KR20060115550A - DM converter - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a means for converting DRM-applied content that can not be directly played by a user's terminal into DRM-played content that can be played directly.

The DRM converter system is a DRM converter system executed in a user terminal having an input / output means, a communication means, a storage means, and a CPU.

Means for receiving input content to which the first DRM is applied;

Means for decrypting the contents of the first DRM through an appropriate authentication procedure;

Means for mapping the rights of the first DRM to a second DRM rights;

Means for converting content attributes of the decrypted content as necessary;

Means for converting the decrypted content into a second DRM;

Means for outputting output content to which the second DRM is applied;

It is made, including.

Description

DRM Converter {DRM Converter}

1 is a view for explaining the basic concept of the DRM converter of the present invention.

2 is an explanatory diagram of the main concept and service configuration of an embodiment of the DRM converter of the present invention.

3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the necessity of updating a DRM converter.

4 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the DRM converter system of the present invention.

5 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the DRM converter system of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating a multiple structure of a content importer.

7 is a diagram illustrating multiple structures of a license importer.

8 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a content converter.

9 is a structural diagram of a license mapper.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing multiple structures of license exporter.

11 is a structural diagram of a content exporter.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between whether or not a difference in DRM type, content format, and encoding level in a CSP and a user terminal is reproduceable in the related art.

14 is a view for explaining that content cannot be reproduced if the DRM type, content format, encoding, etc. are different.

15 is a flowchart of an essential part of the operation of the DRM converter of the present invention.

16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic installation timing of a DRM converter for a user terminal.

17 is a flowchart of the first operation performed when the DRM converter is started.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the essential attributes and the designation of the attribute values during DRM reproduction to be changed by the DRM converter.

19 is a flowchart of the conversion process.

The present invention relates to a digital rights management (DRM) converter, and more particularly, to convert content, which has already been applied to one type of DRM, to another type of DRM applied content. A converter system and method are disclosed.

<Private Technology>

In general, DRM is any method of protecting digital copyright by preventing illegal copying and dissemination of digital content. In addition, digital contents are finally used in various terminals including computers, PDAs, mobile phones, MP3 players, set-top boxes, and the like, and in particular, in recent years, their use in various portable devices as well as computer environments is rapidly expanding. Hereinafter, these are collectively called a terminal.

In the DRM of such digital content, unfortunately, it does not yet have a standard. Therefore, various types of DRM methods exist in the market, which are implemented with unique technologies for each DRM company and are not compatible with each other.

In addition, important attributes of digital content include content format and encoding level, which are very important factors in determining whether or not digital content can be reproduced in a terminal. Currently, the content format of digital audio contents is very diverse, for example, avi, wma, ra, mp3, etc., and the encoding level can be produced in various ways, for example, 192 Kbps, 384 Kbps, 1 Mbps, and the like.

That is, even if the same content, the type, content format, encoding level of the DRM can be made differently supplied.

CSPs (Contents Service Providers) are provided to provide digital contents for DRM applied for free / for free. Actually, these CSPs apply only one or two types of DRMs with which they are affiliated. It provides digital content, and the reality is that only one or two types of content formats and encoding levels are supported. In addition, there may be cases where only a specific terminal provided by the CSP is supported.

14 is a view for explaining that content cannot be reproduced if the DRM type, content format, encoding, etc. are different. A user having a B DRM capable terminal can know that it was unable to play content of mp3 1 Mbps supported to which A DRM was applied.

Also, not all content is distributed equally among these CSPs, for example, Disney's work is in A CSP, not in B CSP, or C-CSP has no Latin music. Thus, the distribution of ownership of the content itself varies greatly.

Therefore, from the user's point of view, since it is already determined what kind of content he wants to enjoy, he wants to receive the services of the CSP providing the content. In this case, however, the DRM type, content format, encoding level, etc. provided in the CSP are not necessarily within the capabilities of the user's hardware, software, compatibility, and the like.

In particular, digital content is finally reproduced by a terminal, that is, a computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, and the like. In particular, in a portable device, there are many limitations inherently due to problems such as hardware or software limitations and power consumption. It is true.

First, even in view of the DRM type problem, it is common for portable devices to support only one or two types of DRM. Of course, even a desktop or laptop computer cannot support all kinds of DRM. Therefore, digital content that is not currently supported by the user's terminal is of no use because it cannot be reproduced even if it is purchased.

In particular, in portable devices, there are many restrictions on the content format that can be played back due to hardware and software constraints, compatibility, and the like. The encoding level is limited by the number of clocks and the speed and amount of the microprocessor. There are also serious limitations. Due to the constraints of the content format and encoding level, the selectable range is smaller among DRMed contents.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between whether or not a difference in DRM type, content format, and encoding level in a CSP and a user terminal is reproduceable in the related art.

In the conventional content market, the CSP provides content by a specific DRM, a specific file format, and an encoding, and a service is provided so that only a specific terminal can support it. In other words, unless the terminal associated with the CSP, the content provided by the CSP is not available, thereby increasing customer loyalty.

In FIG. 13, the user 1 terminal can use only contents having a DRM type of A and a content format of MP3. Thus, if user 1 wants to use the service for the content provided by CSP 2, he or she must purchase and use an additional terminal as shown on the right side of user 2. This means that an expensive terminal must be purchased in order to use the content.

Such a market situation leads to a detriment of content distribution, and a serious problem arises in that a user generates available content and unusable content by the type of content and the type of DRM.

Of course, as a solution to this problem, if the CSP writes and provides content of all DRM types, all content formats, and all encoding levels so that it works well on all handheld devices and on all handheld devices, It may be solved. However, this means that data must be created and managed as much as the product of the number of contents near infinity, the number of DRM types, the number of format types of contents, and the number of possible cases of encoding. Since it is necessary to have as many DRM servers as that type of DRM, it can be easily seen that it is never feasible.

Therefore, in order to expand the content market and provide a smooth content service, a DRM converter system is required to support various DRM applied contents. However, in the past, a DRM converter has not been presented at all. There was a problem in that there is no way to play DRM content that is not supported by the PC.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in this market, it is intended to provide a means for converting DRM-applied content that can not be directly played on a user's terminal to DRM-playable content that can be played directly. .

In addition, the present invention is to provide a system and method that can use the DRM content provided by the CSP that does not directly support the terminal, regardless of the type of terminal that the user has.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a system and method that allows a user to select a wide range of content, while maintaining the current content providing form as the CSP.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a DRM conversion system and method that can be executed in the CSP or a server related thereto as well as the user's terminal.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a DRM conversion system and method that can be reproduced in the user terminal substantially by converting not only the type of DRM, but also the content format and encoding level.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a DRM converter system that is executed in a user terminal having an input / output means, a communication means, a storage means, a file controller, and a CPU, and receives an input content to which a first DRM is applied. Means, means for converting attributes required for reproduction of digital content to which DRM has been applied, and means for outputting output content to which second DRM has been applied.

The DRM converter system of claim 1, wherein a content format is included in an attribute required for reproducing the digital content to which the DRM is applied.

The DRM converter system of claim 1, wherein an encoding level is included in an attribute required for reproduction of the DRM-applied digital content.

The method of claim 1, wherein the conversion is a DRM converter system, characterized in that performed in the user terminal, not the server.

The DRM converter system according to claim 1, wherein in the conversion, acquisition of an encryption key and authority for the input content is received from a server of the DRM applied to the input content.

The DRM converter system according to claim 1, wherein in the conversion, content registration and output of encryption key and authority for output content are received from a DRM server applied to the input content.

The method according to claim 1, wherein the input content and output content are part of a predetermined processing unit of streaming content, and when a first part of the input content is received, it is necessary to include an encryption key and authority from a DRM server of the input content. A first means for receiving information, registering content with a DRM server for output content, and receiving necessary information including an encryption key and authority, and decrypting the input content by using the encryption key of the input content to release the DRM. And second means for performing the necessary processing, encrypting the original by using an encryption key of the output content, and calculating the authority of the output content by mapping the authority of the input content; And repeating the steps until the end of the input content. A stem.

The DRM converter system of claim 1, wherein the conversion is performed in a server connected to a communication network, and the server is an ASP server that provides a DRM conversion service according to a service request from another website.

The method according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the attributes required for the reproduction of the digital content to which the DRM is applied is automatically set according to a result of comparing the attributes of the input contents with the attributes or registers of the user terminal. DRM converter system.

The method of claim 1, further comprising an update server and an update client connected to each other using the communication means, wherein the update server is installed outside the DRM converter, the update client is installed inside the DRM converter Characterized in the DRM converter system.

In short, the DRM converter of the present invention obtains the information and license of the first content that can be played on a specific terminal, decodes it, extracts the original, changes to a standard authority, and has a second content having a format and DRM that can be played on another terminal. Is a DRM conversion solution.

<Example>

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, the specific Example of this invention is described.

1 is a view for explaining the basic concept of the present invention. A user who supports B DRM and has a terminal for wma 720 Kbps cannot support content of mp3 1 Mbps directly by supporting A DRM. However, if the content is processed in the middle using the DRM converter of the present invention, the content is converted into playable content.

An embodiment of the present invention is a method of converting digital content 2 into the form of digital content 1 in order to make it available to a user 1's terminal, for example, in the situation shown in FIG. If the user converts the digital content 1 to the digital content 2 at the user's terminal, the user is responsible for the resources necessary for the conversion (storage space, execution time, etc.). With the same effect as the above, the service which enables all the contents in all the terminals at a low cost becomes possible.

Here, the conversion of the content performed in the user terminal may include conversion of the DRM type, conversion of the content format, conversion of the encoding (compression rate, image quality, etc.) level, if necessary.

The present invention relates to a DRM converter system, which is a method of making all contents sold by all CSPs available to all terminals, and in particular, a system for converting DRM types, content formats, and encoding levels in the terminals.

Looking at its main features,

(1) A function of converting the input content to generate the target content

The input content (digital content 1) is converted into output content (digital content 2).

(2) Additional features of new DRM products

Adds new DRM products that can be converted in DRM converters.

(3) Removal function of existing DRM products

Remove the DRM product from the list of convertibles in the DRM converter.

(4) Addition of new content format

Add a new content format that can be converted by the DRM converter.

(5) Delete existing content format

Remove the new convertible content format from the DRM converter.

(6) Encoding conversion function by content format

Convert the encoding rate for each content format.

(High Quality → Low Quality Change)

(7) Authority mapping support in DRM conversion

Usable Rights in A DRM → Convert to Usable Rights in B DRM

(8) DRM converter system available as a service

Application Service Provider (ASP) service for DRM converter

And so on.

2 is an explanatory diagram of the main concept and service configuration of an embodiment of the DRM converter of the present invention.

Even considering only the DRM type, CSP 1, which is associated with the A DRM server, provides content (original) to which the A DRM is applied, which can be played only on the A company's terminal such as an MP3 player. The MP3 files provided by CSP 1 cannot be originally played on the B company's MP3 player. However, if the MP3 file of the CSP 1 is processed through the DRM converter of the present invention, the MP3 player of Company B can be played back.

The DRM converter of the present invention is connected to a separate DRM converter management server or update server, and checks whether the latest version is before the start of the DRM conversion operation or at a predetermined time. By updating before the start of conversion, it can have the function of always keeping the latest version and executing it.

3 is an explanatory diagram for the processing flow in the DRM converter.

(1) purchase content from a content service provider

Since the purchased content is a specific DRM-applied content, it can be transmitted and played only on the portable device that supports the DRM. Delivery to a portable device that does not support DRM applied to the content is not possible.

(2) DRM and format conversion of contents based on terminal information to be transmitted

The DRM converter communicates with the terminal to obtain information of the terminal including the unique ID, and sends this information to the DRM converter server. The terminal authenticates the terminal and passes the terminal information to the DRM converter server. The DRM converter server transfers all information necessary for content conversion to the DRM converter based on the information of the terminal, and the DRM converter converts the format and DRM of the content that can be transmitted and played back to the terminal based on the conversion information. The DRM converter server must contain information that is compatible with different types of DRM, as well as information about different types of content formats and digital playback devices.

(3) transfer the converted content

Sends content converted to DRM format supported by the terminal to the terminal

4 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the DRM converter system of the present invention.

(1) input file (content)

DRM source content file that you want to convert to other DRM content

(2) DRM importers (including content and license importers)

Obtain original content information, obtain licenses and decrypt.

(3) DRM bridge or converter with content converter and license mapper

Change the format of the content and change the license to standard rights.

(4) DRM exporters (including content and license exporters)

Encrypts the changed content and gives permission information.

(5) output files (contents)

A specific DRM content file that has been converted and has a file structure dedicated to that DRM.

5 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the DRM converter system of the present invention.

The DRM converter system includes a DRM converter file controller, a content importer, a license importer, a content converter, a license mapper, and a license exporter. It can be configured to include a content exporter, and a DRM converter update server and a client for updating. A DRM server is required as other external components. In addition, input and output contents are required as input / output data. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

The DRM converter file controller, in the DRM converter system, provides all the functions for the file. The DRM converter file controller provides a file service of the input content to the content importer and a file service of the output content to the content exporter. In addition, even when all licenses are stored as files, the DRM converter file controller provides a file service for licenses.

Looking at its features,

(1) Provide file service for input content

The content importer requests the DRM converter file controller to access the input content for the content conversion service. The DRM converter file controller provides the requested file service to each component.

(2) Create file service for output content

The content exporter requests the DRM converter file controller to access the newly generated output content. The DRM converter file controller provides the requested file service to each component.

(3) License file control, if the need for license storage exists.

If the content importer and the content exporter need to access a file for DRM license processing, it requests the DRM converter file controller. The DRM converter file controller provides the requested file service to each component.

(4) Control access to files while using DRM converter

The DRM Converter File Controller protects input content / output content / license information by blocking unauthorized file access.

6 is a diagram illustrating a multiple structure of a content importer.

The content importer is a module that accepts and processes content to be changed, that is, input content. The content importer has the same N content importers if the DRM converter supports N DRMs. Each DRM provides its own function in the content importer, and performs each DRM's own functions such as obtaining a license and preparing for content decryption.

To support more than one content importer, a common interface definition is required, and the content importer conforms to a common interface. A list of two or more content importers is obtained through the DRM converter update server / client.

Looking at its features,

(1) License management for input content

The license is requested to the DRM server to which the input content is applied and transmitted to the license importer, and the input content is controlled by the authority of the received license.

(2) provide the license importer with a license for the input content

The license importer is licensed from the input content for conversion to the dedicated license format used by the license mapper.

(3) decryption of input content: create original

For conversion to output content, content format conversion, and content encoding conversion, work can be done after the original creation. The generated original is prevented from leaking contents through the DRM converter file controller.

(4) The decrypted content information of the input content is sent to the content converter

The content importer transmits the decoded information to the content converter for content format conversion and content encoding conversion.

(5) Independent function of DRM

Each DRM product can have its own functions in addition to the general functions of DRM. It performs unique functions such as special logging and special authority control.

(6) Provide a content import interface that can support all DRM

It provides a generalized interface that all DRMs can use in the same way. Both new and existing DRM products must comply with the interface requirements.

7 is a diagram illustrating multiple structures of a license importer.

The license importer changes the license obtained through the content importer into the license format of the license mapper and provides the license mapper.

Due to the lack of standardization of DRM products, the license representation of each DRM product is different. About license information of A DRM product To convert license information of B DRM product, all license information of A DRM product is converted into common information (common format), and the converted common license information is converted into B You must convert it to the license information of the DRM product.

Looking at its features,

(1) Receive license information from Content Importer

Receive license information for input content from a license importer. The received license information is sent to the license exporter.

(2) convert the received license to the license format of the license mapper

Convert the received license to the license format of the license mapper.

(3) Transfer the information converted into the license format of the license mapper to the license mapper.

Transfer the license converted into a common license to the license mapper.

8 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a content converter.

The content converter receives original content information (decoded content information) about input content from a content importer. It is responsible for the security of the received original information, and performs format conversion and encoding conversion as necessary, and transmits it to the content exporter.

Looking at its features,

(1) Prevent leakage of original information received from the content importer

The original data received is prevented from leaking with the DRM converter file controller.

(2) converting input content format to output content format as needed

For example, converting MP3 to WMA

(3) perform re-encoding as needed

For example, conversion from WMA 192 Kbps to WMA 128 Kbps

(4) Send the converted information to the content exporter

The converted content data is transmitted to the content exporter.

9 is a structural diagram of a license mapper.

The license mapper receives a license mapper-only license from the license importer. The received license mapper-only license is transferred to the license exporter for conversion into the license information of the DRM supported by the output content.

Looking at its features,

(1) Provide the license importer with license format information for the license mapper.

(2) The license importer receives the converted license for the license mapper.

(3) Provide license exporters with license mapper-specific license format information.

(4) Transfer the converted license to the license mapper for the license exporter.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing multiple structures of license exporter.

The license exporter changes license mapper-only license information received through the license mapper into license information of the DRM product of the output content. One license exporter exists for each DRM product and changes the license mapper-only license to a license for output content only.

Looking at its features,

(1) License mapper exclusive license information is received from the license mapper.

(2) Receive mapping information from the license mapper.

For example, change the license mapper's fifth execution authority → the exclusive license's five execution authority.

(3) Send the exclusive license information to the content exporter.

The license information converted into the license of the output content is provided to the content exporter.

11 is a structural diagram of a content exporter.

The content exporter receives the original content from the content converter and performs a function of generating output content. If the content exporter supports N DRMs, there are N content exporters. Each DRM provides its own functions in the DRM exporter, and performs each DRM's own functions such as license registration and content encryption.

The license exporter also enforces the rights of the content currently being converted.

To support more than one content exporter, a common interface definition is required, and content exporters follow a common interface.

A list of two or more content exporters is obtained through the DRM converter update server / client.

Looking at its features,

(1) convert original content to output DRM content

Convert the received content information into output content. Encrypt with DRM of output content, register content with DRM server, license registration

(2) Perform DRM itself function supported by output content

Each DRM can have its own function performance. It performs its own function.

In addition, a DRM converter update server and a client may be provided to update the DRM conversion pair type, content format, and encoding level supported by the DRM converter system to the latest information. The DRM converter update server may be provided to exist as a component of an independent internet space, and the DRM converter update client may be installed and provided in a user terminal.

The DRM converter update server is a component that manages the DRM converter system and manages information on the types of supported DRMs, supported content formats, and supportable encoding levels. That is, it is possible to register, modify, and delete information on newly supported DRM types, content formats, and content encoding levels. The DRM converter update server provides an update service to the DRM converter update client, and when the content security problem occurs, forcibly upgrade the modules of all users to maintain the security of the digital content.

Looking at its features,

(1) Register, modify, and delete DRM type, content format, and encoding level information

It manages by adding, modifying, and deleting information on the types, content formats, and content encoding levels of DRM products that can be provided by the DRM converter system.

(2) Version control of the entire DRM converter system

Version management is performed for the entire execution environment such as the addition and deletion of new DRM products, so that the latest execution environment is always maintained for the DRM converter system.

(3) Provide update for DRM converter

When a new DRM product is added, the module is provided to the DRM converter update client to provide additional information to the DRM converter system.

(4) Forced Update of DRM Converter System

When content security problems arise, the forced upgrade of all DRM converter systems solves the root cause.

Meanwhile, the DRM converter update client corresponding to the DRM converter update server accesses the DRM converter update server and requests and receives supportable DRM information, content format information, and content encoding information. If the latest version of the module exists in the DRM converter update server, the update is performed to maintain the latest service version.

In addition, when a problem of content security occurs, a forced upgrade is performed for all user modules to maintain security for serviced digital content.

Looking at its features,

(1) Request update of DRM converter system for new version

Each time the DRM converter system is executed, the DRM converter update client checks the version on the DRM converter update server and, if a new version exists, updates to the latest version.

(2) Support DRM, content format information and content encoding information request

Request and receive information supported by the current DRM converter.

(3) Keep your DRM converter system up to date.

On the other hand, since the DRM converter having the above-described configuration increases the convenience by using the conventional DRM, the DRM converter is operated in the conventional DRM environment. Therefore, there must be a DRM server as other external component.

The DRM server provides the license information on the input content to the content importer, and provides a new registration and license registration function on the output content to the content exporter. Main function

(1) Issue a license to the content importer

(2) Content registration and license issuance at Content Exporter

And for such a hardware DRM converter system, there are inputs and outputs as data to be processed.

The input content is digital content that is changed by using a DRM converter.

The output content is digital content that is a result of the processing result of the DRM converter system.

Hereinafter, the flowchart as a process flow required when performing a converting operation using the above-mentioned hardware system configuration is demonstrated.

15 is a flowchart of an essential part of the operation of the DRM converter of the present invention.

First, the DRM applied content is input, assuming that the DRM method is a download method will be described. In the case of the streaming (including HTTP streaming) method, it will be described later.

In the download type DRM, since a content file as data is downloaded and stored in the user terminal, it is a general DRM problem, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The appropriately downloaded content file is present in the file system of the user terminal. This input content is input to the DRM controller through the file controller of the DRM converter of the present invention.

After that, the attributes required for playing the DRM-applied content are converted. These attributes include the content format or encoding level, including the DRM type.

Types of conversions include batch, i.e., playback after the file has been converted from beginning to end, and when real-time conversion and playback are repeated one part of the file sequentially. It is assumed here that the former is described, and the latter will be described later.

The detailed processing procedure of converting, first receives input content from the content importer, and then accesses the DRM server to obtain a license key and authority. Among them, the original code is decrypted using a license key and transmitted to a content converter. The original code is encrypted by accessing a DRM server for output content through a content exporter to obtain a license key and authority. If necessary, the content converter can adjust the content format or encoding level in advance with respect to the original.

On the one hand, the content importer sends the input DRM-specific Replay Rights to the license importer, which maps and transfers the license mapper from the license importer to the license mapper in its own proprietary format, and the license mapper licenses it with the license exporter. The mapper maps and transfers the mapper-specific format, and the license exporter maps and transfers the license mapper-specific format to the output DRM-specific reproducible authority.

The converted result is output as output content through the DRM converter file controller.

16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic installation timing of a DRM converter for a user terminal.

The DRM converter can be downloaded from the internet library and installed manually. However, it can be installed automatically by using a function such as ActiveX or by other means. According to the example of FIG. 16, the case where it is automatically installed by means of active access etc. in the situation of subscription, downloading, etc. is demonstrated.

17 is a flowchart of the first operation performed when the DRM converter is started. Startup is started automatically or manually. After startup, update is performed through version check.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the essential attributes and the designation of the attribute values during DRM reproduction to be changed by the DRM converter. Here, the setting of this attribute can be set manually or automatically, and the result can be stored temporarily or permanently.

19 is a flowchart of the conversion process. After accessing the DRM server on the input content side to obtain encryption key and right information, and decrypting and mapping, access to the DRM server on the output content side to obtain encryption key and authority information and to register the content.

Hereinafter, the operation of the DRM converter system of the present invention having the above configuration will be described.

12 is an explanatory diagram showing a concrete example of service setting items for explaining the operation of the DRM converter.

First of all, the service setting items are as follows.

◈ The user owns three types of terminals as follows.

(1) PC: Support DRM A-MP3-192 Kbps

         Supports DRM B-WMA-192 Kbps

(2) MP3 Player: Supports DRM A-MP3-192 Kbps

(3) Phone: Support DRM B-WMA-128 Kbps

CSP 1 sells DRM A-MP3-192 Kbps supportable content. The sales method of the content,

(1) 1000 won sale: can be played 10 times

(2) Sale 3000 won: Unlimited playback

◈ DRM Converter Update Server Configuration: Version 1.00

(1) Supported DRM Products

   Support for DRM A → MP3-192 Kbps

   Support DRM B → WMA-192 Kbps

(2) Supported Format Conversions

   MP3 conversion possible (128 ~ 192 Kbps)

   WMA conversion possible (128 ~ 192 Kbps)

Assuming such a situation, look at the flow of content usage by the user.

(1) The user joins CSP1.

(2) The user purchases digital content A provided by CSP1 for 1,000 won. : Purchase permission to play 10 times

(3) We apply for downloading purchased contents.

(4) Check the installation and version of the DRM converter system on the CSP1 site before downloading the content.

   (a) If not installed, install the DRM converter system.

       (DRM converter system installation)

   (b) If it is installed but version 0.9, upgrade to 1.00.

   (c) If it is installed and the version is the same as 1.00, go to the next step.

(5) Download content A to PC.

(6) Run the content on the PC.

(7) Receive a license of the content A as a module of the DRM A from the A DRM server.

(8) There is a license that can be used 9 times by playing 1 time on a PC.

(9) I want to use the contents using the MP3 player and transmit it to the MP3 player.

   Transmit with 3 available permissions on your MP3 player.

   · Contents sold by CSP1 can be transferred without conversion because it supports MP3 player.

   Content A exists on the PC with six available privileges.

(10) Now, the user wants to use the content using a phone.

(11) Content A is a DRM and file format that the phone does not support, and therefore, transmission or playback is not possible immediately.

(12) The user executes the DRM converter program installed in step (4).

(13) The DRM converter update client installed in (4) checks the latest version by connecting to the server.

(14) The user designates content A as the input content to the DRM converter, selects B DRM as the creation attribute of the output content, WMA as the content format, and 128K as the encoding.

(15) Start the conversion.

(16) The content importer of the DRM converter reads content A and retrieves a license through the DRM converter file controller.

(17) The content importer inquires the A DRM license and inquires the authority which can be played six times.

(18) The content importer provides the original content decoded by the decrypted content converter using the A DRM license.

(19) The content converter converts MP3 → WMA and converts 192Kbps to 128Kbps. Send the converted content to the content exporter

(20) The license of the content A referred to in (17) is transmitted to the license importer.

(21) The license importer converts the received content A license into a public license form.

Copy authority → Copy authority (different form of expression)

6 times playback function → 6 times playback function (different presentation style)

License backup function → license backup function

Transformation of authority representation into public license representation

(22) The license importer transfers the license information converted into the public license to the license mapper.

(23) The license mapper forwards the received public license to the license exporter.

(24) The license exporter changes the received public license to the authority of B DRM.

Copy authority → Copy authority (different form of expression)

6 times playback function → 6 times playback function (different presentation style)

License backup function → license backup function

Transformation of authority representation → B DRM representation

The license exporter sends the B DRM license information to the content exporter.

(25) The content information converted in (19) is transmitted to the content exporter.

(26) The content exporter registers the B DRM license and the content received in item (19) on the B DRM server based on the license information changed to B DRM received in item (24). (Output Content Registration)

(27) The content exporter encrypts the file received in item (19) with the B DRM content based on the registration result of the B DRM server and generates the output content in the terminal through the DRM converter file controller. (Create as file)

(28) The user transmits the generated output content to the phone. The method of transmission is independent of the DRM converter (using a phone transmission program). It is sent with the B DRM license information available six times.

(29) The user uses the output content in the terminal phone.

By using the above-described method, the DRM converter of the present invention can easily change the DRM type not supported by the user's terminal, or the content format or encoding level.

As mentioned above, although the specific Example was described and described, this does not limit the technical scope of this invention, and the skill of the grade variously deformed by the art clear to those skilled in the art belongs to the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

Particularly, in the embodiment, the case in which the DRM converter system is installed in the user terminal has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DRM converter system may be installed in a server of the CSP or may be provided in an ASP after being installed in a separate DRM converting server. . In this case, instead of using a file controller for input or output of content, a communication controller or a lower level device driver may be used, but this is not an essential part of the present invention, Both input and output are considered to be encompassed by the claims herein.

In addition, the embodiment has been mainly described in the case where the download method of DRM is applied, in this case, the DRM applied content has been described as being stored in the user terminal in the form of a file, but is not limited to this, streaming (including HTTP streaming) The technical content of the present invention can also be applied to reproduction by the method. In this case, the entire file is not inputted to the DRM converter at once, but is inputted in a predetermined unit of a predetermined length, so that batch processing cannot be performed collectively as in the case of the download method. therefore,

(1) When the first part is entered, after connecting to the source DRM server to receive the encryption key and authority and authentication, and connecting to the target DRM server to register the contents, after receiving the encryption key, authority and authentication,

(2) use them to decrypt, encrypt, and map permissions, and then receive the next part again,

(3) The operation of (2) can be repeated until the last part is received.

In the case of the DRM converter applied to such streaming, the unit input to the DRM converter is a part having a predetermined size, not the size of the entire file, and when the first part of the input content is received, the DRM server of the input content A first means for receiving the necessary information including the encryption key and the authority from the user, and receiving the necessary information including the encryption key and the authority while registering the content with the DRM server of the output content, and using the encryption key of the input content. After decrypting the input content to create a DRM-released original, necessary processing is performed, the original is encrypted using an encryption key of the output content, and the authority of the output content is calculated by mapping the authority of the input content. And second means for repeating the second step until the end of the input content. It can be.

In addition, the embodiment has been described that the installation of the DRM converter is automatically installed at the time of membership registration or content download to the CSP by the ActiveX control or the like, but is not limited to this, by manually downloading the distribution previously distributed in the Internet library It may be installed.

In addition, although the embodiment has been described as starting the DRM converter by manual driving of a user, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DRM converter is automatically started when content is transferred from a server to a terminal or from a first terminal to a second terminal. It can also be configured.

In addition, the embodiment has been described by manually setting the DRM type, content format, and encoding level. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when a download or transfer operation is detected by the operating system, the source side and the source side are automatically set. You can compare these elements on the target side and pre-set them to automate the conversion of only the types you need.

In the embodiment, the license importer, the license mapper, and the license exporter are processed in three stages. However, the intermediate license mapper is omitted, and the functions of the license importer and the license before and after are omitted. It can also be processed in two stages by handing over to the exporter. Although the three-stage structure is considered the most efficient, the two-stage structure is not impossible.

(1) It is possible to purchase and reproduce various contents to which various DRMs are already applied without considering the kind of DRM supported by the user terminal or hardware and software situation such as content format and encoding level.

(2) Meanwhile, the content provider may support all users having various types of DRM devices or terminals with only one DRM supported by the content provider.

(3) A user may use various types of terminals for one content.

(4) Since the content is free to move, it can support various business models accordingly.

(5) Basically, since DRM conversion work is done in the user terminal, from the point of view of the entire system including the Internet, distributed processing has the effect of optimal distribution and utilization of resources, and the burden of beneficiaries who use resources by those who need them. And the like are achieved, resulting in a model closer to optimization.

Claims (9)

A DRM converter system executed in a user terminal having an input / output means, a communication means, a storage means, and a CPU, Means for receiving input content to which the first DRM is applied; Means for decrypting the contents of the first DRM through an appropriate authentication procedure; Means for mapping the rights of the first DRM to a second DRM rights; Means for converting content attributes of the decrypted content as necessary; Means for converting the decrypted content into a second DRM; Means for outputting output content to which the second DRM is applied; DRM converter system comprising a. The method according to claim 1, DRM converter system, characterized in that the attribute required for the reproduction of the DRM-applied digital content includes a content format. The method according to claim 1, The DRM converter system, characterized in that the attribute necessary for the reproduction of the DRM-applied digital content includes an encoding attribute. The method according to claim 1, The conversion, DRM converter system, characterized in that performed in the user terminal, not the server. The method according to claim 1, In the conversion, DRM converter system characterized in that the acquisition of the decryption key and the authority for the input content is received from the server of the DRM applied to the input content. The method according to claim 1, In the conversion, the DRM converter system, characterized in that the content registration and acquisition of the encryption key and authority for the output content is received from the server of the DRM to be applied to the output content. The DRM converter system of claim 1, wherein the DRM converter, the DRM converter update server, and the supportable DRM servers are operated by an ASP operator that provides a DRM converter service. The method according to claim 1, When setting an attribute required for playing the digital content to which the DRM is applied, DRM converter system, characterized in that automatically set according to the result of comparing the attributes of the input content, the attributes and the registry of the user terminal. The method according to claim 1, It is further provided with an update server and an update client respectively connected by using the communication means, The update server is installed outside the DRM converter, The update client is installed in the DRM converter system, characterized in that the installation.

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