Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection

• US 6,427,140 B1
• Filed: 09/03/1999
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intertrust Technologies Corporation (Fidelio Acquisition Co LLC)
• Original Assignee: Intertrust Technologies Corporation (Fidelio Acquisition Co LLC)
• Inventors: Shear, Victor H., Ginter, Karl L., Spahn, Francis J., Van Wie, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barron, Jr., Gilberto
• Application Number:
  US09/389,967
• Time in Patent Office: 1,061 Days
• Field of Search: 705/80, 705/1, 705/51, 705/54, 705/53, 705/26, 705/57, 713/165, 713/193, 713/200
• US Class Current: 705/80
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/109 by using specially-adapted hardware at the client
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/16 Program or content traceability, e.g. by watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/33 using certificates
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6209 to a single file or object, e.g. in a secure envelope, encrypted and accessed using a key, or with access control rules appended to the object itself
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/71 to assure secure computing or processing of information
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/86 Secure or tamper-resistant housings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2211/007 Encryption, En-/decode, En-/decipher, En-/decypher, Scramble, (De-)compress
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2101 Auditing as a secondary aspect
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2135 Metering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2137 Time limited access, e.g. to a computer or data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2151 Time stamp
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/02 involving a neutral party, e.g. certification authority, notary or trusted third party [TTP]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/023 the neutral party being a clearing house
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/04 Payment circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/085 involving remote charge determination or related payment systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/123 : Shopping for digital content
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1235 : with control of digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/14 : specially adapted for billing systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/24 : Credit schemes, i.e. "pay after"
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/306 : using TV related infrastructures external card used for payment with client device H04N21/4185
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/308 : using the Internet of Things
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 2220/16 : Copy protection or prevention
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 : Determination of fees for advertising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 : Price estimation or determination
• 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 30/0609 : Buyer or seller confidence or verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/02 : Banking, e.g. interest calculation or account maintenance credit or loans G06Q40/03
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 : Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 : Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/184 : Intellectual property management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/188 : Electronic negotiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0021 : Image watermarking
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 : for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 : Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/60 : Digital content management, e.g. content distribution
• 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 2463/102 : applying security measure for e-commerce data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/103 : applying security measure for protecting copy right protecting software against unauthorised usage in a vending or licensing environment, e.g. protection the software providers copyright G06F21/10; data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for payment schemes, architectures or protocols G06Q20/00; secrecy systems or subscription systems H04N7/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/02 : for separating internal from external traffic, e.g. firewalls
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/04 : for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0435 : wherein the sending and receiving network entities apply symmetric encryption, i.e. same key used for encryption and decryption cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for symmetric key encryption H04L9/06
• 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 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 : using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 : using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 : for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/12 : Applying verification of the received information cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for data integrity or data verification H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/123 : received data contents, e.g. message integrity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/16 : Implementing security features at a particular protocol layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/168 : above the transport layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 : for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/006 : involving public key infrastructure [PKI] trust models network architecture or network communication protocol for supporting authentication of entities using certificates in a packet data network H04L63/0823
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0819 : Key transport or distribution, i.e. key establishment techniques where one party creates or otherwise obtains a secret value, and securely transfers it to the other(s) network architectures or network communication protocols for key distribution in a packet data network H04L63/062
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0838 : Key agreement, i.e. key establishment technique in which a shared key is derived by parties as a function of information contributed by, or associated with, each of these network architectures or network communication protocols for key exchange in a packet data network H04L63/061
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0861 : Generation of secret information including derivation or calculation of cryptographic keys or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3218 : using proof of knowledge, e.g. Fiat-Shamir, GQ, Schnorr, ornon-interactive zero-knowledge proofs
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3263 : involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using certificates in a packet data network H04L63/0823
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2005/91364 : the video signal being scrambled
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2347 : involving video stream encryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23476 : by partially encrypting, e.g. encrypting the ending portion of a movie
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 : Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2362 : Generation or processing of Service Information [SI]
• 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 21/2547 : Third Party Billing, e.g. billing of advertiser
• 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 21/4143 : embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42646 : for reading from or writing on a non-volatile solid state storage medium, e.g. DVD, CD-ROM
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 : by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4345 : Extraction or processing of SI, e.g. extracting service information from an MPEG stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 : Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 : involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44204 : Monitoring of content usage, e.g. the number of times a movie has been viewed, copied or the amount which has been watched monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; protecting generic digital content where the protection is independent of the precise nature of the content G06F21/10; arrangements for monitoring the use made of the broadcast services in broadcast systems H04H60/31
• 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 21/4627 : 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 21/4753 : for user identification, e.g. by entering a PIN or password cryptographic authentication protocols H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6581 : Reference data, e.g. a movie identifier for ordering a movie or a product identifier in a home shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8166 : involving executable data, e.g. software arrangements for executing specific programs G06F9/44; broadcasting computer programmes in broadcast systems H04H20/91; involving the movement of software or configuration parameters H04L67/34
• 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 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 5/913 : for scrambling ; for copy protection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/162 : Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 : by receiver means only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 : Transmission or handling of upstream communications

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node. These techniques may be used to support an all-electronic information distribution, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.”

Claims

1. A method for automated negotiation, including the following steps:

creating a first rule set at a first site, the first rule set designed to participate in an automatic negotiation with a second rule set;

transmitting the first rule set from the first site to a second site,

at the second site, performing an automated negotiating process including;

comparing information present in or specified by the first rule set to a first requirement specified by a second rule set present at the second site;

if the comparison results in a first outcome, carrying out a first action, the first action including;

creating a secure container consisting of protected content and having an associated third rule set, the third rule set being created as a result of an interaction between the first rule set and the second rule set;

transmitting the secure container from the second site to the first site; and

using a rule from the third rule set to govern an aspect of access to or use of the protected content; and

if the comparison results in a second outcome, carrying a second action, which is different in at least one respect from the first action.

2. The method of claim 1, in which the first outcome consists of an agreement between a requirement specified by the second rule set and an offer specified by the first rule set.

3. The method of claim 2, in which the automated negotiation process is carried out in a computing environment which is at least in part secure.

4. The method of claim 3, in which the comparing step includes the following substeps:

comparing first information present in or specified by the first rule set to the first requirement;

determining that the first information does not match the first requirement;

comparing second information present in or specified by the first rule set to a second requirement specified by the second rule set; and

determining that the second information matches the second requirement.

5. The method of claim 4, in which:

the first requirement includes a requirement that a first payment method be used;

the second requirement includes a requirement that a second payment method be used;

the first information identifies a payment method other than the first payment method; and

the second information identifies the second payment method.

6. The method of claim 4, in which:

the first requirement includes a requirement that first specified identification information be provided, and further specifies a first price; and

the second requirement specifies a second price which is higher than the first price, but requires provision of less identification information than the first specified identification information.

7. The method of claim 4, in which the first action includes associating a digital signature with the contents of the secure container.

8. The method of claim 1, in which the step of creating a first rule set is performed at least in part in a secure environment present at the first site.

9. The method of claim 8, in which the automated negotiating step is performed at least in part in a secure environment present at the second site.

10. A method for automated negotiation, including the following steps:

creating a first rule set at a first site;

creating a second rule set at a second site;

transmitting the first rule set from the first site to a third site;

transmitting the second rule set to the third site;

at the third site, performing the following steps;

comparing a requirement specified by the first rule set to a requirement specified by the second rule set and determining that the requirements are consistent;

based at least in part on the results of the comparison, creating a third rule set, the third rule set including at least one rule specified at least in part by the first rule set and the second rule set;

associating the third rule set with a secure container;

encapsulating protected content into the secure container; and

transmitting the secure container to the first site.

11. The method of claim 10, in which the first site is associated with a first party, the second site is associated with a second party, and the third site is associated with a neutral negotiator.

12. The method of claim 11, further including:

prior to the steps of transmitting the first rule set and the second rule set to the third site, a communication between the first party and the second party, the

communication resulting in agreement to use the neutral negotiator for the negotiation.

13. The method of claim 12, in which the first rule set includes a request to gain access to content owned or controlled by the second party.

14. The method of claim 13, in which the first rule set includes a specification of a first price the first party is willing to or desires to pay for the content access.

15. The method of claim 14, in which the second rule set includes a specification of a second price the second party requires or desires in order to grant access to the content.

16. The method of claim 15, in which the comparing step includes comparing the first price to the second price and determining whether the first price is equal to or exceeds the second price.

17. The method of claim 16, in which the first rule set includes a specification of a first payment method the first party is willing to use to pay for the content access.

18. The method of claim 17, in which the second rule set includes a specification of a second payment method the second party is willing to accept for payment for the content access.

19. The method of claim 18, in which the comparing step includes comparing the first payment method to the second payment method to determine whether they are consistent.

20. The method of claim 19, in which the first rule set includes a specification of first information the first party is willing to or desires to disclose in return for gaining access to the content.

21. The method of claim 20, in which the second rule set includes a specification of second information the second party desires or requires in return for providing access to the content.

22. The method of claim 21, in which the comparing step includes comparing the first information specification to the second information specification to determine whether they are consistent.

23. The method of claim 22, in which the second rule set also specifies a third price, which is lower than the second price, and further specifies that the third price may be used if the first party agrees to provide the second information, but that the second price must be used if the first party refuses to provide the second information, and

the comparing step includes determining whether the first party is willing to provide the second information and,

if the first party is willing to provide the second information, using the third price instead of the second price in the step of comparing price information.

24. A method for automated negotiation including the following steps:

generating a first rule set including a first rule from a first party which owns or at least in part controls governed content and a second rule from a second party which constitutes or includes a clearinghouse;

incorporating the governed content into a secure container;

storing the first rule set at a first site;

transmitting a second rule set from a second site to the first site, the second rule set including a third rule from a third party;

comparing at least a portion of the first rule set to at least a portion of the second rule set; and

based on the results of the comparison, providing access to the secure container to the third party.

25. The method of claim 24, further including:

placing the second rule set in a secure container, the step of transmitting the second rule set from the second site to the first site constituting transmitting the secure container.

26. The method of claim 25, further including:

as a result of the comparison step, transmitting the secure container containing the governed content to the second site.

27. The method of claim 26, further including:

as a result of the comparison step, generating digital information specifying at least some of the terms agreed to in the negotiation.

28. The method of claim 27, further including:

associating a digital signature with the digital information.

29. A method of automated negotiation including:

creating a first rule set representing a negotiating position of a first party;

incorporating the first rule set into a first secure container;

creating a second rule set representing a negotiating position of a second party;

incorporating the second rule set into a second secure container;

selecting a negotiation site associated with a third party;

transmitting the first and the second secure containers to the negotiation site;

at the negotiation site, comparing an attribute of the first rule set to an attribute of the second rule set to determine whether the attributes are compatible and, depending on the results of the comparison, determining that the negotiation has succeeded, determining that the negotiation has failed, or determining that an additional comparison is required;

if the negotiation has succeeded, transmitting a third secure container to the first party, the third secure container containing governed content;

if the negotiation has failed, informing both parties of the failure, and not transmitting the third secure container to the first party; and

if an additional comparison is required, performing that comparison, and repeating until the negotiation either succeeds or fails.

30. The method of claim 29, in which the second party is a content distributor, and the second rule set includes a rule generated by a third party, the third party constituting an owner of at least some rights to the governed content.