3rd party hardware or software to operate. The instant

invention combines all of the components in an interdependent, self-

contained system making the distribution significantly more secure as

the individual parts will not operate if separated. Therefore, the system

allows for the secure distribution of media files on reusable devices.

[0026] The present invention is especially useful to those in the digital

media deployment business. This includes companies operating at

different stages of the deployment cycle, from those at the initial

deployment stage (such as a movie distribution company) to those

interfacing directly with the end-user (such as a retail sales outlet). The

target user is interested in protecting the deployment of digital media

content, lowering their cost of distribution, and making their content

universally playable. The current invention creates an integrated system to accomplish these goals by tying content to a specific USB

device that uses U3 compliant technology to play the video natively on

the flash drive and does copy/move the content to the host player (i.e. PC,

end device, etc.).

[0027J Initial deployment stage companies include companies that create

the content, such as Sony, Warner Brothers, etc., that will replace

current single-use distribution methods (CDs, DVDs) with the more

secure digital distribution system disclosed herein. End-user

deployment stage companies include companies that direct-sell to the

end-user and can leverage the new system for secure, low-cost

distribution. The companies typically deal with multiple disadvantages

inherent in their distribution methods such as:

Ease of copying and/or complexity of restricting the copying of digital media;

Size of devices used to deploy;

Cost of deployment and devices needed to play media;

Single use nature of devices;

Proprietary formats (i.e. formats not standardized); and

Obsolescence of product.

[0028] The system of the instant invention can eliminate existing

inventory needs and create new distribution opportunities at brick and mortar companies such as Blockbuster and Hollywood Video; kiosks such

as RedBox (McDonalds, MovieStation); and online content providers such

as Netflix and Mo vie time.

[0029] The instant invention offers advantages over the prior methods of

distributing digital media such as:

[0030] This system is more secure that prior methods because of the

required interdependence of the media file, media player and device to

generate distribution of the media.

[0031] This system is more portable (i.e. smaller physical size) than other

methods

[0032] This system is more universal than other systems as it leverages

industry standard hosts for processing, video and audio playback

[0033] This system is more efficient than others as it uses USB-based

devices for distribution and these devices are generally reusable.

[0034] The invention comprises a digital media distribution system

consisting of a digital rights management system that utilizes media

files, identifying information from a USB drive (such as a serial number), key generator information (i.e. random numbers, other criteria) and

inputs it into an application that outputs to a USB-based device. The

output from the application on the USB-based device is an encrypted file

that contains a data file (the media), an encryption key, and an

executable file (a media player) that must be played on the specific device

and also require the presence of the specific data file and the encryption

key. The data file is stored in a hidden/password protected area of the

drive, but may also in other instances require additional security

protection (i.e. password, internet connection to a key, etc.). Further,

the player is stored on a USB-based device with industry standard

software allowing the player to be run natively on the USB drive.

[0035] Referring now to the Drawings, Figure 1 provides a general

outline of the components of the system. The largest part of the system is

the Digital Media Distribution Application (DMDA"). This application

receives the inputs of a media file and some input criteria and outputs an

encrypted media file and a media player that is capable of playing the

encrypted media file. The encrypted media file and the player are tied

together and are reliant on the other to be playable. [0036] Figure 2 provides a description of the Digital Media Distribution

Manager application and its component pieces. First and foremost, the

inputs to the DMDM are a media file and input criteria from a USB

device. The media file can be any type of media that can be played by the

chosen media player within the DMDM. The input criteria will always

contain information that identifies the media that will hold the final

output (in our initial product design, this means that the serial number

of a USB device and other system information are used to help create the

key and so that the media player will function only on that specifically

identified device). Within DMDM, there is also a random number

generator that can be used to create additional parts of the string for the

key generation process. The Requestor Application is the controller that

requests media, input criteria and random numbers and delivers them, to

the encryption engine. The other input to the encryption engine/key

generator is the chosen media player. This media player will be

assembled with a key that ties the media player to the specific media file

and the destination media (in our case a specific and uniquely

identifiable USB flash drive). The outputs of the DMDM are the encrypted media file and the media player that can only play the specific

file.

[0037J Figure 3 represents a closed system implementation of the DMDM

system. By closed system, we mean that all the operations are

undertaken on a single processor of a single system. This type of

implementation would work for a brick and mortar rental system where

a customer brings a specific Attached I/O Device (in our case a USB

Flash Drive) and connects the drive to a system that includes the DMDM

Application and the media file library. Also on that system the internal

input criteria would come from something like the backplane, HDD serial

number, etc. The attached I/O Device would attach via a port across the

backplane. The input criteria from the Attached I/O Device would include

such things as Serial Number, Manufacturer ID, etc. The DMDA would

run and copy the Encrypted Media File and the Media Player with

Encryption Key to the Attached I/O device.

[0038] Figure 4 describes closed system process flow. Application starts

on the startup of system device. An I/O Device is attached. The Attached

I/O Device user requests media through the Media File Library Application of the DMDM. The DMDM starts up and looks at the

Attached I/O Device to validate it is a known device using the Validation

Application. If the device is not validated, we return to a start state. If

the device is validated, we allow the DMDM to request input criteria.

Input Criteria is requested from the device, system and possibly from the

Random Number generator. If the input criteria is not received, we

return to a start state. If the input criteria is correctly received, the

DMDM then requests media from the media library. The media is run

through the DMDM Encryption Engine and the Key Generating

Application and the Encrypted output is created with a related media

player. All output is then copied to the Attached I/O Device.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an open system implementation of the Digital

Media Distribution Manager System. By open system, we mean that

operations are undertaken with the use of both a single system and a

network. This drawing shows the client with an Attached I/O Device

attached on a network. In this instance, the client of the DMDM System

must have part of the Requestor Application of the DMDM System

installed on the end system. This can be accomplished by having the application resident on the I/O Device (described in Figure 7) or by

having the client perform an action to download or copy the application

from a remote media source (over the internet or other network). In this

implementation, an Attached I/O Device attaches to a client where the

DMDM Requestor Application is resident or where the Attached I/O

Device copies the Requestor Application to the Client. The Client then

interfaces with the DMDM over a network, the internet or some similar

configuration to request media. The DMDM Application is resident on a

system that is accessible through the network and creates an interface to

the Media File Library which may or may not be resident on that same

system as the DMDM Application. The Media File Library may be on a

different system accessible across the network or a system attached

directly to the system where the DMDM Application is installed or

directly resident on the same system as the DMDM Application.

[0040] Figure 6 represents the process flow of an Open System

Implementation of the DMDM System. Application starts on the

startup of the system/device by the client. An I/O Device is attached. The

Attached FO Device user requests media through the Requestor Application which communicates over the network to the Media File

Library Application of the DMDM. The DMDM starts up and sends a

request for information about the Attached I/O Device to validate it is a

known device using the Validation Application. If the device is not

validated, we return to a start state. If the device is validated, we allow

the DMDM to request input criteria. Input Criteria is requested from the

device, system and possibly from the Random Number generator. If the

input criteria is not received, we return to a start state. If the input

criteria is correctly received, the DMDM then requests media from the

media library. The media is run through the DMDM Encryption Engine

and the Key Generating Application and the Encrypted output is created

with a related media player. All output is then copied to the Attached I/O

Device.

[0041] Figure 7 describes pre-processing of a USB for Open System

Implementation or Closed System Implementation. This is an example of

the USB Flash Drive pre-processing requirements for the system. This

information would be used to pre-process a system's USB devices for use

with the DMDM System. First and foremost, in the initial implementation of the system, we foresee using U3 (the U3 Specification

is available at www.u3.com ) compliant USB devices. To pre-process the

USB devices for the system, the USB devices will be attached to a

DMDM system and certain identifying information from the device will

be copied to the DMDM database for future reference. The USB device

will have part of the DMDM Requestor Application copied to it for future

use. Finally, a password protected partition will be created on the USB

device. The information about that password protected partition will be

copied to the DMDM system database for future use.

[0042] While the invention has been described with reference to certain

exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art may make

various modifications to the described embodiments of the invention

without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and

descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are

not meant as limitations. In particular, although the present invention

has been described by way of examples, a variety of compositions and

methods would practice the inventive concepts described herein.

Although the invention has been described and disclosed in various terms and certain embodiments, the scope of the invention is not

intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such

other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the

teachings herein are particularly reserved, especially as they fall within

the breadth and scope of the claims here appended. Those skilled in the

art will recognize that these and other variations are possible within the

scope of the invention as defined in the following claims and their

equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A digital media distribution system comprising:

a digital rights management system;

identifying information from a portable memory device;

an encryption key generator; and

inputs it into an application that outputs to the portable memory device.

2. The digital media distribution system of claim 1, wherein the portable memory device is a USB-based device.

3. A device for the distribution of digital media comprising:

a means for storing digital media;

unique information that identifies the device; and

an encryption key.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the device is USB-based.

5. A system for distributing digital media comprising:

an I/O device;

and encryption engine; and

a key generating mechanism.

6. A method of distributing digital media comprising:

attaching an I/O device to a source of digital media;

validating the I/O device; encrypting the digital media;

downloading the encrypted digital media to the I/O device; and

playing the media only if media is on the I/O device

7. A Digital Rights Management System to securely record media files to USB- based memory devices comprising a proprietary and/or linked media player and a file encryption system.