System for controlling the distribution and use of digital works utilizing digital tickets

• US 20040243834A1
• Filed: 02/09/2004
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ContentGuard Holdings, Inc. (Pendrell Corporation)
• Original Assignee: ContentGuard Holdings, Inc. (Pendrell Corporation)
• Inventors: Stefik, Mark J., Pirolli, Peter L.T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,269,576 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/200
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/301 for introducing or steering flexible instruments inserted into the body, e.g. catheters or endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/031 torque limiting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/376 using X-rays, e.g. fluoroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/37 Master-slave robots A61B34/35 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0113 Mechanical advancing means, e.g. catheter dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2211/007 Encryption, En-/decode, En-/decipher, En-/decypher, Scramble, (De-)compress
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2115 Third party
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2135 Metering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/101 Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1235 with control of digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3674 involving authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0185 Product, service or business identity fraud
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 : Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 : Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/184 : Intellectual property management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 : Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1403 : Architecture for metering, charging or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/146 : using digital cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1485 : Tariff-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1496 : involving discounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 : Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/603 : Digital right managament [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/101 : applying security measures for digital rights management data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for commerce, e.g. marketing, shopping, billing, auctions or e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/45 : Network directories; Name-to-address mapping
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0442 : wherein the sending and receiving network entities apply asymmetric encryption, i.e. different keys for encryption and decryption cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for public-key encryption H04L9/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0464 : using hop-by-hop encryption, i.e. wherein an intermediate entity decrypts the information and re-encrypts it before forwarding it
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0807 : using tickets, e.g. Kerberos cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using tickets or tokens H04L9/3213
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 : using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 : for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 : Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/104 : Grouping of entities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/105 : Multiple levels of security
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/123 : received data contents, e.g. message integrity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3213 : using tickets or tokens, e.g. Kerberos network architectures or network communication protocols for entities authentication using tickets in a packet data network H04L63/0807
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3297 : involving time stamps, e.g. generation of time stamps
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23412 : for generating or manipulating the scene composition of objects, e.g. MPEG-4 objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2541 : Rights Management protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10; security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2543 : Billing , e.g. for subscription services payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; e-commerce G06Q30/00; arrangements for billing for the use of broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/21
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/26613 : for generating or managing keys in general key distribution for secret or secure communication involving central third party, e.g. key distribution center [KDC] or trusted third party [TTP] H04L9/083; network support of key management H04L63/06; key management for network security in communication control or processing H04W12/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4627 : Rights management associated to the content security in data switching network management H04L41/28; security management or policies for network security H04L63/20; access security in wireless networks H04W12/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6332 : directed to client
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6377 : directed to server one-way streaming services wherein the source is controlled by the destination H04L65/613
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/835 : Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment G06F21/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8355 : involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/83555 : using a structured language for describing usage rules of the content, e.g. REL
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/16 : Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 : Privileged access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 : Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets. In the present invention, a “digital ticket” is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce a digital works usage rights. Each repository has a “generic ticket agent” which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a “special ticket agent” residing on another repository may be needed.

Claims

1. A method for controlling rendering of digital content comprising:

providing a computer architecture including a repository adapted to store digital content and usage rights information associated with the digital content, the usage rights specifying a manner by which the digital content can be rendered, said repository being adapted to receive requests for stored digital content from a requester and, transmit requested digital content and the associated usage rights information to the requester in response to the request.

providing a rights enforcement mechanism for enforcing rendering of the digital content in accordance with the usage rights information, whereby the requested digital content cannot be rendered by the requester in the absence of the rights enforcement architecture and whereby the rights enforcement mechanism enforces rendering of the requested digital content by the requester in accordance with the usage rights information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing a computer architecture comprises providing a computer architecture to a first party and the step of providing a rights enforcement mechanism comprises providing a rights enforcement mechanism to a second party that is distinct from the first party.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the repository includes a storage medium for storing the usage rights information and the digital content.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the repository includes a first storage medium for storing the usage rights information and a second storage medium for storing the digital content.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage rights information includes conditions that must be satisfied in order to permit rendering of the digital content.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage rights information includes fee information.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage rights information specifies circumstances under which the digital content can be rendered.

8. A method for controlling the rendering of digital contents comprising:

storing digital content and usage rights information associated with the digital content in a repository, said usage rights information specifying a manner by which the digital content can be rendered;

receiving requests for stored digital content and, in response thereto, causing a requested digital content and the associated usage rights information to be transmitted to the requester over a communications medium; and

enforcing usage of the digital content in accordance with the usage rights information, whereby the requested digital content cannot be rendered by the requester in the absence of a rights enforcement architecture and whereby rendering of the requested digital content by the requester is only in accordance with the usage rights information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said storing step comprises storing the usage rights information on the same storage medium as the digital content.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said storing step comprises storing the usage rights information on a storage medium separate from a storage medium on which the digital content is stored.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the usage rights information includes conditions that must be satisfied in order to permit rendering of the digital content.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the usage rights information includes fee information.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the usage rights information specifies circumstances under which the digital content can be rendered.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the conditions include a fee to be collected in connection with the rendering of the digital content.

15. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for controlling rendering of digital content, the instructions comprising:

instructions for storing encrypted digital content in a repository;

instructions for associating with the digital content usage rights information specifying a manner by which the digital content can be rendered;

instructions for receiving a request from a requester for the digital content; and

instructions for causing the requested digital content and the usage rights information to be transmitted from the repository to the requester in response to the request for the digital content.

16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions for enforcing rendering of the digital content in accordance with the usage rights information, whereby the requested digital content cannot be rendered by the requester in the absence of a rights enforcement architecture and whereby rendering of the requested digital content by the requester is only in accordance with the usage rights information.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the usage rights information specifies a condition that must be satisfied in order for the requester to render the digital content.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the condition includes a fee to be collected in connection with the rendering of the digital content.

19. A method of rendering digital content having usage rights information associated therewith, the usage rights information specifying a manner by which the digital content can be rendered, the method comprising:

receiving a request to render the digital content;

determining, based on the usage rights information, whether the content can be rendered in accordance with the request; and

rendering the digital content in accordance with the request only if it is determined that the content can be rendered in accordance with the request.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the usage rights information is stored on the same storage medium as the digital content.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the usage rights information is stored on a storage medium that is separate from a storage medium on which the digital content is stored.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

determining based on the usage rights information a fee to be collected in connection with rendering the digital content; and

collecting the fee prior to said rendering step.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of collecting the fee comprises creating a debit against a user account.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of collecting the fee further comprises reporting the debit to a clearinghouse.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of obtaining credit information relating to a user from a credit agency prior to collecting the fee.

26. A method of rendering digital content having usage rights information associated therewith, the usage rights information indicating how the digital content can be rendered, the method comprising:

receiving a request to render the digital content;

determining, based on the usage rights information, whether the digital content can be rendered in accordance with the request; and

denying the request and preventing rendering of the digital content if it is determined that the digital content cannot be rendered in accordance with the request.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the usage rights information is stored on the same storage medium as the digital content.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the usage rights information is stored on a storage medium that is separate from a storage medium on which the digital content is stored.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

determining based on the usage rights information a fee to be collected in connection with rendering the digital content; and

collecting the fee prior to said rendering step.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said step of collecting comprises creating a debit against a user account.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said step of collecting further comprises reporting the debit to a clearinghouse.

32. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of obtaining credit information relating to the user from a credit agency prior to collecting the monetary value.

33. The method of claim 26, wherein the usage rights information specifies a fee to be collected as a condition to rendering the digital content, and wherein said denying step is based at least in part on non-payment of the monetary amount as determined in said determining step.

34. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for rendering digital content having usage rights information associated therewith and specifying how the digital content can be rendered, the medium comprising:

instructions for receiving a request to render the digital content;

instructions for determining, based on the usage rights information, whether the digital content can be rendered in accordance with the request; and

instructions for denying the request if the usage rights information does not indicate that the digital content can be rendered in accordance with the request.

35. The computer-readable medium of claim 34, further comprising instructions for approving the request and rendering the digital content if the usage rights information indicates that the digital content can be rendered in accordance with the request.

36. The computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising:

instructions for determining, based on the usage rights information, a fee to be collected in connection with rendering the digital content; and

instructions for collecting the fee.

37. A system for controlling rendering of digital content having usage rights information associated therewith, said system comprising:

a rendering system which issues a request to render the digital content; and

a rights repository which receives the request to render the digital content, examines the usage rights information associated with the digital content, and grants or denies the request to render the digital content based on whether the rights information permits rendering of the digital content in accordance with the request.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the usage rights information includes a condition and wherein the rights repository grants or denies the request based at least in part on whether the condition is satisfied.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the condition comprises a requirement that a fee be collected prior to rendering the digital content, and wherein the rights repository ensures that payment has been collected prior to granting a request to render the digital content.