WO2003003172A1 - Procedes de commande de l'acces utilisateur au contenu de supports numeriques - Google Patents

Procedes de commande de l'acces utilisateur au contenu de supports numeriques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003003172A1
WO2003003172A1 PCT/FI2002/000577 FI0200577W WO03003172A1 WO 2003003172 A1 WO2003003172 A1 WO 2003003172A1 FI 0200577 W FI0200577 W FI 0200577W WO 03003172 A1 WO03003172 A1 WO 03003172A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
media
file
digital content
access
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2002/000577
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timo Vasankari
Raimo KÖRKKÖ
Original Assignee
Divace Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Divace Oy filed Critical Divace Oy
Publication of WO2003003172A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003003172A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/10—Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material ; Digital rights management [DRM]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to methods and mechanisms for controlling user access to a protected media content, and especially to a media content on a web site or a multimedia product of a content provider.
  • Digital media technologies are rapidly finding their way to the lan- guage teaching classroom scene. Tape-based language laboratories are being replaced with computer labs. Computers become networked, providing access to the immeasurable wealth of resources on the Internet. Analogue material in form of audio and videotapes disappears from shelves and is being digitized and stored in a systematic manner on powerful media servers. Self-access centres are being created, allowing the learners to study at their own pace and in their own time. Digitized media come in various formats, from Windows sound format .wav or QuickTime .mov video to MPEG layer 3 type of audio compression.
  • the distribution and management of the usemames/passwords in such institutions is a difficult task. It is also desired to have a more flexible way of offering different or customised contents to the users while making the access control as simple as possible. Also in the CD-ROM products, it may be desirable to control the ac- cess to the contents of the CD-ROM.
  • the CD-ROM products or text books may also have supporting multimedia material which can be accessed on the publisher's web site without any extra fee. There is a need for a flexible, simple and user-friendly method for allowing access to the supporting material related to a specific product or text book while preventing unauthorised access to another content (such as support material for another text book) of the web site.
  • An object of the present invention to provide a new method and a tool for controlling access to digital contents, preferably so as to alleviate or avoid one or more of the problems and disadvantages of the prior art approaches.
  • the invention is based on the idea of providing a protected content with a media access file through which media files which contain the protected content can be accessed only if a program code or a media player necessary for using the protected content has a first valid activation key which matches a second authentication key stored in the media access file.
  • the comparison between the first and second activation keys is made by the program or media player in response to the user selecting the protected content, and it independently denies or allows access to the protected content.
  • the media access file contains information that defines actual media files containing the pro- tected content, and if the program or media player allows the access, the media files are accessed through the media access file by means of the information contained therein.
  • the media access file provides a kind of shell on top of the actual media file(s).
  • the actual media files may be in a standard file format but they are hidden by the media access file so that they are not ac- cessible by standard media players, at least not without some extra effort.
  • the security check functionality is provided in the computer program or media player which itself is responsible for checking whether or not it has a right to use the content behind the media access file. In other words, the use of the program or media player is restricted to the contents to which it has a valid activation key(s).
  • the computer program or the media player may optionally be able to access standard file formats which are not protected according to the present invention.
  • the first activation key to a specific content is given to a user when the user is authorised to use the specific content, e.g.
  • the key is stored in association with the program or media player necessary for using the specific content.
  • the storing may be automatic, e.g. part of a registration process to a web site, or the activation key may be entered manually by the user.
  • the first activation key may also be fixedly associated with the program or media player so that the media player can only be used for this specific content.
  • the necessary computer program or media player may be downloaded to a user computer upon registration or it may be contained on the CD-ROM product.
  • the present invention allows the content providers to protect their media content packets by binding the use of these packets to "authorised" media players. Consequently, in institutions and schools, the use of the specific contents can be restricted to user terminals that have media players with valid activation key(s). An individual and institutional user may still have a conventional username/password pair for entering a web site or other service and for viewing the content names, but activation and use of any specific content is possible with an authorised media player only. Thus, the content provider can provide different users with different protected contents in a very flexible way.
  • the invention can be used for making the copying of media files more difficult or even impossible if the media files can be handled only through the media access file(s).
  • Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the media player, a media file, and a media access file
  • Figure 3 is a block and flow diagram illustrating the authorised us- age of protected media material in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the computer program or media player neces- sary for using a protected content is a media player capable of playing out common media file formats, such as MPEG, WAW, RA and MP3.
  • the Real Media players relate to a new technology standard called RealAudio and RealMedia. This technology provides an ongoing stream of audio and/or video while being downloaded into a computer from the Internet or another source. It means that no time is wasted in downloading a file first and then playing it back.
  • One potential application field of the present invention is language learning, and therefore the media player according to the invention may in- elude additional functions like 'Speak', recording of a microphone input synchronized to a media file, and showing subtitles.
  • the media player may actually be a digital representation of a dual-track recorder.
  • One track serves for recording (capturing) the program source (e.g. authentic foreign language audio from the radio, TV, digital media, the Internet).
  • the second track (Learner) is designed for the learner to record (speak) his input (repeating after the program source for pronunciation practice, translating the program source into the learner's mother tongue, or producing open-ended responses).
  • FIG. 1 An example of the appearance (a user interface) of such a media player is shown in Figure 1.
  • Typi- cally it is a window to be opened on the screen of a media device under a control of the operating system, e.g. similarly to any program window in the Windows environment.
  • the buttons 10 and 11 in the bottom bar correspond to the standard buttons on a cassette or a video recorder (Play, Rewind, Pause etc.).
  • the time scale 12, the pointers 13 and the counters 14 indicate the play- time for both tracks. Volume can be controlled by the control button 15.
  • In the top left corner there are standard buttons 16 for controlling the size of the program window and for closing the program.
  • the media player is a program run on a multimedia computer, that is a personal computer provided with a sound card, speakers, and a microphone, and a CD-ROM drive and/or communication capability enabling communication with a media server in a local area network (LAN) and/or a web site on the Internet.
  • a media player can be a program run on any user device capable of executing a program code. More generally, a media device can be any device capable of play- ing digital media content files.
  • media files can be connected to the media player by means of a specific file format, Media Access file, called a DIM file below.
  • the media player according to the invention acts as a player for standard file formats, e.g. mp3, wav, mpeg, but with a limi- tation concerning the playing of media stored via the DIM files.
  • the media access file provides a kind of shell on the top of the actual media files.
  • the relationship between a media player, a DIM file and a media file is illustrated schematically in Figure 2.
  • two types of activation keys are created.
  • the key of type 1 is stored into a register in the media player. That register contains keys to identify a user license for media content packages, e.g.
  • Each item of such a content package that is each DIM file, includes a corresponding activation key of type 2 to be compared with the type 1 activation key in the register in the media player.
  • These two keys need not be the same, but they are match- ing pairs in some way.
  • One example of how the keys may correspond each other is specified below.
  • the DIM file format may be as shown in the following example:
  • the field 'meta name' defines the meta name for the content packet, in this case "ELITE_KEY”.
  • the field 'content' contains the type 2 key.
  • the first ⁇ DD> tag defines the name of the actual media file, e.g. FILE:///My Documents/EnglishLessonl .mp3.
  • the second ⁇ DD> tag defines the additional data file for subtitles etc.; e.g. FILE:///My Documents/EnglishLessonl. DID.
  • the ⁇ /A> tags define parameters for the media player.
  • the structure for the activation key may be as shown in the following example (the structure is adapted to other product codes of the applicant, and it therefore contains sections which are not relevant from the invention's point of view; the invention is not intended to be restricted to any specific structure of the activation keys):
  • a Package code XXXXXXX is a 7-digit product code identifying the content package this activation key is created for. The value of this code is the same for keys of both types, but different for each content package, e.g. each course book.
  • a Key mode KK is a 2-digit code defining the mode (type) of the key. This code identifies whether the key is to be stored in the media player register (valuel for type 1), or in the DIM file (value 2 for type 2). Other values mean an invalid key.
  • a Counter GGGG is a 4-digit code, which has no purpose for type 1 key. This code has a fixed value 0000 for the type 1 keys. For type 2 keys, the counter code contains a checksum calculated from name of the media file.
  • An Internal Product Id EE is a 2-digit code that specifies that the key is for media player version having DIM file capability (value3). The same value is user for both type 1 and type 2 keys. Only keys with valid value are ac- cepted for type 1 or type 2.
  • a 6-digit serial number ZZZZZZZ has no special purpose for either key type, value fixed 111111.
  • a 3-digit checksum QQQ is calculated from the other parts of the activation key by a suitable algorithm.
  • the content provider may have a key stamper program for creating DIM files and marking them with a correct and valid key of type 2.
  • the key stamper program may take as input the packet code (XXXXX) and serial number (ZZZZZZ) segments of the key, and create the complete key by inserting the values KK and EE, calculating the checksum GGGG from the name of the media file, and finally the complete checksum QQQ for all fields.
  • the Key is written into the DIM file in the format specified above.
  • a new activation key of type 1 can be stored into a register or a file in the media player. There is likely to be several activation keys for a single media player, one for each media package the user has a license for. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user of the media player cannot view the actual activation keys in the register but only the meta-names of contents or media packets he has a license (a valid activation key) for. This makes it more difficult to copy the key to other media players.
  • a new activation key can be entered in several ways. One way is to enter the activation key manually using special purpose functionality in the media player. Another way is to enter the activation key automatically.
  • the key may be, for example, in a special file so that opening such a file with the media player will result in the new activa- tion key being stored among the possible previous activation keys in the activation key register.
  • This file may contain a single row of data, such as: Media player Activation Key: ##key##.
  • the file may be opened when the user registers as an authorised user of the specific content on a web site of the content provider, for example, or from a media content product, e.g. on CD-ROM.
  • the automatic storing of the key has an advantage that is easy for a user and that makes the misuse of the key more difficult.
  • Such a customized media player containing the corresponding type 1 key is loaded to the user workstation when the user registers as an authorized user.
  • This customised media player can only play contents protected by a DIM file having a matching key, and optionally standard unprotected media files.
  • the DIM file forms a kind of shell on the top of the actual media file(s) by hiding the actual media file from the media player and the user.
  • the DIM file also defines the physical location of the media file(s).
  • only the meta-name of content (such as 'English lesson”) is shown to a user e.g. in the form of hyperlink. When the user selects a content by clicking the meta name e.g.
  • the corresponding DIM file is loaded to the user workstation or user device and a media player is activated.
  • the media player checks whether the type 1 and type 2 keys match before the media player shown in Figure 1 appear on the screen of the user workstation. Then the media player plays the media file(s) containing the selected content material through the DIM file by means of the media file information defined in the DIM file. If the keys do not match, the media player shown in Figure 1 does not appear on the screen but a message is displayed informing that access to that content is not allowed. The message may also indicate how to register as an authorized user of that content.
  • the media player preferably checks the validity of the type 1 key and the type 2 key prior to checking whether or not they match.
  • the validity checking of an activation key of type 1 may include the following steps, for example:
  • Check step 3 Is the checksum QQQ correct for the total key string. Similarly, the validity checking of an activation key of type 2 in the
  • DIM file may include the following steps, for example:
  • Check step 2 Is the Internal product Id EE valid for the media player used.
  • Check step 3 Is the Counter GGGG a valid checksum calculated from the name of the media file.
  • the media player After a successful validity checking, the media player then compares whether the type 1 key stored in association with the media player and the type 2 key in the loaded DIM file match.
  • the keys match if the value of the 7-digit package code (XXXXXX) is the same in the both keys.
  • User is a person who wants to use a content, such as media files, located in web based services or other electronic storage, such as CD ROM with his/her personal computer or a similar programmable device, such as PDA, smart phone wireless telecommunication device, etc. The user may use the content for several purposes, e.g. for learning various subjects.
  • a content such as media files, located in web based services or other electronic storage, such as CD ROM with his/her personal computer or a similar programmable device, such as PDA, smart phone wireless telecommunication device, etc.
  • the user may use the content for several purposes, e.g. for learning various subjects.
  • WWW service is a collection of content files, metafiles and other related material usually stored in file servers accessible via local area network or the Internet including mobile Internet or Mobile IP services, or on a CD-ROM.
  • Key1 and “Key2” are codes used for authorisation of usage of the content located in the "www service” 32.
  • the “Key1” and “Key2” also protect the copyrights of the content owner.
  • the “Key1” and “Key2” differ from each other, and one of them is located in the “Meta file” (36) while the other is supplied to the "Media device” in a login procedure.
  • Media device is software or a personal computer or any personal device, such as PDA, smart phone, or any wireless communication device which allows the user to use the content material for various purposes.
  • Media File is any media, like video or audio, in digital format suitable for use in a personal computer or another personal device.
  • Methoda file is a file on media device containing information about physical location the "Media file” 35 and an authorisation key (Key1 or Key2) The operation of the configuration shown in Figure 3 is now described.
  • the letters A...F refer to the respective reference symbols in Figure 3.
  • the user 31 logs into the WWW service 32 by providing a personal user code and password or a similar authentication procedure.
  • the system sends the key 1 or the key 2 to be stored into the media device 34 parameters.
  • the media device 34 first checks whether the key 1 (or the key 2) which is stored in the meta file 36 matches with the key 2 (or the key 1) provided by the WWW service 32 and being thus known to the media device 34. (D) If there is no match, the media device 34 does not allow further activities with that particular media file 35.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Technology Law (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing For Digital Recording And Reproducing (AREA)
  • Storage Device Security (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un contenu de supports protégé présentant un fichier d'accès à des supports par lequel des fichiers de supports contenant le contenu protégé peuvent faire l'objet d'un accès uniquement si un lecteur de supports nécessaire à l'utilisation du contenu protégé présente une première clé d'activation valide, laquelle correspond à une seconde clé d'authentification stockée dans le fichier d'accès au support. Le lecteur de supports compare les première et seconde clés d'activation en réponse à la sélection du contenu protégé par l'utilisateur, et il refuse ou permet indépendamment l'accès au contenu protégé. Le fichier d'accès à des supports contient des informations définissant les fichiers de supports effectifs contenant le contenu protégé, et si le programme informatique ou le lecteur de supports permet l'accès, il est possible d'accéder au fichier de supports par le fichier d'accès aux supports à l'aide des informations qui y sont contenues. En d'autres termes, l'utilisation du lecteur de supports est limitée aux contenus protégés dont il dispose de la clé ou des clés d'activation valides.
PCT/FI2002/000577 2001-06-29 2002-06-28 Procedes de commande de l'acces utilisateur au contenu de supports numeriques WO2003003172A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20011405 2001-06-29
FI20011405 2001-06-29
FI20012176 2001-11-09
FI20012176A FI118358B (fi) 2001-06-29 2001-11-09 Digitaalisen mediasisällön käytön kontrollointimenetelmä

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003003172A1 true WO2003003172A1 (fr) 2003-01-09

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PCT/FI2002/000577 WO2003003172A1 (fr) 2001-06-29 2002-06-28 Procedes de commande de l'acces utilisateur au contenu de supports numeriques

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FI (1) FI118358B (fr)
WO (1) WO2003003172A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2665011A1 (fr) 2012-05-18 2013-11-20 Peter Erhart Procédés et système de contrôle d'accès à un contenu multimédia numérique
US8984636B2 (en) 2005-07-29 2015-03-17 Bit9, Inc. Content extractor and analysis system

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4458315A (en) * 1982-02-25 1984-07-03 Penta, Inc. Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs
EP0843449A2 (fr) * 1996-11-08 1998-05-20 Sunhawk Corporation, Inc. Système de chiffrement avec clé de décryptage pour transaction chiffrée
US5991399A (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-11-23 Intel Corporation Method for securely distributing a conditional use private key to a trusted entity on a remote system
WO2000030319A1 (fr) * 1998-11-13 2000-05-25 Iomega Corporation Systeme de codage de donnees electroniques protegees sur un support particulier afin d'empecher la copie non autorisee par un cryptage asymetrique et un identificateur unique du support
WO2000062265A1 (fr) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-19 Liquid Audio, Inc. Systeme de distribution en direct et sur de musique

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4458315A (en) * 1982-02-25 1984-07-03 Penta, Inc. Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of computer programs
EP0843449A2 (fr) * 1996-11-08 1998-05-20 Sunhawk Corporation, Inc. Système de chiffrement avec clé de décryptage pour transaction chiffrée
US5991399A (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-11-23 Intel Corporation Method for securely distributing a conditional use private key to a trusted entity on a remote system
WO2000030319A1 (fr) * 1998-11-13 2000-05-25 Iomega Corporation Systeme de codage de donnees electroniques protegees sur un support particulier afin d'empecher la copie non autorisee par un cryptage asymetrique et un identificateur unique du support
WO2000062265A1 (fr) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-19 Liquid Audio, Inc. Systeme de distribution en direct et sur de musique

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
VON FABER E. ET AL.: "The secure distribution of digital contents", COMPUTER SECURITY APPLICATIONS CONFERENCE, 1997. PROCEEDINGS., 13TH ANNUAL, 8 December 1997 (1997-12-08) - 12 December 1997 (1997-12-12), pages 16 - 22, XP002141599 *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8984636B2 (en) 2005-07-29 2015-03-17 Bit9, Inc. Content extractor and analysis system
EP2665011A1 (fr) 2012-05-18 2013-11-20 Peter Erhart Procédés et système de contrôle d'accès à un contenu multimédia numérique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI20012176A0 (fi) 2001-11-09
FI20012176A (fi) 2002-12-30
FI118358B (fi) 2007-10-15

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