CN103353927B

CN103353927B - License center content consumption method, system and device

Info

Publication number: CN103353927B
Application number: CN201310140894.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·莱利; E·陈
Original assignee: Contentguard Holdings Inc
Current assignee: Contentguard Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2004-11-18
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-18
Also published as: CN103353927A

Abstract

The invention relates to the license center content consumption method, system and device. In the license center content use or distribution method, system and device, a pre-existing digital right management (DRM) system, a shared license repository and a user interface are adopted, wherein the DRM system is provided with a unique interface of data so as to manage and control the use of contents, the shared license repository is used as access data so as to conveniently manage and control the use of the contents and realize communication with the only interface of the pre-existing DRM system, and the user interface is used for realizing the interaction with the pre-existing DRM system or allowing a user to send a license relevant to the content from the shared license repository to the pre-existing DRM system or another shared license repository.

Description

The method of the content consumption of license center, system and equipment

The application is that the applying date is entitled " perhaps for the Application No. of on November 18th, 2004 the 200480044718.5th Method, system and the equipment of the content consumption at center can be demonstrate,proved " Chinese patent application divisional application.

Invention field

The present invention relates generally to Digital Right Management field, more particularly, to stores, accesses and manages digital content The method of licence, system and equipment.

Background Discussion

Early stage computer is used, the viewpoint of consumer is " application program " center ".For example, when consumer wants to disappear When taking digital content, they are first turned on appropriate application program, such as word processing program.Then consumer applies journey from this Content is accessed in sequence.

Prior art proposes the viewpoint of " content center ".For example, when consumer wants consumption digital content, Ta Men The file for including the content, associated content consumption application program launching are double-clicked in its file system resource managers.Consumption The authority of content is typically bound to the specific embodiment of this content.For example, the authority for watching film is typically bound to DVD's Material occupies.If content is subject to the protection of Digital Right Management (DRM) system, to being originally used for protecting the specific of content Use of the prediction to the content in the use of DRM system.For example, if consumer have purchased the licence of content from company A, Consumer must on consumer device installation company A DRM system to consume this content.

Today, most of DRM systems on the market had a common ground, i.e., they implement such as content owner or content What distributor outline in licence uses rule.Licence can be embedded in the content, or it can be individually license Card, can be machine readable or human-readable, such as entrust (click-through) licence or legal contract.DRM system Licence is explained come which is identified is that consumer is allowed to do content, and limits consumer and do the thing being not allowed to.Respectively Individual DRM system come the mechanism that completes this task using having nothing in common with each other.For example, numerous DRM systems are expressed in a proprietary manner, deposited Store up and safeguard licence.Consumer typically obtains a DRM system, and asks the content to the system supply.Then in conjunction with other Trust and safe practice using encryption or is formatted and carrys out preparing content example, this allows the content instance only can be with specific DRM Realization is used together.In the case of digital license, licence is typically stored in the proprietary storage vault of DRM system or quilt It is stored as a part for content.

Content consumption is bound to into the particular combination of consumer applications program, consumer device and/or DRM system to consumer Purchase and consumption habit are applied with restriction.However, consumer is wanted from each source (for example, physical stores, satellite/wired electricity Download depending on, the Internet etc.) in various formats (for example, DVD, Redbook audio frequency, computer DVD, Streaming Media etc.) be various equipment (for example, PC, home media center, Set Top Box, car stereo, mobile phone, portable electronic device, be networked to it is long-range Equipment of position etc.) purchase content.

Consumer may be unwilling to buy content, because the DRM of protection content may be not in (for example, to exist in the future In the case of time overdue DRM system), company may go bankrupt or DRM system may not be wanted for consuming with consumer The hardware compatibility (for example, in the case of the DRM system that platform is limited) of content.In numerous situations, consumer can possess can The equipment of presentation content, but such equipment may be without required DRM system.

Consumer is likely to be unwilling to buy content, because the currently available form of content or medium may be by high level formats Or medium replaces (for example, DVD may be replaced by fine definition DVD).However, the purchase that consumer is not desired to them is scrapped, this Sample may require that they buy same content again in future.

Consumer must install, manage the various combinations of consumer device, consumer applications program and DRM system and hand over therewith Mutually, so that using its content, this is applied with white elephant to consumer.For example, consumer's access right is by specific DRM system The experience of the content of management is unique for such DRM system.What consumer can not obtain that he has bought all is permitted The product inventory that can be demonstrate,proved, because each licence is stored in the proprietary storage vault of the DRM system for creating the licence.If Consumer has the licence constructed for four different DRM systems, then the consumer will be with understanding, management and using so Licence four kinds of different experience.

Consumer may also desire to all the elements and any suitable equipment for being capable of presentation content can use.Consumer may be used also Can want to buy content once, and the content can be used in any suitable time in the future.Content owner wants to make him Content can be accessed by consumer according to the use rule of defined in licence.Content owner and consumer are not intended to will It is locked in specific DRM system.DRM should not be the obstacle of this target.Current " content center " viewpoint is caused really Such obstacle the fact that injured content owner because it is applied with limit to wish that consumer buys content System.

In some of effort in these problems are solved, carry out lifting the interoperability between DRM system at present Various trials.If successfully realized, the interoperability between DRM system can allow the form that consumer selects with them, Position, time and equipment access its content, it is assumed that such authority is authorized by content owner or content distributor.Consumer pair The digital content that they are bought produces institute's thoughts, because they can be in any suitable time and Anywhere using so Content, and do not consider for implementing the DRM system of corresponding licence or the version of this system.However, with self-organizing (ad Hoc) mode realizes that DRM interoperabilities have some obstacles.For example, for multiplicity, arrange special between each DRM system There is relation to be the N factorial problems to all arrangements.

For safety, DRM system provides different enforcement grades.If content may continue to the DRM of any compatibility System, then can cause possible safety issue.Its all the elements can be moved to most unsafe system by consumer, to utilize The authority of the lowest class is implemented.This has cultivated the environment that most unsafe DRM system is used by most wide model.

Just for the support using rule in licence, DRM system implements different permissive condition collection.Again, If content may continue to the DRM system of any compatibility, possible safety issue can be caused.For example, consumer can will be interior Hold from the DRM system for allowing rent for and move to the system for not supporting to rent constraint, to exceed the time limit rented for 1st To use the content.

For the expression using rule, DRM system carrys out assignment of allocation and uses rule to content using different mechanism. The rule of one group of fixation can be applied to all the elements type and/or example by DRM system, or this system can be in example one by one On the basis of to content application using rule.The DRM system that each content instance is applied to using rule is used into rule in its expression The ability aspect of type then is had nothing in common with each other.For example, DRM system A may allow content owner's regulation to be checked but can not The content being replicated.DRM system B may provide this same ability, but may also allow for content owner's regulation only playable Secondary content.DRM system C can using language so as to expression using rule when greater flexibility is provided.Each DRM system is used These differences in requirement and ability of the expression using rule make it difficult to realize interoperability.

For Consumer's Experience, each DRM system has consumer and is able to access that for the consumer that understands, consumes and make an inventory Content proprietary user interface.So as to there is no concordance of the Consumer's Experience across DRM system.

For license obtainment, when consumer wants to obtain the licence of content, licence supplier must be understood that DRM system and form, to provide the content compatible with the combination of content, equipment and DRM system.

There is the standard working group such as ISO MPEG-21 and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), they are intended to by creating bag Include content format, client/server communication protocol, content protecting method, content identification method, rights expression, Yi Jiyun The standard DRM systems such as the interoperability point that perhaps content is exchanged between each DRM system for following and interface are mutually grasped realizing DRM The property made.There is such as ISO MPEG-21REL working groups, TV-Anytime rights managements and protection group, ISO SC36, IEEE Other standard working groups such as technical standard committee and Open eBook forums (OeBF) authority and Rules group are practised, it Be devoted to setting up the common expression (rights expression language, REL) of authority as the Main Means for realizing interoperability.REL Standardization similar to standardization public message DIF.Advantage is that all systems for following can be according to the side of interoperability Formula communicates with one another and exchanges and share licence, wherein the cost for following is less than completely DRM system, and message (REL) is right Platform, design and realization are neutral, and this is not made stipulations.Such method allows the technology with different platform agenda Supplier competes on the basis of equal, while safeguarding sufficient interoperability.

Although various standardization efforts potentially eliminating in major obstacle listed above certain some, numerous main barriers Hinder and still suffer from.For example, it is created that for standard, standardization DRM system is extremely hard to create, because in standardisation requirements value chain All participants, from content owner to display device manufacturer, all requirements to system are reached an agreement, and are realized such Agreement is filled with complicated factor.Each content owner has its own to using rule needed for safety grades, licence Deng requirement.Equipment manufacturers may be unwilling to implement licence, because consumer may be because inconvenience be without buying.This also may be used The use of the function of making manufacturer be different from competitor can be limited.Additionally, not all of business prototype is required for same grade Safety or using constraint.For example, commercial broadcasting content requires that embedded commercial advertisement is watched, and the distribution of audio frequency MP3 Require to limit duplication.Even if establishing standard, these standards are often for sharing what public safety was required in market Partitioning portion.The self-organizing interoperability of cross-market partitioning portion will continue to be a problem.

It is difficult as the DRM system and its intellectual property law of one country of standardization for international support, almost The DRM system of global normalization can not possibly be created.Do so requires that All Countries are reached an agreement to intellectual property and using law.

For life cycle, such as most of digital entities, licence has life cycle.Licence is created, for New permit is created, damaged, expired, cancelling, exercising, shifting, sharing.Although authority interoperates, expression formula is creating interoperability It is valuable during DRM system, but it does not provide the institute needed for allowing such system to participate in the whole life cycle of digital license It is functional.

Because these and other difficult point, to this is preferably desirably to give national given market (for example, the U.S. DVD movie) create DRM standard.So as to, realized using current DRM system, consumer be destined to process various DRM systems with And DRM interoperability issues.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly it is desirable to a kind of method, the system of the above and other problem for solving conventional content center system and method And equipment.Above and other demand is solved by the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and these embodiments are by founding " in licence The method of the heart " provides the side that can be deployed and significantly improve consumer experience to carry out digital content distribution and rights management Method, system and equipment.Exemplary shared license repository can be configured to realize one group of abundant ability (example life cycle Such as, including reciprocity license transfer, extension, search, acquisition, DRM etc. is converted into from DRM).Exemplary embodiment allows consumer Preference based on consumer is selected from the various storage vaults such as portable equipment or web services.Exemplary embodiment passes through There is provided shared license repository to can be used to mechanism and interface with proprietary DRM system interoperability improve consumer process crowd Experience during more different DRM system.

So as in the illustrative aspects of the present invention, there is provided a kind of content for license center is used or distributed Method, system and equipment, including pre-existing Digital Right Management (DRM) system, it has to its data storage bank Unique interface is so as to the use of management and control content；Be configured to access data with the use of management and control content and with pre-existing DRM The shared license repository of the unique interface communication of system；And be configured to be interacted with pre-existing DRM system, and quilt It is configured to allow for user and the licence being associated with content is sent to into pre-existing DRM system from shared license repository Or the user interface of another shared license repository.

By reading the multiple exemplary embodiments and reality that illustrate including realizing including the best mode that the present invention is conceived Existing is described in detail below, and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent.The present invention also can have other and Different embodiments, its some details can be changed in all fields, and this is all without departing from spirit and scope of the invention.From And, accompanying drawing and description should be considered as being illustrative rather than in itself determinate.

Brief description

Unrestricted as an example in the figure of accompanying drawing to show embodiments of the invention wherein, identical reference number refers to Be similar element, in accompanying drawing：

Fig. 1 shows the example system for describing the interaction between example components；

Fig. 2 is provided for using the general survey of the example process of the shared digital license storage vault of Fig. 1；

Fig. 3 is shown for being described between proprietary DRM system the shared licence for providing the other interoperability of main level The example system of storage vault；

Fig. 4 shows some of example system in the component only included shown in Fig. 1.

The detailed description of preferred embodiment

The present invention is included in the consumption of the digital content of prior art, the method for " content center " is combined and disappeared to specific Take the understanding of the content of application program consumption.For example, when consumer wants consumption digital content, text of the consumer in consumer The file for including the content, and appropriate content consumption application program launching are double-clicked in part system resource managers.Consumption content Authority be commonly bound at the specific embodiment of this content.For example, the authority for watching film is bound to the material of DVD and accounts for Have.If content is subject to the protection of Digital Right Management (DRM) system, to being originally used for protecting the specific DRM of the content Use of the prediction to the content in the use of system.For example, if consumer have purchased the licence of content from company A, disappear Expense person must on consumer device installation company A DRM system to consume corresponding contents.

Exemplary embodiment improves content center mould by introducing the concept of the Digital Right Management of " license center " Type.Consumer wants the authority for concentrating them to be possessed to use content.Consumer wants easily manage these authorities. Consumer is not intended to the spy that the use of content is limited to content media or form, consumer applications program, consumer device and DRM system Fixed combination.In the context of exemplary embodiments, licence may include the table using rule that access right expression formula catches Show.Licence can pass on all contexts of authorized authority.The information captured in licence may include authorizing for authority Person, the awarded person of authority, content, the use of license and associated terms and conditions.Rights expression may include authority Digital form performance.The example of rights expression may include the authority based on the rights expression language for being for example based on XML, this A little language ISO MPEG REL, XrML, SAML, XACML, ODRL, OMA REL, data structure, bit field etc..

Using exemplary embodiment, consumer obtains (for example, buy, lease, exchange and subscribe to) content licenses, and can Content is used (for example, consume, present, distributing and be shared) using such licence, and does not consider that used consumption should With program or equipment, content distribution medium, DRM system for implementing license terms etc..For example, consumer is commercially available for seeing The licence seen a film, and this licence need not be bound to the particular implementation of this film, such as DVD.If this is same One film can use on different media, such as pay per view by broadcast or fine definition DVD, then the licence of consumer is still right Watch the film effective, it is assumed that licence allows such presentation really.In another example, consumer is obtained in his family's scope The licence of film is played on interior any equipment.The licence may be expressed as the icon on its desktop computer.When the licence When icon is placed on DRM player I (for example, Real Player), the film is played on its PC monitor.When same When licence icon is dragged on DRM player II (for example, Windows Media Player), (for example, the film is also played On the giant-screen TV driven by DRM players II).What (for example, on demand) taking-up of DRM players was associated with licence is suitable to It is presented the content of environment.For the same reason, when licence is transferred to mobile phone or portable player, these Equipment also can be taken off (for example, on demand) and presentation content, as long as these equipment belong to home-ranges.This is for consumer than existing There is the DRM system of technology much more convenient.

Exemplary embodiment allows consumer to access the inventory of its licence bought, and does not consider consumer Position, consumer applications program or equipment create the proprietary DRM system of the licence.Exemplary embodiment is included to consumer There is provided single contact point to manage the exemplary license repository of its all licence.Exemplary license repository is difference DRM system consistent user interface is provided, while having promoted the interoperability between these systems.Exemplary embodiment includes Interface of the storage and management and offer of digital license to the access of these licences.

So as to, with today market on system conversely, exemplary embodiment is carried out using the method for " license center " Enable the digital content distribution of DRM.Consumer obtains the licence of content, and content can be used using this licence, and Used consumer applications program or equipment, content distribution medium, DRM system for implementing license terms etc. are not considered.Example Such as, the licence of the commercially available music track of consumer, and the licence is not required to be bound to the particular implementation of music, such as CD.If the same music can use on different media, such as the mp3 file downloaded, then the licence of consumer is still It is effective and applicable, it is assumed that licence allows such reproduction.

Method in order to enable such " license center ", exemplary embodiment focuses on license by allowing consumer Card and the example of non-content are improving the experience of user.Exemplary embodiment more fully understands and utilizes it by allowing consumer Licence, complete function life cycle, such as obtain, equity transmission (for example, lend, sell), search, extend, file, disk Point etc. is improving the experience of consumer.Exemplary embodiment provides consistent Consumer's Experience, and for using and managing all The single contact point of licence, and do not consider that the entity of the position, consumer device or establishment licence of consumer is (for example, proprietary DRM system, content owner and content distributor).Exemplary embodiment provided between different DRM systems, same DRM system Minimum between different instances and between the different editions of same DRM system but still the interoperability of rank enough.

In order to provide these advantages, exemplary embodiment provides the mobile access to sharing digital license storage vault, and Management life cycle of the licence to being stored is provided.Exemplary embodiment includes the storage of digital license and provides right The interface of the access of these licences.

With reference now to accompanying drawing, wherein identical reference number indicates identical or corresponding part through some views, more Body ground is in fig. 1 it is shown that according to the system 100 for license center content consumption of exemplary embodiment.In FIG, For license center content consumption example system 100 may include expression content using rule licence 106,108, 128th, 130,132 and 134.The form of licence can be standardized, such as in licence 106,128,130 and 132, Huo Zheke To be proprietary, such as in licence 108 and 134.Some proprietary licences can be that user reaches an agreement on when they obtain content Articles of law and condition, existence of the content in proprietary DRM system and the understanding to these terms and conditions are defined The basis of proprietary licence.Example system 100 may include can be by multiple DRM systems 136,138 and 140 and/or these DRM systems A use or shared digital license storage vault 142 shared among them in the example of system.

Shared digital license storage vault 142 may include one or more DLLs 110,112 and 114 with it is proprietary One or more interfaces in DRM system 136,138 and 140, it is the storage vault of proprietary DRM system including proprietary DRM system, proprietary The DLL 122,124 and 126 of DRM system, and/or DRM system itself.The and of DLL 110,112,114,122,124 126 is logic function.They can be respectively embodied as a part for license repository and proprietary DRM system, or externally be made For individually bonding (glue) module.Shared digital license storage vault 142 may include to be configured to manage licence and go back quilt It is configured as the part and/or the part as proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 of shared license repository 142 One or more license management user interfaces 104.

Proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 may include the proprietary DRM license repositories of each DRM system, wherein common The DLL 122,124 and 126 enjoyed between the example of digital license storage vault 142 is configured to permit to enter between them Row license transfer.Proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 may also comprise and be configured to manage shared digital license storage vault Example between licence transfer license management user interface 116,118 and 120.Proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 may include the DLL 122,124 and 126 between ISP and shared digital license storage vault 142, their quilts It is configured to allow for obtaining licence from each ISP, and is configured to be deposited on shared digital license storage vault 142 Storage licence.License management user interface 116,118 and 120 is also configured to manage the new permit from service provider Obtain, and be configured to store licence on shared digital license storage vault 142.

Shared digital license storage vault 142 may also include certified component 144, and it is configured to provide shared digital storage The user of storehouse 142 itself and/or shared digital license storage vault 142/possessory certification.Shared digital license storage vault 142 storage vaults for being also configured to digital content.Example system 100 need not include all component relative to Fig. 1 descriptions, Other examples embodiment can only include in the component certain some.

The center of example system is can be in multiple proprietary DRM systems 136, the digital permission shared between 138 and 140 Card storage vault 142.Storage vault 142 can store, search for and understand licence (for example, the CD explicitly or implicitly expressed by context Proprietary rightss imply the licence for playing corresponding music).Licence can be according to representing the unique form of storage vault 142.For It is easy to from any suitable position or equipment access the licence in digital license storage vault 142, storage vault 142 can be matched somebody with somebody The equipment for be set to the portable physical mobile device of user, being connected to network or be connected to domain control device, such as PC, machine top Box and game console, the software application operated on standard platform, the service that can be accessed from each position etc..

Shared digital license storage vault 142 allows multiple agency's participation licence life cycles, plurality of agency to have Sharp ground need not understand the proprietary expression formula of these licences.The interface 110,112 and 114 of shared digital license storage vault 142 can Be configured for licence search, license obtainment, reciprocity license transfer, licence renewal, proprietary DRM system form it Between licence dialogue etc..

In order to user mutual, share digital license storage vault 142 and license management user interface 104 be provided, it permits The content of storage vault 142 is explained at family allowable and the licence to storing in storage vault 142 performs function life cycle, such as standby Part, acquisition new permit, license transfer card, search licence, report state, the situation of licence and inventory, extension are permitted Can demonstrate,prove, remove scrap licence, issue license, licence be converted into reference format, changing between proprietary format and permitted Can demonstrate,prove, be paper or other digital forms etc. by licence filing.

In order to interact with proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140, share digital license storage vault 142 and DLL is provided 110th, 112 and 114, they allow storage, search, retrieval and other licence functions life cycle, including to specific DRM system 136th, 138 and 140 unique rights expression.Interface 110,112 and 114 advantageously allow for DRM system 136,138 and 140 it Between interoperability, and understand mutual proprietary rights expression without the need for DRM system 136,138 and 140.Shared digital license Storage vault 142 is also configured to for example via the certified component 144 for allowing proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 certification users To provide the proof of identity characteristic.

Shared digital license storage vault 142 can be interacted with other digital license storage vaults 142.Shared digital license Each in storage vault 142 can be configured to provide the standard for allowing the shared cross license of digital license storage vault 142 Change interface (for example, physics, programming, wireless or multiple etc.).The ability interacted with other shared license repositories 142 allows to use Family acts on the preferred experience of licence based on it to select storage vault, or the license transfer card between storage vault.Can be single One or more shared digital license storage vaults 142 are realized in computational entity.For example, license repository service can be to multiple User provides shared digital license repository service.

The proprietary interface that shared license repository 142 may also be employed being provided by specific DRM system is come and the specific DRM System interaction.This allows shared license repository 142 and the machine for not supporting to be provided by shared digital license storage vault 142 The DRM system interoperability of DLL 100,112 and 114.

Fig. 2 is provided for using the general survey of the illustrative steps of shared license repository 142, wherein in step 202 In, user obtains and configures shared digital license storage vault 142.Conventional DRM system different from being limited to proprietary storage vault, Exemplary embodiment allows user to select storage vault from third party.Shared digital license storage vault 142 can be such as user The equipment such as the portable equipment bought, the software application operated on standard platform, such as web services or mobile phone can use The widely available service such as service etc..Different use are nowd provide because the difference for sharing digital license storage vault 142 is real Family interface, therefore each user can be for example based on user preference etc. in the proposal of available shared digital license storage vault 142 Between select.Then, user can manage its all of licence using selected shared digital license storage vault 142, and not Consider the DRM system for creating the licence.

In step 204-206, the set of the shared available licenses of digital license storage vault 142 preloading, Huo Zheke Obtain before interacting with other digital license storage vaults 142 or various proprietary DRM systems 136,138 and 140 to obtain user Licence.User can actively or passively obtain licence, another movable as program etc. is perhaps presented in purchase A part.Shared digital license storage vault 142 can be used and connect for the proprietary of each in DRM system 136,138 and 140 Mouthfuls 122,124 and 126 with DRM system 136,138 and 140 to interact.Shared digital license storage vault 142 can store user The copy of the licence bought before all.Shared digital license storage vault 142 can be configured to replicate from DRM system 136th, in 138 and 140 the user license of each (for example, via (pull) process of drawing), or DRM system 136,138 Can be configured to for the licence of user to copy to shared license repository 142 (for example, via pushing away (push) mistake with 140 Journey).Licence can to imply, (for example, the proprietary rightss of DVD can imply and broadcast by explicit expression or by consuming DRM system context Put the licence of the video for encoding thereon).

Shared digital license storage vault 142 can pass through the necessary licence of the proprietary format for providing consumption DRM system, come Allow to be used (for example, present, consume, replicate and distribute) using the content of any suitable DRM system.In order that with content, Appropriate licence can be provided from the shared license repository 142 of user to consumption DRM system.Shared digital license storage Storehouse 142 can also be used for for example carrying out the user that content is consumed in certification via certified component 144.Depending on the storage of shared digital license The realization in storehouse 142, certification may include to use cryptographic key, biometric mechanisms etc..

In step 208-216, shared digital license storage vault 142 can provide a user with unified licence user circle Face, it provides used in whole licence life cycle and manages numerous abilities of licence.User can be based on the inclined of user Fortunately select between available repositories, and licence can be managed independently of each DRM system for being originally created licence.Example Property embodiment allow shared license repository 142 to realize one group of abundant ability life cycle, including license transfer (example Such as, equity), extend, search, obtain, DRM etc. is transformed into from DRM.

In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, when licence is stored in shared digital license storage vault 142, can protect Deposit by faith mechanisms such as the digital signature for originating DRM system offer.If the proof of licence verity can not be from originating Consumption DRM system is extracted or be provided in DRM system, then share license repository 142 and can be used to confirm the true of licence Reality.

Exemplary embodiment provides many merits better than conventional DRM system.For example, with regard to Consumer's Experience concordance and Speech, exemplary embodiment allows consumer to carry out exequatur using unique user interface and manages operation.So as in exemplary reality In applying example, shared license repository 142 may include license management user interface 104, and user can manage licence with it And do not consider that licence is stored in where, creates entity (for example, DRM system, content owner and the content distribution of licence Person) or for exercising the DRM system of corresponding permissions.License management user interface 104 can represent user come with it is proprietary DRM license repositories 136,138 and 140 are interacted.Advantageously, each DRM system that user need not be originated with licence 136th, 138 and 140 direct interaction.

Using license management user interface 104, user can check the information with regard to all licences for obtaining before, bag Include the information of the DRM system applied with regard to these licences.By the way that using license management user interface 104, user also may be used Using shared license repository 142 from any suitable DRM system to obtain other licences or extends overdue licence. Acquired licence can be transmitted directly as such to shared license repository 142 to store.User also can be via licence pipe Reason user interface 104 is shifted come the licence equity performed to other users.In transfer, original user license may be arrived Phase, revocation are damaged, and can create new license for another user on the shared digital license storage vault 142 of another user Card.Using license management user interface 104, user also can create stored in shared digital license storage vault 142 permitted The filing copy that can be demonstrate,proved, so as in DRM system failure, software/hardware movement or upgrading or such as electronic mail account and password Reduce in the case of changing Deng authentication information.

Fig. 3 shows example system 300, is included in proprietary DRM system 136, basic rank is provided between 138 and 140 Interoperability shared license repository 142.For common component, the example system 300 of Fig. 3 with Fig. 1 showing The similar mode operation of example sexual system 100.

Fig. 4 shows and omits the component of shared license repository 142, and is changed to using shared license management user circle Face 104 is come the virtual shared storage vault of the licence that stored in providing for combining proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 Another exemplary system 400.In the diagram, share license management user interface 104 to can be configured to provide proprietary DRM storages The view of all user licenses stored in storehouse 136,138 and 140.In order to perform management operation, user and shared license Card managing user interface 104 is interacted, and it uses the DLL 122,124 provided by proprietary DRM storage vaults 136,138 and 140 User's request is realized with 126.Other side, for common component, the example system 400 of Fig. 4 is with showing similar to Fig. 1 The mode of the example system 3300 of example sexual system 100 and Fig. 3 is operated.

Exemplary embodiment provides unified licence inventory.For example, exemplary embodiment allows consumer from each Plant source (for example, physical stores, satellite/cable television, the Internet download etc.) (for example, DVD, Redbook sound in a variety of manners Frequently, computer DVD, Streaming Media etc.) for various equipment (for example, PC, Set Top Box, car stereo, be networked to setting for remote location It is standby etc.) purchase content.Exemplary embodiment also allows consumer to access content according to corresponding licence, and does not consider licence Position, consumer device are originally created the DRM system of licence.Therefore, exemplary embodiment is allowed in mutually agreing by content The interior using rule of regulation can be demonstrate,proved, all the elements can be used by any suitable equipment that the content can be presented.

So as to, shared digital license storage vault 142 can store the copy of all licences obtained before user, so as to The unified inventory of licence is provided.Shared digital license storage vault 142 is reproducible from DRM system 136,138 and 140 In the user of each licence (for example, via be pulled through journey), or DRM system 136,138 and 140 being permitted user Can demonstrate,prove and copy to shared license repository 142 (for example, via push through journey).Shared digital license storage vault 142 can be used For each in DRM system 136,138 and 140 proprietary DLL 122,124 and 126 so as to DRM system 136, 138 and 140 interactions.When storage vault 142 is obtained, the set of the available licenses of digital license storage vault 142, such as institute are shared There are HBO or NFL programs to preload.The licence that can be obtained before aggregate users using service or software program, and will license Card is loaded in shared digital license storage vault 142.Therefore, exemplary embodiment is provided and realizes the unified example of licence Property means, but other equivalent manners can be adopted in other exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Exemplary embodiment provides the user to sharing digital license storage vault and DRM system and selects.For example, Ren Hehe The shared digital license storage vault 142 that respectively can provide of suitable number is realized.User can be to the shared digital license to be used Storage vault 142 is made based on the selection of preference.Each implementor can come area according to each factor, the storage and access of such as licence Proposal (for example, the portable set with hardware interface, the widely available web services of other its shared license repository 142 Deng).

Other factorses may include the feature at provided license management interface 104.For example, digital license storage is shared The license management interface 104 that storehouse 142 provides can be presented the unified view of each user license, and not consider to create licence DRM system or thereon store licence proprietary license repository.

Other factorses may include the proprietary DRM system of supported one group.So as to each shared digital license storage vault 142 can provide the interoperability with the one group of proprietary DRM license repository for being identified.For example, implementor A can provide as with The shared license repository 142 of the web services of proprietary DRM system A, B and C interoperability.The shared licence storage of implementor A Storehouse 142 can safeguard the copy of all licences that particular consumer is obtained from proprietary DRM system A, B and C.On the other hand, separately Interoperability can be limited to DRM system A and B by one implementor B, but not include C.

Other factorses may include price, and wherein DRM manufacturers are can providing their own with shared digital license storage vault 142 The proprietary user interface 104 of interoperability.Each DRM manufacturer can distinguish its proposal according to each factor, and such as consumer is used for together Enjoy equipment (such as, personal computer, PDA, mobile phone etc.), the presentation (example of user interface of the interaction of digital license storage vault 142 Such as, based on figure or word), the ability at interface (for example, simplifying or full feature), one group of shared digital license storage being supported Warehousing, price etc..Advantageously, user can be made based on the selection of preference, and still in the user interface 104 to be used Its all of licence is stored in centre, shared license repository 142.

Exemplary embodiment can carry out certification user using shared digital license storage vault 142.For example, when consumer wants During using the content being licensed, shared digital license storage vault 142 optionally for example carrys out certification and uses via certified component 144 Family.Realize depending on shared digital license storage vault 142, such certification may include to use cryptographic key, bioassay machine System etc..For example X.509 digital certificate or authorize the certification of the forms such as the ISO MPEG REL licences of possessProperty and permitted Can demonstrate,prove can in such a way be supplied to consumption DRM system.

In the exemplary embodiment, sharing license repository 142 can be permitted according to the proprietary format of DRM system by necessary Can demonstrate,prove and be supplied to consumption DRM system.For example, if shared license repository 142 is available as web services, and consumer is just Content is consumed using PDA, then sharing digital license storage vault 142 can be according to the appropriate special of the DRM system resided on PDA There is form to provide certification licence.

In a further exemplary embodiment, consumer can be by from the appropriate license of shared digital license storage vault 142 Card copies to consumption DRM system.For example, if shared digital license storage vault 142 is available as portable set, and consume Person just consumes content using personal computer, then consumer can be according to the suitable of resident DRM system on the personal computer When proprietary format is come replicating licence.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, if the instantiation in the form of smart card of shared digital license storage vault 142, Then sharing digital license storage vault 142 can be by inserting the smartcard into main process equipment, such as PC, Set Top Box, game control Use in platform etc..In this case, certification licence can be enable and main process equipment is used to allow to visit using licence Ask and using the content.

Exemplary embodiment can be used for the individual authentication of content obtaining.For example, when licence is stored in shared licence When in storage vault 142, can preserve by faith mechanisms such as the digital signature for originating DRM system offer.If licence is true Property proof extract in DRM system or be provided to consumption DRM system from originating, then share digital license storage vault 142 can be configured to confirm the verity of licence.

In this way, sharing digital license storage vault 142 can provide the individual authentication of content obtaining.According to the role, Shared digital license storage vault 142 take on determine before if, when, how and where obtain licence independent generation Reason.DRM system in addition to DRM system is originated can be based on to confirming that the existence of licence and the shared numeral of credibility are permitted The trust in storage vault 142 can be demonstrate,proved to honour this licence.If additionally, the licence stored in storage vault 142 is after a while Needs are provided again by the DRM system for being originally created licence, then sharing digital license storage vault 142 allows consumer to prove Such license obtainment.

Exemplary embodiment can be used for the cross license between the storage vault 142 of interoperable.For example, exemplary enforcement Example allows consumer according to corresponding licence to access content, and does not consider position or the consumer device of licence.Due to appointing What the suitable number of storage vault 142 that interoperable respectively can be provided and license management interface to these storage vaults, because This each user can be made based on the selection of preference to the storage vault of one or more to be used interoperable.

In order to allow consumer to access content, example from any suitable position or using any suitable consumer device Property embodiment include being capable of the interoperability storage vault 142 of cross license.For example it is assumed that consumer uses two interoperability storages Storehouse 142, one is located in portable video player, and one available as web services, and if consumer has portable The licence of certain movie is played on video player, then exemplary embodiment allows the consumer by license transfer to web Service, and the film is played on a personal computer.Similarly, if consumer is on a handheld device using shared digital permission Card storage vault 142, and have purchased new handheld device, then exemplary embodiment is allowed consumers to all licences from old Equipment is transferred to new equipment.In order to provide such function, each shared digital license storage vault 142 can be configured to provide Allow standard interface (for example, physics, programming or two of storage vault 142 and other interoperability cross licenses of storage vault 142 Person).

Therefore, exemplary embodiment provides interoperability, and because the multiformity in DRM markets will be in several years in the future Exist, therefore exemplary embodiment provides the concurrently deployment for promoting such incompatible DRM system, while still causing consumption to receive The content of DRM protections is acceptable consumer experience.By the interoperability for providing this rank, exemplary embodiment can Consistent user interface to different DRM systems is provided.Advantageously, exemplary embodiment provides the mobile visit to digital license Ask, and the proprietary essence of the DRM system for not considering to create the licence.

Exemplary embodiment may include special hand-held license repository 142.For example, user can buy root from department store According to the portable license repository equipment 142 that exemplary embodiment is configured.User can be based on by the equipment and by each manufacture The various features mutually distinguished of competition equipment that business provides, the such as human engineering of shape factor, equipment, user interface, are felt The vigorousness known and reliability, the more preferable or wider support to proprietary DRM API, availability, connection, peering service compatibility Property, price etc. are selecting purchase of equipment 142.For example, the commercially available portable licence according to exemplary embodiment configuration of user Storage vault 142, it supports USB, wireless service connection；Its license can be worked and can stored together with the content of any suitable type Card；Can interoperate with Adobe, Microsoft and Adelphia DRM system；And may be connected to Microsoft Windows or MAC OS computers, mobile phone, Set Top Box or portable MP 3 player.This equipment can be configured to special equipment, or be permitted The feature that storage vault 142 can be this equipment also including other functions can be demonstrate,proved.

In this case, user is to family, and can be using USB or wireless connections come by special hand-held license repository equipment 142 be attached to for example its operation Microsoft Windows or some other softwares personal computer on Adobe, The proprietary DRM systems of Microsoft and Adelphia.Storage library facilities 142 can be recognized using biometric information (for example, fingerprint) Card user, or storage library facilities itself can be the certification (for example, in the case of smart card) of user.Equipment 142 can make With the corresponding proprietary interface 122,124 and 126 of proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 come with proprietary DRM system 136,138 and Each interaction in 140, each from proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 extracts the licence that user has bought Inventory, and store the copy of extracted licence.User can check bought license using the screen of equipment 142 The inventory of card, including the DRM system 136,138 and 140 that the information with regard to content and each licence are applied.

Periodically, the licence that user can will be stored on equipment 142 is backuped on computer.Advantageously, if Portable storage library facilities 142 is damaged at any time, lost, the replacement of equipment 142 stolen or by " new and improvement ", Yong Huye All licences for obtaining before will not be lost, because the backup copies of licence can be transferred to replacement equipment by user.

If user comes to friend home, and one digital content is downloaded to into the Apple MAC meters of his friend from the Internet On calculation machine, then its license repository equipment 142 can be connected to user the computer of his friend, and it is interior to cause it to can be used for this The licence of appearance is entered in the Apple DRM systems of his friend.Advantageously, then the user can use the licence of himself And the Apple DRM systems on the computer of his friend consume downloaded content on the computer of his friend.

Exemplary embodiment may include the shared license repository 142 for being configured to service.For example, user can subscribe to and carry The service based on web for sharing license repository 142.User can access shared from any suitable equipment with connection License repository 142 is serviced, and do not consider physical connection type (for example, DSL, cable modem services, wirelessly connect Enter or inserting of satellite).User can be based on the various features of difference competitive service, the vigorousness for such as being perceived and reliability, right Service function, availability, connection, the peering services such as more preferable or wider support, backup and the report of proprietary DRM API Compatibility, price etc. are selecting shared license repository 142web service.For example, user can subscribe to shared licence storage Storehouse 142 services, and it can work together with the content of any suitable type and store its licence, and with Adobe, Microsoft With Adelphia DRM systems interoperability.

User can be connected to shared license repository 142 and service using its DSL Internet connection from his family, and provide The user name and password is used as authentication information.User can ask the shared service of license repository 142 and Adobe, Microsoft and The proprietary DRM systems 136,138 and 140 of Adelphia are interacted so that each from system 136,138 and 140 obtains user's Licence.The service of shared license repository 142 can using the proprietary interface 122,124 and 126 of system come with system 136,138 With 140 in each interaction, from system 136,138 and 140 each extract user acquired in licence it is detailed Catalogue, and store the copy of licence.User can be checked acquired in it using the webpage of the shared service of license repository 142 Licence inventory, including the information of the DRM system applied with regard to licence.

If user comes to friend home, and by digital content from the computer that the Internet downloads to his friend, then the use Family can be connected to shared license repository 142 using the computer of his friend and cable modem and be serviced, and by he Content licenses copy in the Microsoft DRM systems of his friend.User then can use himself licence with And the Microsoft DRM systems on the computer of his friend are in consumption is downloaded on the computer of his friend Hold.

Exemplary embodiment may include the shared digital license storage vault 142 for being configured to non-dedicated handheld device. In one exemplary embodiment, non-dedicated hand-held storage library facilities 142 can be integrated in the equipment with another function, all Such as mobile phone, PDA, PlayStation Portables, portable video player or MP3 player.For example, user is commercially available is permitted including shared The PDA of storage vault 142 can be demonstrate,proved.User can store the license of the content for using any suitable proprietary DRM system protection on PDA Card.User can consume this protected content using the PDA device, or PDA device can be connected to into another consumer device, all Such as PC.In either case, the shared license repository 142 on PDA can with for protecting the proprietary DRM system of content 136th, 138 and 140 interoperability.

In this case, if DRM system 136,138 and 140 supports the standard interface of shared license repository 142 110th, 112 and 114, then the communication between proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 and shared license repository 142 can use this The interface of sample is carrying out.If this is impossible, proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 and shared license repository 142 it Between communication can be carried out using the proprietary interface 122,124 and 126 of proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140.

Exemplary embodiment may include the storage vault 142 for using proprietary interface and DRM system interoperability.For example, user orders The service based on web that shared license repository 142 is provided is read, the storage vault can be together with the content of any suitable type Its licence is worked and stored, and is mutually grasped with the proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 of Adobe, Microsoft and Adelphia Make.

In this case, user can employ a computer to check that user has it shared license repository 142web to take The Adobe pdf documents of the licence stored in business.When Adobe Reader can not be in the proprietary license repositories of Adobe During the licence of positioning pdf document, Adobe Reader can point out user input license location.User can provide shared license Card storage vault 142web service URL, Adobe DRM systems then can using its proprietary interface come with shared license repository 142web service interactions, and obtain appropriate licence.In fact, storage vault 142 can have understood that as Adobe Reader Storage vault rather than new standardization storage vault operating.It is true that then Adobe DRM systems can check that provided licence comes Whether meet defined calmly uses rule, and if it is, Adobe Reader can be presented the pdf document.

Exemplary embodiment may include the storage vault 142 for using standard interface and DRM system interoperability.For example, Yong Huke The special portable formula storage library facilities 142 of USB and wireless service connection is supported in purchase.Equipment 142 can provide standard programming interface, The interface can interoperate with any suitable DRM system for supporting this interface, and the content of any suitable type can be stored Licence.

In this case, user is to family, and by special portable formula storage vault 142 be attached to Microsoft, Adobe and Apple DRM systems 136,138 and 140, they all support the standard interface of storage vault 142.Special portable formula storage vault 142 can Interacted with each in DRM system 136,138 and 140 using such standard interface, from system 136,138 and 140 Each extracts the inventory of the licence acquired in user, and stores the copy of licence.

User can come to friend home, and there is the video clipping of licence to download to friend's from the Internet to it user On computer.Then user can attempt playing the video clipping using Windows Media Player, but work as Windows When Media Player can not position the licence of the video clipping on the computer of the friend, Windows Media Player can point out user input license location.Special portable formula storage vault 142 can be connected to user the computer of friend, And special portable formula storage vault 142 is appointed as into license location.Microsoft DRM systems on friend's computer then can Interacted with storage vault 142 using the standard interface of special portable formula storage vault 142, and obtain appropriate licence.In this feelings In condition, Microsoft DRM systems will be modified to support clearly be intended to permission consumer with shared license repository 142 new storage bank interface.Microsoft DRM systems can check provided licence to determine whether to meet defined Using rule, and if it is, Windows Media Player can be presented the video clipping.

Exemplary embodiment may include to share the licence that license repository 142 is initiated.For example, user can be using special Store library facilities 142 with hand-held to obtain and store by any suitable of the protection of various special DRM systems 136,138 and 140 The licence of the content of type.When user wants to obtain the licence of new content, the user can use and be stored up by special portable formula The interface that warehousing equipment 142 is provided.

For example it is assumed that special portable formula storage library facilities 142 is connected to portable MP 3 player by user, then want Purchase music file.Interface and the wireless Internet connection of library facilities 142 are stored using special portable formula, user can search for this User wants the music bought.The search interface of special portable formula storage library facilities 142 can return to the institute being associated with licence There is the music file of matching, these licences can use the standardized format of equipment 142 or store library facilities using special hand-held The proprietary format of the DRM system 136,138 and 140 of 142 interoperables.User may be selected the licence (example that user wants to obtain Such as, minimum licence is spent).Special portable formula storage library facilities 142 can obtain selected licence, and the music file can It is downloaded to the MP3 player of user.When user plays the music file, special portable formula storage library facilities 142 will can be permitted The proprietary DRM system being supplied to for protecting the music file can be demonstrate,proved.

Exemplary embodiment may include the peer-to-peer communicationss between special portable formula storage vault.In this case, two users The commercially available special portable formulas of Jack and Nancy store library facilities 142, and store on equipment 142 by various proprietary DRM systems 136th, the licence of polytype content of 138 and 140 protections.Although need not be from same manufacturer, the two equipment 142 can support same standard interface so that equipment 142 can communicate with one another to perform various equity activities, including licence turns Move and borrow or lend money (for example, interim transfer) etc..

For example, if Jack is wanted on the equipment 142 by the license transfer of its e-Book to Nancy, Jack can be by Its equipment 142 is connected to the equipment 142 of Nancy, and carrys out license transfer card using the user interface on his equipment 142.Jack Special portable formula storage library facilities 142 on original license can be revoked, and new, identical licence can be in Nancy Special portable formula storage library facilities 142 on create.The situation is to Jack and Nancy affiliated lineup, such as reading It will be practical that club member etc. authorizes the licence of access right.Create and consume the proprietary of shifted licence DRM system can authorize special portable formula storage library facilities 142 to perform such certificate revocation and establishment.So as to, when When Nancy attempts to use new permit, proprietary DRM system trusts her licence, and allows her to read the e-Book.

In similar example, Jack can be by the equipment 142 of the license transfer of its e-Book to Nancy, and Jack Special portable formula storage library facilities 142 on original license can be marked as expiring.New, similar licence can be Create on the special portable formula storage library facilities 142 of Nancy.The new licence can authorize identical access right, but can be by Nancy lives are that the individual of these authorities is awarded.Again, the proprietary DRM system for creating and consuming shifted licence can Special portable formula storage library facilities 142 is authorized to perform such certificate revocation and establishment.So as to when Nancy attempts to make When using new permit, proprietary DRM system trusts her licence, and allows her to read the e-Book.

In a further exemplary embodiment, its licence can be borrowed (that is, interim transfer) to Nancy for Jack.In this situation In, the licence of Jack can be disabled during the term of loan, and the licence of Nancy is effective only within the term of loan.When borrowing At the end of loan, the licence of Jack can be reactivated, and the licence of Nancy can expire.Again, create and consume this to be permitted The proprietary DRM system that can be demonstrate,proved can authorize special portable formula storage library facilities 142 to perform such licence and expire and create.

In a further exemplary embodiment, special portable formula storage library facilities 142 perform equity activity when can with it is proprietary DRM system communicates.In this case, when equipment 142 of the Jack by its license transfer to Nancy, the special portable of Jack Formula storage library facilities 142 can ask proprietary DRM system to be labeled as expiring by the licence of Jack, and on the equipment 142 of Nancy Create new permit.If proprietary DRM system supports that special portable formula stores the standard interface of library facilities 142, such Request can be made by these interfaces.Otherwise, special portable formula storage library facilities 142 can use the proprietary interface of DRM system To make these requests.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the transfer of licence is related to financial transaction, and such as third party preserves or claps The third parties such as the service of selling.For example, Jack can auction the licence of the authority for playing some audio files, use similar to sale CD special editions.Then Nancy can win auction to the licence bid.There is provided using library facilities 142 is stored by special portable formula Standard interface, Jack can by license transfer give third party preserve account.Nancy can be paid the bill and is placed in third party guarantor In depositing account.Third party preserves service can affect transaction, and payment is transferred to into Jack, and the special portable formula using Nancy is stored up License transfer is given the special portable formula storage library facilities 142 by the standard interface of warehousing equipment 142.

Exemplary embodiment may include the shared digital license storage vault 142 for being configured to provide licence storage. In the exemplary embodiment, shared digital license storage vault 142 can be used as licence storage service, and do not use or or even There are no license management user interface components 104.For example, user can possess and can be used to store all licences for the user Special portable formula stores library facilities 142.In order to perform any suitable license management function, the user can be used by creating simultaneously The proprietary user interface that the DRM system 136,138 and 140 of consumption licence is provided.

No matter when store the licence stored in library facilities 142 using special portable formula to consume content as user When, proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 variously can communicate with equipment 142.For example, DRM system 136,138 and 140 Appropriate licence can be searched on special portable formula storage library facilities 142, and using equipment 142 standard interface come with set Standby 142 communication.DRM system 136,138 and 140 also can search appropriate licence on special portable formula storage library facilities 142, And communicated with equipment 142 using the proprietary interface of DRM system 136,138 and 140.DRM system 136,138 and 140 also can be Appropriate licence is searched in the proprietary licence storage of DRM system 136,138 and 140.Special portable formula stores library facilities 142 Can be used to replace such licence to store, and affairs can be carried out using the licence of portable storage library facilities 142.From And, to proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140, special portable formula storage library facilities 142 can be such as DRM system 136,138 and 140 Proprietary licence storage.

Exemplary embodiment may include the shared digital license storage vault 142 for being configured to verify content obtaining.For example, User can solve content media or scrapping for DRM system 136,138 and 140 and ask using shared digital license storage vault 142 Topic.User can verify the licence to certain content and buy using shared digital license storage vault 142, even and if carrying The display device of content media or the medium for implicit expression licence continues to access such content after scrapping.

For example it is assumed that user have subscribed the shared licence storage with the interoperability of various proprietary DRM systems 136,138 and 140 Warehousing 142web is serviced.The service of shared license repository 142web also can be with the physical content medium such as Amazon.com Online retailer interoperates.Then user can buy the DVD of film from Amazon.com, wherein broadcasting is implied in the purchase to DVD The licence of the film encoded on DVD.Shared digital license storage vault 142web services can store such implicit expression licence.

As time go on, DVD may scrap (for example, DVD is replaced by stream video), but because user have purchased Film on DVD, therefore exemplary embodiment allows user to continue to watch the film with another form, even if the DVD pairs of user This is out-of-date.In this case, provided that the manufacturer of stream video is ready to honour in shared license repository 142web service The licence obtained before being stored, then share license repository 142web service susceptible of proof user and obtained and closed The licence of the film of note.Then shared license repository 142web service can provide all of original license proof of purchase Details, including manufacturer (for example, Amazon.com), medium (for example, DVD), purchase date, purchasing price etc..Due to stream video The shared license repository 142web service of manufacturer's trusted, therefore user can be allowed to the corresponding electricity of the viewing in stream video Shadow.

Exemplary embodiment includes the equipment for supporting multiple physical interfaces.For example, sharing digital license storage vault 142 can Including for being connected to multiple physical mechanisms of the DRM system that other storage vaults or storage vault 142 interoperate therewith, such as USB, Bluetooth, 1394, PCMCIA, 802.11 (a/b/g), proprietary, RFID, CDMA, GSM etc..These connections can parallel, serial etc. grasps Make.

Exemplary embodiment includes supporting the equipment for extracting the various DRM API of licence.For example, single shared number Word license repository 142 can be configured to be interoperated therefrom to extract licence from some different DRM systems.It is such Interoperability can be carried out via the proprietary API that each DRM system the machine is supported.For example, storage vault 142 may be configured such that with When Adobe Acrobat communicate, the purpose to extract licence is used as that application program is presented.Storage vault 142 can be to Adobe Acrobat inquires about the permissions about giving a content and records result.

Exemplary embodiment includes supporting new standard API for accessing the storage vault of DRM system.For example, DRM manufacturers can By support explicitly allow storage vault 142 in each inquire about DRM system with determine standard API of available licence come Direct support to digital license repository 142 is provided.DRM system can be configured to licence using its user interface Shared digital license storage vault 142 is pushed into, or storage vault 142 can be configured to pull licence from DRM system.

In one exemplary embodiment, user can use the example of DRM system, such as Windows Media Player, and when DRM system activity, the DRM system can find shared storage vault 142, and propose understood DRM examples Licence is stored or copied in storage vault 142.

Exemplary embodiment includes equipment, and they are supported for the mechanism of the biometrically user of these equipment of certification. So as to complicated factor when creating DRM system is that certification who or what can exercise expressed authority.It is most of normal The use of given digital content example is bound to rule DRM system a particular instance of DRM system.For example, licence is general Given equipment or PC is awarded.However, using exemplary embodiment, storage library facilities 142 can provide certification clothes to DRM system Business, fingerprint reader etc..DRM system can inquire about storage vault 142 to check the fingerprint of the user of the equipment.In this way, Licence can be bound to storage vault 142 or be connected to the fingerprint of the user of multiple DRM systems, rather than be bound to DRM system Example.

In one exemplary embodiment, DRM system can be configured to trust storage vault 142 carry out certification user.This is similar to In above-mentioned example bioassay system, but employ need not necessarily need to be based on the login ID and password setup of bioassay, digital certificate, RFID or other types of customer certification systems etc..Content can be bound to DRM examples the authentication mechanism of storage vault 142.User The storage vault 142 for supporting user to feel suitable form of authentication may be selected.In a further exemplary embodiment, mobile phone can be configured It is storage vault 142 providing the function of all storage vaults 142 coupled with certification via the machine identification capability of mobile phone.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, share digital license storage vault 142 and can be configured to unique key, and DRM System can be configured to trust the mandate of the presence as licence of the unique key.For example, DRM system can be configured to check Accessibility to uniquely identified storage vault 142, and if storage vault 142 may have access to, then the authority of associated content can It is exercised.Advantageously, the exemplary embodiment allows the mobility of licence, and wherein the authority of content is with storage vault 142 movement and move.

Exemplary embodiment is arranged to service (for example, the mobile phone clothes for connecting including physical equipment is not configured to Business, Internet service, satellite service etc.) storage vault 142.Set so as to, storage vault 142 needs not to be the physics that consumer possessed It is standby, but can be configured to the Internet or mobile phone service etc..In such a case, user can connect storage vault 142 To the example of DRM system.If DRM system the machine is supported to the interface of storage vault 142, this connection can be built in DRM systems In system, or connection can be made via multifunctional equipments such as mobile phones.For example, user can possess user carrying enable indigo plant The CDMA phone of tooth, and user is likely encountered Windows computers and wishes to exercise stored licence.Phone can be via indigo plant Tooth is connected to PC, and then using phone as middleware, PC can be connected to shared digital license storage vault via CDMA 142.Then, PC can find the licence for using in the storage vault 142 based on CDMA.

Exemplary embodiment includes that user come on-line search and buys new permit using digital license storage vault 142. For example, storage vault 142 can be configured to include the user interface of their own, and as the paving from different service acquisition licences Face.In this case, user-accessible friend family, and the content for checking and listening to is searched for using storage vault 142.When interior After appearance is identified, can be bought, and new licence can be transmitted to storage vault 142.Then, the local DRM of friend family System can be used to checking or listening to the content.

Exemplary embodiment makes (offsite) leaving from station of the content of shared digital license storage vault 142 including user Filing copy, and if lose in equipment 142, the stolen or also raw content in future damaged.If licence lose, it is stolen or Damage, then share the filing copy of digital license storage vault 142 or leaving from station and can be used to reduce proprietary DRM system 136,138 and 140 Licence.For example, it can be based on paper (for example, the font or word of OCR), base that storage vault 142 can be configured to support In removable medium (for example, CDR or smart card), based on mounting medium (for example, the hard disk drive on PC), based on service The derivation mechanism of (for example, Microsoft Passport) etc..Advantageously, if equipment 142 lose, it is stolen or damage, this Allow user search its licence inventory.From achieve import licence can be a brand the institute of storage vault 142 it is proprietary , or interoperable with allow consumer change storage vault 142.

In exemplary reciprocity license transfer, the shared digital license storage vault 142 of user A can be attached to user The storage vault of B, wherein one of licence of user A expire, and the new permit that user B can be used is created.For example, two use Family can be agreed to for licence to be transferred to another from a storage vault 142.Substantially, two people agree to exchange certain content example Authority.In the exemplary embodiment, user links together two storage vaults 142, and sends licence or sell and should be permitted Can demonstrate,prove.Storage vault 142 may include the mechanism for making the licence for being sent or selling expire or cancel the licence.

In one exemplary embodiment, storing library facilities 142 and can be authorized to makes licence expire and generates new permit, And DRM system can be configured to trusted devices 142 to perform this function.For example, storage vault 142 can be come by DRM system commission Licence is set to expire or terminate.In the exemplary embodiment, when storage vault 142 can be created and can exercise finite-duration by DRM system Between temporary permit.In the system for disconnecting, storage vault 142 can be trusted to generate limited licence.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can be connected to using standardized A PI and be originally created licence DRM system and exequatur are expired and provided again, perform reciprocity license transfer.For example, storage vault 142 can be used for Licence is transferred to into another from a DRM example.Replace two cross licenses of storage vault 142, the exemplary embodiment Allow two DRM systems to carry out license transfer via storage vault 142 and its connection to demonstrate,prove.In this case, license transfer can be authorized to demonstrate,prove Authority, wherein storage vault 142 be used as transfer pipeline.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can use the proprietary API of the DRM system for being originally created licence Carry out exequatur to expire and provide, perform reciprocity license transfer.For example, storage vault 142 can be used as being responsible for agency, and perform Transfer between two examples of DRM system, rather than storage vault 142 is easy under the cooperation of DRM system using standardized A PI License transfer.This transfer can be the feature of any one DRM system or can not be its feature.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can be used to explain authority.For example, actual licence can be according to DRM neutral mode is stored, and wherein storage vault 142 explains authority rather than licence is converted into into the intelligible shape of DRM system Formula.Storage vault 142 can be using allowing DRM system to be transferred to the appropriate API of storage vault 142 to increase by the responsibility for explaining licence By force.

In one exemplary embodiment, using standardized A PI, storage vault 142 can communicate with one another to perform various equities Activity.So as to two or more storage vaults 142 can be connected to each other so that licensee can form licence and share and send out Existing system.The peer-to-peer network that storage vault 142 can be formed converges (pooling), in real time/online auction etc. in order to licence. For example, the network of storage vault 142 can be created, and for real-time license transfer card.In order to add, user for example must be provided for 5 shared licences.Then, user can search for the network of storage vault 142, and identify the licence that user wants to exercise.License Card debt-credit or transfer can in real time be carried out to the storage vault 142 of user, and DRM system can be notified to allow consumption.Afterwards, licence The network of storage vault 142 can be sent back to.Advantageously, this example system can potentially allow for unlimited number of user " conjunction Method ground " accesses unlimited number of licence.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can be configured to the service to DRM system, and DRM system can make Performed with the user interface of their own using the license management function of standardized A PI.For example, storage vault 142 can be provided certainly Body is used for storing and retrieving a kind of mode of licence as DRM system.DRM system can still possess the pipe for these licences Reason user interface, wherein DRM system can be configured to support the API of storage vault 142.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can be configured to the service to DRM system, and DRM system can make Performed with the user interface of their own using the license management function of proprietary API.For example, storage vault 142 can provide itself It is used for storing and retrieving a kind of mode of licence as DRM system.DRM system can still possess the management for these licences User interface, wherein DRM system " being lured into " are using storage vault 142.In this exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can quilt It is configured to intercept the licence storage request to DRM system the machine, and such function is provided.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 may include the user interface of their own come via standardized A PI across Each exequatur management function in DRM system.For example, the user interface of storage vault 142 can be configured to allow to use The licence stored in the example of DRM system is checked at family, and wherein DRM system can be configured to allow storage vault 142 via mark The licence storage of standardization API Access DRM system.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 may include the user interface of their own come via proprietary API across Each exequatur management function in DRM system.For example, the user interface of storage vault 142 can be configured to allow to use The licence stored in the example of DRM system is checked at family, and wherein DRM system is not required to be changed, but storage vault 142 can be matched somebody with somebody It is set to using the API of DRM system the machine to determine available licenses.

In one exemplary embodiment, using standardized A PI, storage vault 142 may be connected to third party and preserve or auction Service performs safety, long-range reciprocity licence interaction allowing two users to find other side.For example, selling to be stored up Warehousing 142 is connected to eBay etc. and services and provide the licence for auction, wherein eBay buyer and then the browsable seller Storage vault 142 and for wherein store licence price.Verify after third party preserves service after having been carried out paying, The storage vault 142 of the seller can be connected to the storage vault 142 of buyer, and executable license transfer.

In one exemplary embodiment, storage vault 142 can be configured to provide other types of reciprocity license transfer. For example, can support that other types of equity transfer, such as licence are hired out and resell between storage vault 142.Storage vault 142 can Among each other license transfer is demonstrate,proved, and agreement cancels under suitable condition and recover leased licence.

Using exemplary embodiment, enterprise can be propped up by providing more preferable user interface, vigorousness, more preferable proprietary API Hold, human engineering, availability, peering service compatibility, better price, reliability etc. are stored to compete to be created for consumer The chance in storehouse 142.The form of customizable storage vault 142, ability, cost and vigorousness are finding suitable consumer.The model Good precedence be mobile phone and service routine in wireless industry multiformity and ability.

Equipment and subsystem in the exemplary embodiment of above-mentioned Fig. 1-4 may include, for example, be able to carry out the example of Fig. 1-4 Any suitable server, work station, PC, laptop computer, PDA, internet equipment, the hand-held of the process of property embodiment Equipment, mobile phone, wireless device, portable player, miscellaneous equipment etc..Equipment and subsystem in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 System can be communicated with one another using any suitable agreement, and can come real using the computer system of one or more programmings or equipment It is existing.

One or more interface mechanisms can be used together with the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4, access including such as the Internet, Telecommunications (for example, voice, modem etc.), wireless communication medium of any suitable form etc..For example, Fig. 1's -4 is exemplary The communication network that embodiment is adopted may include one or more cordless communication networks, honeycomb communicating network, G3 communication networks, Public switch telephone network (PSTN), packet data network (PDN), the Internet, Intranet, its combination etc..

It is appreciated that the equipment and subsystem in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 is in order at exemplary purpose, because such as Those skilled in the relevant art are it should be understood that the numerous modifications for the specific hardware of implementation example embodiment are possible 's.For example, in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 equipment and the function of one or more of subsystem can be via one or more The computer system or equipment of programming is realizing.

In order to realize such modification and other modifications, single computer systems can be programmed to carry out showing for Fig. 1-4 The special function of one or more of equipment and subsystem in example property embodiment.On the other hand, can be using two or more volumes The computer system or equipment of journey come the equipment in the exemplary embodiment for replacing Fig. 1-4 and subsystem any one.So as to, Also the principle and advantage of distributed treatment, redundancy, repeatability etc. can be on demand realized, to improve the exemplary reality of Fig. 1-4 Apply the vigorousness and performance of equipment in example and subsystem.

Equipment and subsystem in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 can store the letter relevant with various processes described herein Breath.This information can be stored in one or more memorizeies of the equipment in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 and subsystem, Hard disk, CD, magneto-optic disk, RAM etc..The equipment of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 and one or more data of subsystem Storehouse can store the information for realizing the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Data base can use listed one or more herein Included data structure (for example, record, table, array, field, figure, tree, list etc.) carrys out group in memorizer or storage device Knit.The process described herein in regard to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 may include for storing in one or more data base By collected by the equipment of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 and the process of subsystem and/or the appropriate data knot of data that generates Structure.

Such as can by computer and software field it will be understood by the skilled person that the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 equipment and One or more of all or part of teaching programming using exemplary embodiment of the invention of subsystem are general Computer system, microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller etc. are conveniently realizing.Such as the technology people of software field Member is intelligible, and appropriate software can be easy to be prepared based on the teaching of exemplary embodiment by the programmer of ordinary skill.This Outward, the equipment and subsystem of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 can be realized on the world wide web (www.Additionally, such as the technology people of electric field Member is intelligible, and the equipment and subsystem of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 can be by preparation special ICs or by interconnection Appropriate conventional component circuits network is realizing.Therefore, exemplary embodiment is not limited to any spy of hardware circuit and/or software Fixed combination.

The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is stored in any one of them or its combination of computer-readable medium, can Equipment and subsystem including the exemplary embodiment for control figure 1-4, the exemplary embodiment for driving Fig. 1-4 set The software that standby and subsystem, the equipment of exemplary embodiment for allowing Fig. 1-4 and subsystem are interacted etc. with human user.This The software of sample may include, but be not limited to device driver, firmware, operating system, developing instrument, application software etc..This The computer-readable medium of sample may also include for perform realize the present invention when performed process it is all or part of (if Process is distributed) embodiments of the invention computer program.The computer of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention Code devices may include it is any it is suitable can be explained or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to script, interpretable programs, Dynamic link library (DLL), java class and small routine, complete executable program, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (COBRA) object etc..And, it is better performance, reliability, cost etc., the part of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be with It is distributed.

As described above, the equipment and subsystem of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1-4 may include for keeping of the invention The instruction of teaching programming and computer-readable Jie for keeping data structure described herein, table, record and/or other data Matter or memorizer.Computer-readable medium may include to participate in providing instructions to processor so as to any suitable Jie for performing Matter.Such medium can take various forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, Volatile media, transmission medium etc.. Non-volatile media may include, such as CD or disk, magneto-optic disk etc..Volatile media may include dynamic memory etc..Transmission Medium may include coaxial cable, copper cash, optical fiber etc..Transmission medium may also be employed the forms such as acoustics, optics, electromagnetic wave, such as exist Those produced during radio frequency (RF) communication, infrared (IR) data communication etc..The usual form of computer-readable medium may include Such as floppy disk, flexible disk (-sc), hard disk, tape, any other suitable magnetizing mediums；It is CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other suitable Optical medium；It is punched card with poroid or other optics identifiable markers patterns, paper tape, optical mark figure, any other Suitable physical medium；RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cassette tape； Carrier wave or computer-readable any other suitable media.

Although describing the present invention with reference to multiple exemplary embodiments and realization, the present invention is not limited, and contrary Covering falls within the scope of the appended claims various modifications and equivalent arrangement.

Claims

1. a kind of equipment for managing secure content in the first Digital Right Management DRM computer system, DRM meter Calculation machine system uses proprietary license format and can communicate with shared license management user interface components, the equipment Including：

For the device communicated with the shared license management user interface components, wherein the shared license management user Interface assembly communicates with the second DRM computer system, wherein the first DRM computer system checking user and described shared License management user interface components verify the user, wherein the shared license management user interface components are from described the Two DRM computer systems receive content licenses information corresponding with the user and wherein described shared license management is used It is corresponding with the user from the first DRM computer system and institute that family interface assembly is configured to the management of the viewpoint to assemble State the license information of the second DRM computer system；

For receiving the device of content licenses information from the shared license management user interface components；And

If user's Internet access content is indicated for the content licenses information, in response to asking to the content Ask, obtain the device of the example of the content being associated with the proprietary license format.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are received and held User perform function order for manage the content licenses information of the row from the user.

3. equipment as claimed in claim 2, it is characterised in that user's perform function order include for by licence from Command function of the second DRM computer system transfers to the first DRM computer system.

4. equipment as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are set with single It is standby to realize.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are content storages A part for warehousing.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are platforms A part.

7. equipment as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are from described One DRM computer system receives content licenses information.

8. a kind of method for managing secure content in the first Digital Right Management DRM computer system, DRM meter Calculation machine system uses proprietary license format and can communicate with shared license management user interface components, methods described Including：

Communicate with the shared license management user interface components, wherein the shared license management user interface components with Second DRM computer system communicates, wherein the first DRM computer system checking user and the shared license management User interface components verify the user, wherein the shared license management user interface components are calculated from the 2nd DRM Machine system receives content licenses information corresponding with the user and wherein described shared license management user interface group It is corresponding with the user from the first DRM computer system and described second that part is configured to the management of the viewpoint to assemble The license information of DRM computer system；

Content licenses information is received from the shared license management user interface components；And

If the content licenses information indicates user's Internet access content, in response to the request to the content, The example of the content that acquisition is associated with the proprietary license format.

9. method as claimed in claim 8, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are received and held User perform function order for manage the content licenses information of the row from the user.

10. method as claimed in claim 9, it is characterised in that user's perform function order is included for by licence From the second DRM computer system transfers to the order of the first DRM computer system.

11. methods as claimed in claim 8, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are with single Equipment is realized.

12. methods as claimed in claim 8, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are contents A part for storage vault.

13. methods as claimed in claim 8, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are platforms A part.

14. methods as claimed in claim 8, it is characterised in that the shared license management user interface components are from described First DRM computer system receives content licenses information.