Method and system for controlling video media

• US 20050078944A1
• Filed: 09/14/2004
• Published: 04/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Media Rights Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Media Rights Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Risan, Hank, Fitzgerald, Edward Vincent
• Granted Patent: US 9,342,662 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 386/213
• 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: H04N 21/2221 being a cable television head-end CATV in broadcast systems H04H20/78
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2347 involving video stream encryption
• 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 21/25833 involving client hardware characteristics, e.g. manufacturer, processing or storage capabilities allocation of resources considering hardware capabilities in multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/5044; allocation of resources considering software capabilities in multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/5055
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2585 Generation of a revocation list, e.g. of client devices involved in piracy acts
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25858 involving client software characteristics, e.g. OS identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25875 involving end-user authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; arrangements for secret or secure communication including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• 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 21/4135 external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4351 involving reassembling additional data, e.g. rebuilding an executable program from recovered modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43622 Interfacing an external recording device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44236 Monitoring of piracy processes or activities protecting computer platforms against harmful, malicious or unexpected behaviour or activities using intrusion detection and counter measures G06F21/566; computer virus detection and handling G06F21/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/443 OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• 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 21/8358 involving watermark protecting executable software by watermarking G06F21/16; image watermarking in general G06T1/0021; watermarks inserted in still images for transmission purposes H04N1/32144; inserting watermarks during video coding H04N19/467
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8586 by using a URL processing chained hypermedia data for information retrieval G06F16/94; information retrieval from the Internet by using URLs G06F16/955; URL in broadcast information H04H20/93; Web-based protocols H04L67/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/1675 Providing digital key or authorisation information for generation or regeneration of the scrambling sequence pseudo-random number generators in general G06F7/58

Abstract

A method and system for controlling video input media is described. The method includes receiving video media via a video media input device. The video media input device is communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a data path within the electronic device associated with the video media. The monitoring is performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes preventing the video media from reaching a usage mechanism via the data path, the usage mechanism communicatively coupled with the electronic device. The usage mechanism is able to create an environment in which the video media can be used in an unauthorized manner. The preventing performed by the compliance mechanism is done when usage of the video media with the usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to the video media.

Claims

1. A method for controlling unauthorized usage of video media accessible via an electronic device, said method comprising:

receiving an instance of video media via a video media input device, said video media input device communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device, said electronic device an environment with which said video media is usable;

monitoring a data path within said electronic device associated with said video media, said monitoring performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device; and

preventing said video media from reaching a usage mechanism via said data path, said usage mechanism communicatively coupled to and operable in conjunction with said electronic device, said usage mechanism enabled to create an environment in which said video media can be used in an unauthorized manner, said preventing performed by said compliance mechanism when usage of said video media with said usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to said video media.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

detecting the presence of an indicator imbedded within a data stream of said video media, said indicator for indicating said usage restriction applicable to said video media, said detecting performed by said compliance mechanism.

3. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein said detecting further comprises:

determining said indicator is a broadcast flag imbedded in said data stream of said video media, and causing said electronic device to use said video media in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said broadcast flag.

4. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein said detecting further comprises:

determining said indicator is a watermark imbedded in said data stream of said video media, and causing said electronic device to use said video media in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said watermark.

5. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

blocking said data path to prevent said data stream from reaching said usage mechanism when said data stream reaching said usage mechanism can enable said unauthorized usage of said video media, said blocking performed by said compliance mechanism, said blocking subsequent to detecting said indicator by said compliance mechanism.

6. The method as recited in claim 5 further comprising:

diverting said data stream from said data path to an alternative data path leading to a custom usage mechanism, said custom usage mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device and said data path and said alternative data path, said custom usage mechanism controlled by said compliance mechanism, said custom usage mechanism configured to comply with said usage restriction applicable to said video media and implementable when said compliance mechanism cannot adequately control said usage mechanism.

7. The method as recited in claim 6 further comprising:

activating said custom usage mechanism for use of said video media, said custom usage mechanism performing as and combinationally selectable from the group essentially consisting of;

a capturing application, a capturing device, a rendering application, a rendering device, a storing application, a storing device, a reproducing application, a reproducing device, a media output application, and a media output device.

8. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

allowing said data stream of said video media to reach said usage mechanism for use therewith when said indicator of a usage restriction within said data stream is not detected by said detector, said allowing performed by said compliance mechanism, said usage mechanism performing as and combinationally selectable from the group essentially consisting of;

a capturing application, a capturing device, a rendering application, a rendering device, a storing application, a storing device, a reproducing application, a reproducing device, a media output application, and a media output device.

9. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

altering said data stream of said video media, said altering in response to said compliance mechanism detecting a usage restriction applicable to said video media, said altering performed by said compliance mechanism, said altering a detriment to said video media, said detriment for deterring unauthorized use of said video media.

10. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

terminating usage of said video media when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said terminating initiated by said compliance mechanism when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage, said usage restriction a licensing agreement as defined by the copyright holder of the video media.

11. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

terminating said usage of said video media when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said termination initiated by said compliance mechanism when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage of said video media, said usage restriction a regulatory requirement defined by a media governing entity.

12. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said receiving further comprises:

receiving a video media type, said video media type appropriate for said video media input device, said video media type selected from the group consisting essentially of;

a high definition television (HDTV) transmission, a digital television (DTV) transmission, a digital satellite video media transmission, a digital cable television transmission, and a digital video feed.

13. A system for controlling unauthorized usage of video media content in an electronic device comprising:

a receiver for receiving an instance of video media content, said receiver communicatively coupled to and operable in conjunction with said electronic device;

a monitor for monitoring a data path associated with said instance of video media content, said monitor communicatively coupled with said data path, said monitor communicatively coupled with and controlled by a compliance mechanism, said compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device; and

a preventor for preventing said instance of video media content from reaching a usage mechanism via said data path, said usage mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device and enabled to create an environment in said electronic device in which said instance of media content can be used in an unauthorized manner, said preventor communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said preventor activated when usage of said instance of video media content in an unauthorized manner by said usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to said instance of video media.

14. The system as recited in claim 13 further comprising:

a detector for detecting presence of an indicator imbedded in a data stream of said instance of video media content, said indicator for indicating said usage restriction applicable to said instance of video media content, said detector communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism.

15. The system as recited in claim 14 wherein said detector allows said data stream of said instance of media content to reach said usage mechanism when presence of said indicator of said usage restriction is not detected, said usage mechanism performing as and combinationally selectable from the group essentially consisting of:

a capturing application, a capturing device, a rendering application, a rendering device, a storing application, a storing device, a reproducing application, a reproducing device, a media output application, and a media output device.

16. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a determinator for determining said indicator is a broadcast flag imbedded in said data stream of said instance of video media content, said determinator for causing said electronic device to use said instance of video media content in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said broadcast flag, said determinator communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism.

17. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a determinator for determining said indicator is a watermark imbedded in said data stream of said instance of video media content, said determinator for causing said electronic device to use said instance of video media content in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said watermark, said determinator communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism.

18. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a blocker for blocking said data path to prevent said data stream from reaching said usage mechanism, said blocker communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said blocker activated when said data stream reaching said usage mechanism can enable said unauthorized usage of said instance of video media content.

19. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a diverter for redirecting said data stream to an alternative data path, said alternative data path leading to a custom usage mechanism, said custom usage mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said electronic device and said data path and said alternative data path, said diverter communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism.

20. The system as recited in claim 19 further comprising:

an activator for activating said custom usage mechanism, said custom usage mechanism enabled to create an environment in which said instance of media content can be used in a lawful manner, said custom usage mechanism communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said custom usage mechanism activatable upon said diverter said redirecting said data stream of said instance of video media content to said custom usage mechanism via said alternative data path.

21. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

an alterer for altering the data stream of the instance of media content, said alterer communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said alterer activated when said compliance mechanism cannot provide an environment in which said instance of video media can be used in a lawful manner in said electronic device, said alterer for causing a detriment applied to said instance of video media content, said detriment a deterrent to unauthorized use of said instance of video media content.

22. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a terminator for terminating usage of said instance of video media content when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said terminator communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said terminator activated when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage of said instance of video media content, said usage restriction a licensing agreement as defined by the copyright holder of said instance of video media content

23. The system as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

a terminator for terminating usage of said instance of video media content when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said terminator communicatively coupled with and controlled by said compliance mechanism, said terminator activated when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage of said instance of video media content, said usage restriction a regulatory requirement as defined by a media governing entity.

24. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein said receiver is a video input device and enabled to receive a type of video media content, said video media content selected from the group essentially consisting of:

a high definition television (HDTV) transmission, a digital television (DTV) transmission, a digital satellite video media transmission, a digital cable television transmission, and a digital video feed.

25. A computer-readable medium for storing computer implementable instructions for causing a computer system to perform a method for controlling unauthorized usage of video media accessible via said computer system, said method comprising:

receiving an instance of video media via a video media input device, said video media input device communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said computer system, said computer system an environment with which said video media is usable;

monitoring a data path within said computer system associated with said video media, said monitoring performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said computer system; and

preventing said video media from reaching a usage mechanism via said data path, said usage mechanism communicatively coupled to and operable in conjunction with said computer system, said usage mechanism enabled to create an environment in which said video media can be used in an unauthorized manner, said preventing performed by said compliance mechanism when usage of said video media with said usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to said video media.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25 wherein said method further comprises:

detecting the presence of an indicator imbedded within a data stream of said video media, said indicator for indicating said usage restriction applicable to said video media, said detecting performed by said compliance mechanism.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

determining said indicator is a broadcast flag imbedded in said data stream of said video media, and causing said computer system to use said video media in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said broadcast flag.

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

determining said indicator is a watermark imbedded in said data stream of said video media, and causing said computer system to use said video media in a manner compliant with said usage restriction as defined by said watermark.

29. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

blocking said data path to prevent said data stream from reaching said usage mechanism when said data stream reaching said usage mechanism can enable said unauthorized usage of said video media, said blocking performed by said compliance mechanism, said blocking subsequent to detecting said indicator by said compliance mechanism.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

diverting said data stream from said data path to an alternative data path leading to a custom usage mechanism, said custom usage mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with said computer system and said data path and said alternative data path, said custom usage mechanism controlled by said compliance mechanism, said custom usage mechanism configured to comply with said usage restriction applicable to said video media and implementable when said compliance mechanism cannot adequately control said usage mechanism.

31. The computer-readable medium of claim 30 wherein said method further comprises:

activating said custom usage mechanism for use of said video media, said custom usage mechanism performing as and combinationally selectable from the group essentially consisting of;

a capturing application, a capturing device, a rendering application, a rendering device, a storing application, a storing device, a reproducing application, a reproducing device, a media output application, and a media output device.

32. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

allowing said data stream of said video media to reach said usage mechanism for use therewith when said indicator of a usage restriction within said data stream is not detected by said detector, said allowing performed by said compliance mechanism, said usage mechanism performing as and combinationally selectable from the group essentially consisting of;

a capturing application, a capturing device, a rendering application, a rendering device, a storing application, a storing device, a reproducing application, a reproducing device, a media output application, and a media output device.

33. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

altering said data stream of said video media, said altering in response to said compliance mechanism detecting a usage restriction applicable to said video media, said altering performed by said compliance mechanism, said altering a detriment to said video media, said detriment for deterring unauthorized use of said video media.

34. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

terminating usage of said video media when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said terminating initiated by said compliance mechanism when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage, said usage restriction a licensing agreement as defined by the copyright holder of the video media.

35. The computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein said method further comprises:

terminating said usage of said video media when said unauthorized usage is a violation of said usage restriction, said termination initiated by said compliance mechanism when said compliance mechanism is unable to create an environment for authorized usage of said video media, said usage restriction a regulatory requirement defined by a media governing entity.

36. The computer-readable medium of claim 25 wherein said receiving further comprises:

receiving a video media type, said video media type appropriate for said video media input device, said video media type selected from the group consisting essentially of;

a high definition television (HDTV) transmission, a digital television (DTV) transmission, a digital satellite video media transmission, a digital cable television transmission, and a digital video feed.