U.S. patent application number 12/700683 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for system and method for controlling rights expressions by stakeholders of an item.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONTENTGUARD HOLDINGS, INC.. Invention is credited to Eddie J. CHEN, Charles P. GILLIAM.
Application Number | 20100138351 12/700683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42223694 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100138351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GILLIAM; Charles P. ; et
al. |
June 3, 2010 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RIGHTS EXPRESSIONS BY
STAKEHOLDERS OF AN ITEM
Abstract
A system and method for controlling a rights expression
specifying a manner of use of an item, including specifying by a
provider of an item a rights expression indicating a manner of use
of the item by a recipient of the item and a condition for use of
the item by the recipient, the condition indicating that the use by
the recipient of the item is subject to control; associating the
rights expression with the item; and controlling the use by the
recipient of the item based on the condition in the rights
expression. In further exemplary embodiments, the use by the
recipient of the item is subject to control by a stakeholder and/or
a provider of the item and can be used to provide consumer
protection based on parameters of use.
Inventors: |
GILLIAM; Charles P.;
(Darlen, CT) ; CHEN; Eddie J.; (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW, SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Assignee: |
CONTENTGUARD HOLDINGS, INC.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
42223694 |
Appl. No.: |
12/700683 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10606151 |
Jun 26, 2003 |
7685642 |
|
|
12700683 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/310 ;
726/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
G06F 21/10 20130101; G06Q 50/184 20130101; G06Q 40/12 20131203 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/310 ;
726/26 |
International
Class: |
H04L 9/32 20060101
H04L009/32; G06Q 10/00 20060101 G06Q010/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for controlling use of an item,
the method comprising: specifying a computer-readable rights
expression, wherein the rights expression indicates a manner of use
of the item by a recipient of the item and a first condition for
use of the item by the recipient, the first condition indicating
that the use of the item by the recipient is subject to control by
a stakeholder; associating the rights expression with the item;
receiving a request, at a repository computing device, for use of
the item from the recipient; granting by the stakeholder an
authorization for use of the item by the recipient, in accordance
with the first condition, the authorization including a second
condition that must be satisfied for use of the item; and
controlling the repository computing device by the stakeholder to
thereby control the use of the item by the recipient based on the
rights expression and the authorization granted by the stakeholder,
wherein the controlling step comprises: employing a master license
that at least one of references the rights expression and is
referenced by the item, the master license including a latest
version of the rights expression; and controlling the master
license by the stakeholder to control the use of the item by the
recipient.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the controlling step further
comprising checking a current state of the rights expression by
interpreting the master license.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the checking step is performed at
various times.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the master license is referenced
by more than one recipients.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the second condition is associated
with the use of the item.
6. A system for controlling use of an item, the method comprising:
a module operable to specify a computer-readable rights expression,
wherein the rights expression indicates a manner of use of the item
by a recipient of the item and a first condition for use of the
item by the recipient, the first condition indicating that the use
of the item by the recipient is subject to control by a
stakeholder; a module operable to associate the rights expression
with the item; a module operable to receive a request, at a
repository computing device, for use of the item from the
recipient; a module operable to grant by the stakeholder an
authorization for use of the item by the recipient, in accordance
with the first condition, the authorization including a second
condition that must be satisfied for use of the item; and a module
operable to control the repository computing device by the
stakeholder to thereby control the use of the item by the recipient
based on the rights expression and the authorization granted by the
stakeholder, wherein control of the repository computing device
comprises the steps of: employing a master license that at least
one of references the rights expression and is referenced by the
item, the master license including a latest version of the rights
expression; and controlling the master license by the stakeholder
to control the use of the item by the recipient.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein control of the repository
computing device further comprises checking a current state of the
rights expression by interpreting the master license.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the checking step is performed at
various times.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the master license is referenced
by more than one recipients.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the second condition is
associated with the use of the item.
11. The system of claim 6, wherein the two or more of the modules
are combined into a single module.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/606,151 filed Jun. 26, 2003, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally
relate to distribution of digital works and more particularly to
controlling usage rights to digital works or other items by
stakeholders thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] One of the most important needs to enable the development of
widespread distribution of digital works, for example, documents or
other content in forms readable by computers, and management of the
use of digital works via electronic means, and the Internet in
particular, is the ability to designate and enforce the
intellectual property rights and other rights of content owners,
consumers and other stakeholders during the distribution and use of
digital works. Efforts to meet this need have been termed
Intellectual Property Rights Management (IPRM), Digital Property
Rights Management (DPRM), Intellectual Property Management (IPM),
Rights Management (RM), and Electronic Copyright Management (ECM),
collectively referred to as Digital Rights Management (DRM) herein.
There are a number of issues to be considered in digital rights
management. For example, authentication, authorization, accounting,
payment and financial clearing, rights specification, rights
verification, rights enforcement, and document protection issues
should be addressed. Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,235, No.
5,629,980, No. 5,634,012, No. 5,638,443, No. 5,715,403, No.
6,233,684, and No. 6,236,971, the entire disclosures of all of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, disclose Digital
Rights Management systems and methods addressing these and other
issues.
[0006] In the world of printed documents, a work created by an
author usually can be provided to a publisher, which can format and
print numerous copies of the work. Such copies then can be sent by
a distributor to bookstores or other retail outlets from which the
copies can be purchased by end users. While the low quality of
copying and the high cost of distributing printed material have
served as deterrents to unauthorized copying of most printed
documents, it is far too easy to copy, modify, and redistribute
unprotected digital works. Accordingly, some method of protecting
digital works is necessary to make it more difficult to copy or
otherwise use such works without authorization.
[0007] It has been widely recognized that it is difficult to
prevent, or even deter people from making unauthorized copies,
distributions or other uses of electronic works within current
general-purpose computing and communications systems, such as
personal computers, workstations, and other devices connected over
communications networks, such as local area networks (LANs),
intranets, and the Internet. Many attempts to provide
hardware-based solutions to prevent unauthorized copying have
proven to be unsuccessful. In addition, hardware-based solutions
can fail to protect the rights of consumers, and the like, because
such solutions can prevent exercise of legitimate rights, for
example, such as authorized copying. The proliferation of high
bandwidth or broadband communications technologies will render it
even more convenient to distribute large documents electronically,
including video files, such as full-length motion pictures, and
thus will remove remaining deterrents to unauthorized copying,
distribution or other uses of digital works, as well as increase
the need to enable authorized use. Accordingly, Digital Rights
Management technologies are becoming a high priority.
[0008] Two basic Digital Rights Management schemes have been
employed to attempt to solve the document protection problem,
including secure containers and trusted systems. A secure container
or an encrypted document offer a way to keep document contents
encrypted until a set of authorization conditions are met and some
copyright terms are honored, such as payment for use. After the
various conditions and terms are verified with the document
provider, the document can be released to the user in clear form.
Commercial products, such as CRYPTOLOPES from IBM and DIGIBOXES
from InterTrust can fall into this category. The secure container
approach provides a solution to protecting the document during
delivery over insecure channels, but does not provide any mechanism
to prevent legitimate users from obtaining the clear document and
then using and redistributing the clear document in violation of
intellectual property rights of the content owners.
[0009] Cryptographic mechanisms typically are used to encrypt or
encipher documents that are then distributed and stored publicly,
and ultimately privately deciphered by authorized users. Such
mechanisms provide a basic form of protection during document
delivery from a document distributor to an intended user over a
public network, as well as during document storage on an insecure
medium.
[0010] In the trusted system approach, the entire system is
responsible for preventing unauthorized use and distribution of the
document. Building a trusted system usually entails introducing new
hardware, such as a secure processor, secure storage and secure
rendering devices. This also requires that all software
applications that run on trusted systems be certified to be
trusted. While building tamper-proof trusted systems is a real
challenge to existing technologies, current market trends suggest
that open and untrusted systems, such as personal computers (PCs)
and workstations using browsers to access the Web, will be the
dominant systems used to access digital works. In this sense,
existing computing environments, for example, PCs, laptop
computers, handheld computers, workstations, and the like, equipped
with popular operating systems, such as Windows, Macintosh, Linux,
UNIX, and the like, rendering applications, such as Web browsers,
and the like, typically are not trusted systems and typically
cannot be made into trusted systems without significantly altering
the architectures thereof. However, alteration of the architecture
defeats a primary purpose of the Web, such as flexibility and
compatibility.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,012, for example, discloses a system for
controlling the distribution of digital documents, wherein each
rendering device can include a repository associated therewith. A
predetermined set of usage transaction steps can be used to define
a protocol used by the repositories for carrying out usage rights
associated with a document. Conceptually, a repository can include
a set of functional specifications defining core functionality. A
repository can include a trusted system in that the repository can
maintain physical integrity, communications integrity and
behavioral integrity. A repository can be removable or stationary,
can be big or small or portable, can be in any suitable shape, such
as a card or smartcard, or can have other functionalities, such as
a microprocessor.
[0012] Usage rights can be encapsulated with the document content
or otherwise associated with the document to travel with the
document. The usage rights can permit various type or manners of
use of the content, such as viewing only, use once, distribution,
and the like. Usage rights can be granted based on payment or other
conditions or variables and are generally set prior to distribution
to the user. For example, usage rights may grant a user of content
certain privileges, such as the ability to view and print the
content, in exchange for a specific fee. However, there are dynamic
conditions that can affect the cost or desirability of distributing
content and Digital Rights Management techniques typically do not
account for such dynamic conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that
allows for the control of usage rights based on dynamic conditions.
In addition, there is a need for a system and method that allows
for the control of usage rights to digital works or other items by
stakeholders thereof. The above and other needs are addressed by
the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which provide
an improved system and method for controlling usage rights to
digital works or other items by stakeholders thereof.
[0014] Accordingly, in one aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a method for controlling a rights
expression specifying a manner of use of an item, including
specifying by a provider of an item a rights expression indicating
a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a
condition for use of the item by the recipient, the condition
indicating that the use of the item by the recipient is subject to
control by a stakeholder; associating the rights expression with
the item; and controlling by the stakeholder the use of the item by
the recipient based on the condition in the rights expression.
[0015] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a system for controlling a rights expression
specifying manners of use of an item, including means for
specifying by a provider of an item a rights expression indicating
a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a
condition for use of the item by the recipient, the condition
indicating that the use of the item by the recipient is subject to
control by a stakeholder; means for associating the rights
expression with the item; and means for controlling by the
stakeholder the use of the item by the recipient based on the
condition in the rights expression.
[0016] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a method for controlling a rights expression
specifying a manner of use of an item, including specifying by a
provider of an item a rights expression indicating a manner of use
of the item by a recipient of the item and a condition for use of
the item by the recipient, the condition indicating that the use by
the recipient of the item is subject to control; associating the
rights expression with the item; and controlling the use by the
recipient of the item based on the condition in the rights
expression.
[0017] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a system for controlling a rights expression
specifying manners of use of an item, including means for
specifying by a provider of an item a rights expression indicating
a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a
condition for use of the item by the recipient, the condition
indicating that the use by the recipient of the item is subject to
control; means for associating the rights expression with the item;
and means for controlling the use by the recipient of the item
based on the condition in the rights expression.
[0018] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a method for protecting a recipient of an item by
permitting the recipient to use the item in a specified manner
within a system for enforcing rights expressions that specify a
manner of use of an item, including specifying a rights expression
associated with an item, the rights expression indicating
parameters of use of the item to which the a recipient is entitled;
specifying a stakeholder that is operative to insure that the
recipient is permitted to use the item in accordance with the
parameters of use; enforcing the rights expression; and controlling
by the stakeholder the enforcing step to ensure that the use of the
item is in accordance with the parameters of use.
[0019] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a system for protecting a recipient of an item by
permitting the recipient to use the item in a specified manner for
enforcing rights expressions that specify a manner of use of an
item, including means for specifying a rights expression associated
with an item, the rights expression indicating parameters of use of
the item to which the a recipient is entitled; means for specifying
a stakeholder that is operative to insure that the recipient is
permitted to use the item in accordance with the parameters of use;
means for enforcing the rights expression; and means for
controlling by the stakeholder the means for enforcing to ensure
that the use of the item is in accordance with the parameters of
use.
[0020] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, simply by illustrating a number of exemplary
embodiments and implementations, including the best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present
invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and
its several details can be modified in various respects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary digital content distribution
system on which various exemplary embodiments of the present
invention can be implemented;
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary computer architecture that
can be employed with the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and
3-8;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary lookup table of a rights
module that can be employed with the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.
1, 2 and 4-8;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary technique for varying of
resolution of an image that can be employed in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8;
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system in which a client and server repository can create and
associate usage rights;
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system in which plural repositories associate plural usage rights
with an item;
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system in which a central control repository with usage rights
associated therewith controls functions to be performed with
respect to an item;
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary repository that can be
employed in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-7; and
[0030] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for
controlling usage rights to digital works or other items by
stakeholders thereof and that can be employed in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] A system and method for controlling usage rights to digital
works or other items by stakeholders thereof are described. In the
following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It is apparent to one
skilled in the art, however, that the present invention can be
practiced without these specific details or with equivalent
arrangements. In some instances, well-known structures and devices
are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the present invention.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, conditional or consequential
rights associated with a document allow for the limited usage of
content, for example, based on an absolute value, a relative value,
and the like. For example, the starting period of a right based on
another event or another right can trigger the availability or
expiration of availability of content, such as a document. In
addition, the time for limiting the usage of content can be
expressed as an absolute value, such as a particular time and date
or a relative value, such as a usage right expiring two minutes
after a first usage.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the usage right also can be
linked to other events, such as the expiration of a right of
another document, and the like. For example, a piece of music could
be listened to for only one minute or the music can be listened to
only once, after the right to a second piece of music has expired.
Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, a condition can include a chain
of events that trigger the conditional or consequential rights.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, remote learning schemes can be
implemented, for example, to meet the requirements of the
Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act),
which became United States law in Oct. 4, 2002. Generally, under
the TEACH Act, if educators remain within the boundaries of the
law, the educators can use certain copyrighted works for distance
education without permission from or payment of royalties to the
copyright owner and without copyright infringement.
[0035] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a college can be
configured to offer a first course over the Internet, for example,
at a specified time or with access to a second course restricted
until the first course has been viewed. In a further exemplary
embodiment, for an exam having five sections, for each section, a
thirty-minute period can be allocated, and the user can proceed to
the next section by using the thirty allocated minutes or, for
example, by pushing a button on a user interface, which indicates
that the user has completed a given section.
[0036] In further exemplary embodiments, other triggering events
and/or conditions, such as based on a fifteen-minute break
allocated between sections 3 and 4 also, can be used govern
transitions between subsequent documents. In an exemplary
embodiment, multiple timers or counters can be employed to keep
track of the time for each section and/or for all of the sections
combined.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, such conditional or
consequential rights assignment can be linked to other events that
may or may not have more than one step or condition and/or
hierarchical relationship, for example, as further described in
commonly assigned, co-pending, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/867,748 of Tadayon et al., entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
HIERARCHICAL ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS TO DOCUMENTS AND DOCUMENTS HAVING
SUCH RIGHTS," filed May 31, 2001, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. In an exemplary
embodiment, hierarchal rights can include usage rights that one
user can transfer to another user. In further exemplary
embodiments, such hierarchal rights can be configured in a tree
structure, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the closer the
rights of a user are to the original rights in such a tree, the
greater are the rights of the user.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, such a concept can include the
concept of subsidiary rights, for example, wherein one grants a
right to a user, provided the user satisfies some condition or
performs an action. For example, a user can be given the right edit
once a copy is made of a document. In a further exemplary
embodiment, for joint projects, more than one person can contribute
to the document with comments and modifications and/or design
changes and in which case a Digital Rights Management system, for
example, can keep track of exercised rights, modifications, sources
of modifications, dates, order of changes, approvals, vetoes,
priorities, and the like. For example, in a paperless office, three
approvals from three different departments may be needed for an
action item.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, a rights assignment, for
example, can be integrated into an e-mail or electronic messaging
system, and the like. For example, an exemplary system can be
configured such that a content owner can assign different rights to
different individuals and share or limit rights to information or
files based on such rights. In an exemplary embodiment, a friend
can be allowed to request permission to view or use a particular
file or further distribute the file to another individual or to
everyone in the address book or the public as a whole.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the rights can be configured,
for example, to limit the extent to which a user can add or delete
individuals from a mailing list or address book, and the like. For
example, the right to view people in an address book can be
restricted based on a usage right. In a further exemplary
embodiment, while in an instant messaging mode, a user can be
allowed to have the right to exclude or limit other users to
particular content.
[0041] If the set of assigned rights are commonly used for
different documents, the rules can be expressed as, for example,
templates, such as those discussed in commonly assigned,
co-pending, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/046,695 of Lao et
al., entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING DIGITAL CONTENT
USAGE RIGHTS," filed Jan. 17, 2002, the entire disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein, multi-hyphen purpose
templates, and the like. In general, a template can be used
whenever a user desires to assign a predetermined set of rights to
one or more, such as a set, of additional users. This template can
contain, for example, a set of usage rights that may be
particularly tailored towards the user class, accounting
instructions, and the like.
[0042] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is
illustrated an exemplary digital content distribution or Digital
Rights Management system 100 that can be used in connection with
the described exemplary embodiments. The exemplary system 100 of
FIG. 1, for example, can be employed for the electronic
distribution of digital works and other items, such as
correspondence, books, magazines, journals, newspapers, other
papers, software, audio and video clips, other files or objects,
and the like. Thus, a digital work can include any suitable type of
element having content in computer readable form. Content can
include a viewable or otherwise usable portion of a digital
work.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a usage right can include a
specification of a permitted manner of use of an item, which can
include anything for which use can be controlled by associated
usage rights, such as digital content, software, services, goods,
and resources. A resource can include a digital device or portion
thereof to which access can be controlled by associated usage
rights. A rights expression can include any suitable expression of
a usage right, such as a rights label, a license, or fragments
thereof. A rights label can include a prepackaged set of usage
rights not associated with a specific item. A license can include a
prepackaged set of usage rights including an item association. A
rights expression language, such as eXtensible Rights Markup
Language (XrML), eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML),
Open Digital Rights Language (ODRL), and the like, can be used to
express a rights expression and can include any suitable language
having predefined syntax and semantics and that can be used to
express a usage right.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, usage rights can be used to
specify manners of use. A manner of use can include the ability to
use an item in a specified way for a specified period of time, to
buy an item for a specified period of time, and the like. In an
exemplary embodiment, usage rights can be bundled, can be used to
specify transfer rights, such as distribution rights, can be used
to permit granting of usage rights to others or to permit the
derivation of usage rights, and the like. Such usage rights also
can be referred to as meta-rights, which can include rights that
can be manipulated, modified, and the like, to derive other usage
rights. Thus, the meta-rights can include usage rights to usage
rights, such as rights to offer, grant, obtain, transfer, delegate,
track, surrender, exchange, revoke, and the like, usage rights
to/from others. The meta-rights can include the rights to modify
the conditions associated with other rights. For example, a
meta-right can include the right to extend or reduce the scope of a
particular right. A meta-right also can include a right to extend
or reduce the validation period of a right.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more conditions to be
satisfied in order to exercise the manner of use in a specified
usage right can be employed. For, example, a condition can include
the payment of a fee, the submission of personal data or any other
suitable requirement desired before permitting exercise of a manner
of use. The conditions can include access conditions. For example,
access conditions can apply to a particular group of users, such as
students in a university or members of a book club. In an exemplary
embodiment, a condition can be that a user is a particular person
or a member of a particular group. In an exemplary embodiment,
rights and conditions can exist as separate entities or can be
combined.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, state variables can be used to
track dynamic states, conditions, and the like. For example, the
state variables can include variables having values that represent
the status of an item, the status of usage rights, the status of a
license or other dynamic conditions. The state variables can be
tracked, for example, by clearinghouse or another device, for
example, based on identification mechanisms in a license, and the
like, associated with an item. In an exemplary embodiment, a rights
language, such as XrML, XACML, ODRL, and the like, can be used to
express a rights expression specifying rights, conditions, state
variables, and the like. In a further exemplary embodiment,
however, the rights and conditions can be specified in any suitable
manner. Accordingly, the process of specifying rights can include
any suitable process for associating rights with an item.
[0047] In FIG. 1, an author 110 can create original content, such
as documents, and the like, and can pass the content to a
distributor 120 for distribution. In an exemplary embodiment, the
author 110 can be the creator of the content. In further exemplary
embodiments, however, an author can include the creator, owner,
editor or other entity controlling the content or an agent, such a
publisher, of one of such entities. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the author 110 also can distribute such documents
directly, for example, without involving another party, such as the
distributor 120, and thus the author and distributor can be the
same entity.
[0048] The division of functions set forth in FIG. 1, however, can
be more efficient, as such division allows the author 110 to
concentrate on content creation and not the administrative
functions of distribution. In addition, such a breakdown
facilitates economies of scale by permitting the distributor 120 to
associate with a number of authors 110.
[0049] The distributor 120 can distribute the digital works to a
user 130, for example, upon a request from the user 130. In an
exemplary embodiment, the created work can be distributed as a
document including the content and associated usage rights and, for
example, in encrypted form. In an exemplary embodiment, the
distributor 120 can encrypt such works, for example, with a random
key and then can encrypt the random key with a public key
corresponding to the user 130. Thus, the encrypted work can be
customized for a particular user 130. The user 130 then can use a
corresponding private key of the user to un-encrypt the random key
and use the un-encrypted random key to un-encrypt and view the
content of the work.
[0050] Payment for the work can be passed from the user 130 to the
distributor 120, for example, by way of a clearinghouse 150, which
collects requests from the user 130 and from other users who wish
to use particular content. The clearinghouse 150 also can collect
payment information, such as debit transactions, credit card
transactions, or other known electronic payment schemes, and
forward the collected payments, for example as a payment batch to
the distributor 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the clearinghouse
150 can retain a share of the payment from the user 130 as a fee
for the clearinghouse 150 services.
[0051] The distributor 120 can retain a portion of the batch
payment from the clearinghouse 150 for the distribution services
and forward a payment, for example, such as royalties, and the
like, to the author 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the
distributor 120 can compile a bundle or batch of user requests for
a single work before distributing the work, wherein, for example, a
single instance of the encrypted work can be generated for
un-encryption by all of the requesting users 130.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, when the user 130 requests or
uses content of a work, an accounting message can be sent to an
audit server 140, which can be used to ensure that each request by
the user 130 matches with a document sent to the user 130 by the
distributor 120. Such accounting information can be received by the
audit server 140, for example, directly from the distributor 120.
Any determined inconsistencies in such transactions can be
transmitted via a report to the clearinghouse 150, which can then
adjust the payment batches made to the distributor 120 accordingly.
Advantageously, such an accounting scheme can be operative in
reducing the possibility of fraud during electronic distribution
and can be used to handle time-dependent usage rights that can
result in charges that vary depending on the duration or other
extent of use.
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary computer architecture that
can be employed with the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3-8.
The exemplary computer architecture, for example, can be used for
downloading digital works from the distributor 120 to the user 130.
In FIG. 2, the exemplary architecture can utilize a communications
network 170, such as the Internet, and the like, for data transfer.
The user 130 can employ a client computer 230, such as a personal
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a data terminal, a
kiosk, and the like, to communicate with a computer server 200, for
example, associated with the distributor 120. The client 230 can be
coupled to an Internet backbone 60, for example, through a modem,
phone line and Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the like. The
client 230 can run an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows
98, Microsoft Windows 2000, and the like, having a graphical user
interface (GUI) and an application program, such as a Web browser,
and the like, that permits the graphical user interface to be used
to control communications over the Internet, for example, through
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and the like, based on a
standard page description language, such as Hypertext Markup
Language (HTML), and the like. A collection of Internet servers
using HTTP can be employed, such as the World Wide Web or the Web,
and the like.
[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the server 200 can be associated
with the distributor 120 and, for example, can include a personal
computer, a server, a minicomputer, a collection of computers, a
computer network, and the like. The server 200 can include storage
devices 202, such as magnetic hard discs, and the like, for storing
information including a control program 210 and content 203, such
as digital works and other items, a central processing unit (CPU)
204 for controlling the flow of information in accordance with the
control program 210, and random access memory (RAM) and/or read
only memory 206 used as a workspace for the CPU 204. In an
exemplary embodiment, the server 200 can be coupled to the Internet
backbone 60, for example, through a high-speed communications link
62. In a further exemplary embodiment, the server 200 can be
coupled to the Internet backbone 60, for example, through a modem
and an ISP in a manner similar to the client 230 or in any other
suitable manner.
[0055] The control program 210 can be stored in one or more of the
storage devices 202 and can include a dynamic conditions module
212, for example, which can be used to track a plurality of dynamic
conditions. The control program 210 can include a rights module
214, which can be used to set usage rights for content in
accordance with the dynamic conditions monitored by dynamic
conditions module 212.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, a dynamic condition, for
example, can include the time of day. For example, the exemplary
system can be configured to allow a user can to access a popular
web site to obtain content during off-peak hours, in terms of web
site traffic, at a reduced fee. In an exemplary embodiment, to
encourage content distribution during off-peak hours and a more
uniform distribution of traffic to the server 200, the distributor
120 can charge lower fees for the same content during off-peak
hours by monitoring time with the dynamic conditions module 212,
for example, which can reference a real time clock of the server
200, and by setting the corresponding usage rights in a dynamic
manner with the rights module 214 based on the given conditions,
such as the time. The usage rights can be assigned in any suitable
manner, for example, including techniques, for example, as
disclosed in the commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,235, No.
5,629,980, No. 5,634,012, No. 5,638,443, No. 5,715,403, No.
6,233,684, and No. 6,236,971, incorporated by reference herein.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary lookup table of the rights
module 214 that can be employed with the exemplary embodiments of
FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8. In FIG. 3, conditions values 216 can be listed
in the left column of the exemplary lookup table and the
corresponding usage rights 218 can be listed in the right column of
the exemplary lookup table. For example, condition value A can
include a value corresponding to 9 am to 5 pm in the United States
Eastern Standard Time, condition value B can include a value
corresponding to 5 pm to 11 pm in the United States Pacific
Standard Time, and condition value C can include a value
corresponding to 11 pm to 9 am in the United States Eastern
Standard Time. The corresponding usage rights 218 can include fees
or discounts off of standard fees based on the time values A-C.
[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, if the server 200 tends to be
most busy during time A and least busy during time C, the price X
can be higher than the price Y, which can be higher than the price
Z. In a further exemplary embodiment, if X, Y, and Z are expressed
as discounts, the inverse relationship can be true, for example,
such as Z can be higher than Y, which can be higher than X. The
usage rights 218 can be assigned to one or more of the digital
works 203, for example, on a periodic basis, just prior to
distribution or in any suitable manner.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, such a fee schedule and/or other
usage rights can be dynamically adjusted based on the status of the
network in general or server in particular, for example, by
obtaining various load parameters from the network. Accordingly,
the rights module 214 can be configured to include a
correspondingly more complex lookup table or other logic that
combines the various conditions to ascertain the corresponding
usage rights 218 for the content. In an exemplary embodiment, the
dynamic conditions module 212 can include such software tools for
monitoring server loads, for example, including commercially
available software packages for monitoring server loads, such as
the Web Performance Trainer from Web Performance, Inc., and the
like.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the concept of dynamic usage
rights can be applied to fees or any suitable other rights,
conditions, and the like. For example, usage rights that can be
specified for a digital work can be changed based on dynamic
conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the ability to print or
distribute content, the number of times content can be used, the
resolution of an image in the content, and the like, can be set and
changed based on dynamic conditions. In an exemplary embodiment,
usage rights can include any suitable rights that can be specified
by a usage rights language, such as XrML or other grammars for
digital rights management, and the like. The logic of the usage
rights module 214, for example, can be based on curves, formulas,
tables, databases or any other suitable algorithm using
predetermined or dynamic schemes, and the like.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the percentage of the commission
or fee of the distributor 120 can be specified in a usage right
that can be varied dynamically. For example, depending on the
network conditions or parameters, such as number of the visitors to
the web site or corresponding downloads at that moment, and to
encourage more uniform distribution of content throughout all
hours, the distributor 120 can charge a lower percentage during
times of lower use of the server 200. Advantageously, the
distributor 120 can reduce the number of servers in a server farm
of the server 200 and thus reduce operating costs.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the quality or other
characteristics of content can be adjusted as usage rights based on
dynamic conditions. For example, during peak hours, the user 130
can be allowed to download a low-resolution image of the content or
may be charged a premium for downloading a high-resolution image.
In an exemplary embodiment, such content can be made available in
plurality of resolutions. However, storing multiple resolution
images at each desired resolution for each piece of content can be
very cumbersome and can take up a large amount of memory in memory
the devices 202 and/or other resources. In an exemplary embodiment,
advantageously, wavelet decomposition or other subband
decomposition technologies can be used to provide flexibility of
resolution while reducing resource overhead.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, wavelet decomposition can
include a method of signal processing in which a signal can be
divided, decomposed, and the like, into components of various
frequency bandwidths. Wavelet decomposition and related
transformations, such as described in "Wavelets and Subband
Coding," by M. Veterrli and J. Kovacevic, Prentice Hall, 1995, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, thus, can
be employed. Wavelet decomposition has been applied to analyzing
the time-frequency domain of various signals and to digital
compression technologies.
[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary technique for varying of
resolution of an image that can be employed in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8. In FIG. 4, the digital work 203
can be adapted for providing variable resolution images. The
content of the work 203, in the form of an image, can be divided
into sub-images 207.sub.1-207.sub.5. Each sub-image can corresponds
to a wavelet, a frequency component, and the like, of the
image.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-image 207.sub.1 can
include a 1/2 resolution image, the sub-image 207.sub.2 can include
a 1/4 resolution image, the sub-image 207.sub.3 can include a 1/8
resolution image, the sub-image 207.sub.4 can include a 1/16
resolution image and the sub-image 207.sub.5 can include a 1/32
resolution image. The sub-images 207.sub.1-207.sub.5 can be
superposed and downloaded to provide a plurality of possible
resolutions. For example, downloading the sub-image 207.sub.1
provides a 1/2 resolution image. However, superposing the sub-image
207.sub.1 with the sub-image 207.sub.2 provides a higher resolution
image 209. Accordingly, the usage rights X, Y, and Z of FIG. 3 can
be configured to correspond to the respective rights to download
the various sub-images or combinations thereof.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the parameters used in
sub-sampling or filtering of the content can be used to determine
the quality of the resultant sub-image and can be varied in any
suitable manner to make any suitable number of sub-images having
any suitable resolution. In a further exemplary embodiment, while
the sub-images 207.sub.1-207.sub.5 are illustrated in FIG. 4, the
sub-images need not be decomposed and stored, but rather can be
decomposed on the fly, for example, using mathematical techniques
in the control program 210 to provide the sub-images needed for the
desired resolution download.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the content owner can grant the
right to view, print or copy a wavelet decomposition low-resolution
sub-image, for example, for trial or inspection purposes, and the
like. In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-images can be attached to
the corresponding content for usage rights assignment or can be
generated on the fly. In an exemplary embodiment, the components of
the image can be included in a same package, and the resolutions or
the combination of resolutions can be readily obtained using
wavelet decomposition. The various rights and the associated
content can be stored at the same location or at different
locations.
[0068] The exemplary embodiments include recognition that in
Digital Rights Management typically the focus has been on giving
the owners of content control over the content. Accordingly, the
exemplary embodiments include recognition that other stakeholders
exist and allow such other stakeholders to have a role in the
management of digital rights. For example, such a role can include
allowing exercise of control over the distribution and use of
content by other stakeholders, for example, such as governments,
parents, and the like. Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments
allow governments, parents, and the like, to control or monitor or
otherwise be involved in what content can be distributed and who
can receive or use such content. In a further exemplary embodiment,
the governments or parents, and the like, also can be allowed to
control the terms under which such content can be distributed or
used.
[0069] In further exemplary embodiments, however, other
stakeholders can be involved, for example, including a corporation
or other enterprise or various departments thereof or levels of
authority thereof. For example, a composer of an item of music or
an author of a book can be configured as a stakeholder, in addition
to the publisher of the item. Further exemplary embodiments provide
ways, for example, that can be used to deal with rights under the
law of some countries, wherein a creator of a work can continue to
have rights in a work even after the creator sells the work. Such
rights can include moral rights, and the like, and a creator of a
work can be included among the stakeholders.
[0070] Further exemplary embodiments provide ways, for example,
that can be used to deal with laws that permit digital works to be
transferred after being acquired regardless, in some cases, of
whether another party, for example the creator, owner or
distributor, desires that an acquirer have such a right. Such
rights can include the first sale doctrine, and the like, and a
transferor and a prospective transferee can be included among the
stakeholders.
[0071] Further exemplary embodiment provide ways, for example, that
can be used to deal with laws that permit digital works to be
copied or otherwise used, and the like, in certain ways regardless,
in some cases, of whether another party, for example, the creator,
owner or distributor, desires that a party have such a right. For
example, such a right can include the right of a consumer to make
copies of a digital work so that it can be used on various devices
within a household of the consumer or can include the right to
change the format of a digital work or to extract excerpts from the
work, and the like. Such rights can include fair use rights, and a
party that has such a fair use right can be included among the
stakeholders. Thus, advantageously, with the exemplary embodiments,
a stakeholder can be specified to ensure that a recipient of an
item can use the item in accordance with agreed manners of use or
manners of use specified by applicable law or regulation, and the
like.
[0072] In describing the exemplary embodiments, examples involving
digital works are employed, wherein a digital work can include any
suitable digital information. For example, digital works that can
be consumed by end users can include digital content, such as
audios, videos, electronic books (e-books), and the like. However,
according to the exemplary embodiments, the end result need not be
the acquisition or use of audios, videos or e-books, and the like.
For example, the Digital Rights Management of the exemplary
embodiments, advantageously, can be applied to goods, services,
other items, and the like.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the end result can
be the consumption of a service offered through the Internet,
purchase of a good or the taking of a test, and the like.
Accordingly, the concept of there being stakeholders can apply to
all such suitable things. Advantageously, with the exemplary
embodiment, a parent can keep a child from accessing an Internet
site unless permission is granted, a company president can keep
unauthorized employees from obtaining car rental services using
company resources unless permission is granted, and the like.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a first exemplary
use case, a child can be allowed to acquire a digital work in the
form of an item of music, video, and the like, but because of
choice of the parent, the child can render, for example, play the
music, based on approval from the parent. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the child can wish to acquire the music file, but
because it is the choice of the parent, the item can be acquired if
the parent approves in advance. Accordingly, the parent can be a
stakeholder in addition to the provider of the music and the end
consumer, the child.
[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a second exemplary
use case, thousands of people in a country can be allowed to have a
digital work in the form of a picture, but because it is the law
they can render the digital work, for example, including printing
the digital work or viewing the digital work on a computer display,
and the like, if the content of the digital work can be cleared by
a censor office of the government. In a further exemplary
embodiment, thousands of people can wish to acquire a digital work,
but because it is the law, the work can be acquired if the
government censor office approves. It need not matter why the law
making the governmental entity involved was enacted. However, a
government concern, for example, could be that the given item might
be pornographic in nature, might impact national security, might be
legally defamatory or might just be salacious, and the like.
Advantageously, the Digital Rights Management of the exemplary
embodiments can be used implement what can be decided in a
political process.
[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, according to third exemplary use
case, an author can be allowed to distribute a book on some topic.
The government of a given country, however, does not permit a book
by such an author on such a topic to be distributed into or from
the country unless the contents are approved by the government or,
alternatively, unless the government approves the terms and
conditions of the distribution of the book. In a further exemplary
embodiment, however, it could also be the that such requirement is
some other involvement, for example, such as the government itself
controlling the distribution of the book. As before, it does not
matter why the law requires government involvement. However, such
government involvement may be required, for example, because the
author is a former employee of a security agency or perhaps is a
convicted felon who has a legal obligation to make restitution to
victims and the government involvement is to ensure fees paid for
consumption of the book go to the victims, and the like.
Advantageously, the exemplary Digital Rights Management systems of
the exemplary embodiments can be used implement any suitable law,
and the like, irrespective of what such a law may be or why such a
law may be enacted.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiments, a specified condition of the
right of the consumer to acquire, render or do something else with
respect to an item can be the involvement of a stakeholder. In an
exemplary embodiment, such involvement can include that approval is
obtained from a specified stakeholder. However, in further
exemplary embodiments, such involvement can include actions other
than approval, such as that the stakeholder being allowed to track,
audit or have some other role with respect to the item. For
example, in the third exemplary use case, the government may not
care what the editorial content of an e-book of a felon is as long
as any fees for the sales thereof are collected in a way authorized
by the government so that the victims can be paid. In an exemplary
embodiment, the involvement of the government as a stakeholder
might continue only for so long as it takes to compensate the
victims in the appropriate amounts and thereafter the government
can cease to be involved. Accordingly, in the exemplary
embodiments, the involvement of a stakeholder can cease or can
commence at any appropriate time.
[0078] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a government or
other entity as stakeholder, can be allowed to control, approve,
and the like, a fee collection or other mechanism associated with
electronic distribution of an item, such as an e-book of a felon,
and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a condition can be used
to ensure that such distribution is done in an approved manner. The
status of such a condition can be checked one or more times, for
example, when the item is acquired, each time the item is rendered,
each time the item is found to have been changed, on random
occasions, continuously or on any other suitable occasions,
frequencies, and the like.
[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the first exemplary use case can
be implemented such that when a child acquires a musical work, a
usage right to render the musical work, for example, by playing,
and the like, can include a condition specifying that authorization
need be obtained from an authorizing repository with a certain
digital address. Such a repository can be controlled by the parent
of the child. The musical work can be associated with such a usage
right along with a communications link to the authorizing
repository. The repository of the child can initiate a request to
the authorizing repository and if the authorizing repository
responds with an authorization, the right to render the musical
work can be exercised.
[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, an item cannot be rendered until
an authorization is received. In an exemplary embodiment, a usage
right can be used to specify that authorization must be obtained
upon each rendering, wherein the approving authority, such as a
government, parent, and the like, can be allowed to withdraw
approval to render an item. Accordingly, even though the musical
work may have been approved by the parent to be played numerous
times by the child, when the repository of the child requests a
subsequent authorization, such a request can be denied and the
musical work can no longer be played if the parent so chooses.
[0081] In a further exemplary embodiment, when the authorizing
repository returns an authorization to render an item, the
authorizing repository can be configured to impose a condition, for
example, that a subsequent attempt to render the item requires
further authorization or that an authorization is good for one time
only, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the authorizing
repository can be embodied on a personal computer, a laptop
computer, a server, a transportable hardware device, a handheld
device or any other suitable device, and the like. In an exemplary
embodiment, the authorizing repository can reside in the same
device as the rendering device or software or can reside in the
device on which the musical work is stored or in a combination
thereof, and the like.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the second exemplary use case
can be implemented such that thousands of people each can receive
an electronic notification that an item, such as a picture, and the
like, is available for acquisition, for example, by Internet
download or in any other suitable fashion, such as in an off-line
manner or by way of a physical medium, and the like. In an
exemplary embodiment, such a notification can be accompanied by a
usage right that specifies that authorization, permission, and the
like, need be obtained, as a condition for acquiring the picture.
Such permission can be obtained using the methods of the exemplary
embodiments or any other suitable methods.
[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, in a situation where people
already have acquired the picture, the authorization for the
rendering of the picture can be implemented in manners similar to
those described with respect to the first exemplary use case, with
a salient difference being that thousands of people are requesting
such authorization rather the one child. In an exemplary
embodiment, the answer to such authorization requests need not be
the same for each person requesting authorization. For example,
some people can be authorized to render the item while others may
not, wherein a condition to authorization can be that a person can
establish their identity, that a person can establish that they are
over 21 years of age, that a fee is paid, and the like.
Advantageously, such conditions could be changed from time to time
via the exemplary embodiments. Although the exemplary embodiments
are described in terms of rendering, any other suitable usage
rights can be authorized or denied, such as copying, moving,
modifying, and the like.
[0084] The third exemplary use case included an additional element,
for example, wherein the content of the e-book was of importance.
In an exemplary embodiment, a decision that once the e-book is
approved for distribution the e-book cannot be changed unless such
change is approved can be implemented. Accordingly, a condition can
be used to specify that no changes to the e-book are allowed unless
approval can be obtained. For example, the government, as a
stakeholder, may not want the e-book to be changed by anyone, be it
the author or some other person, even after the e-book is
distributed. In an exemplary embodiment, Digital Rights Management
techniques can be employed to ensure that content cannot be changed
by an unauthorized person. In an exemplary embodiment, persons
other than the owner of an item, typically are unauthorized
parties. In an exemplary embodiment, an owner can include an
author, a publisher, a movie studio, and the like.
[0085] In the third exemplary use case, entities that may wish to
exercise control over changes to an item and that can be protected
against changes being made to the item, for example, can include
the author, which is consistent with a typical situation, and the
governmental entity. In an exemplary embodiment, a condition can be
used to ensure that the government entity approves changes to the
item. Accordingly, a usage right, for example, can be used to
specify that no person, not even the author, can change the e-book,
unless the government approves of such a change or that no change
can be made unless such a change is made by the government, and the
like.
[0086] In further exemplary embodiments, such a condition can be
implemented on the basis of one or more entitles being involved in
the approval or the changing process, for example, the author and
the government or the author or the government or only the author
or only the government, and the like. For example, the author can
be given the right to make changes subject to government approval,
the government can be given the right to make changes with the
approval from the author or the author or the government can be
eliminated from such a process altogether.
[0087] In a further exemplary embodiment, stakeholders can include
an author, a publisher of an author, and the like. Advantageously,
even after an author sells a work to a publisher, the author can
retain control over changes to the work using the exemplary
embodiments. The exemplary embodiments, thus, can be employed to
implement, protect, enforce, and the like, for example, moral
rights under the laws of some countries. In further exemplary
embodiments, contract rights of an author with a publisher, for
example, can be enforced, protected, and the like. The control or
participation of the author or other parties need not be limited to
the making of changes, but rather could involve any suitable
action, for example, such as the monitoring of the number of copies
being distributed, and the like.
[0088] The third exemplary use case included an additional element,
for example, wherein the government involvement was instigated
because of the topic or content of the e-book. In an exemplary
embodiment, if an e-book includes such a topic of interest to the
government, along with other topics not of interest to the
government, the approval processes, and the like, of the exemplary
embodiments can be applied to the portions that are within the
topic of interest. For example, if the e-book has several chapters
or other parts or is a composite work, conditions can be applied to
one or more of such parts or to any subset of such parts or the
e-book, and the like.
[0089] The third exemplary use case included an additional element,
for example, wherein the government involvement was instigated
because of the particular author of the e-book being a felon. In an
exemplary embodiment, if a composite work is authored by multiple
persons, the approval processes, and the like, of the exemplary
embodiments can be applied to the portions of the composite work
authored by the person or person of interest, such as a felon.
Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments can be applied to
situations involving any suitable number of stakeholders with
respect to an item.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, any suitable number of dynamic
conditions can be employed. For example, in the first exemplary use
case, the request of the child to play the musical work can be
denied by the parent, for example, because the parent withdrew or
never gave permission to play the musical work, and the like.
Accordingly, the parent can choose not to permit the request of the
child to play the musical work and when the status of the
corresponding condition is checked, approval can be found to be
lacking.
[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, however, the parent can
thereafter provide other conditions. For example, a usage right
associated with the musical work can specify that upon each attempt
to render the musical work, or in diverse other instances, the
authorizing repository is to be checked and whatever rights and
conditions are at that time being specified by the authorizing
repository are to be observed. Thus, advantageously, the parent can
dynamically change an authorization, for example, from "yes you may
render" to "yes you may render, but only ten times," and the
like.
[0092] Accordingly, any suitable number of things can be
dynamically specified, such as the imposition of new conditions or
the withdrawal of former rights, and the like. For example, the
parent, through the authorizing repository of the exemplary
embodiments, can specify that the musical work cannot be played,
for example, during school hours. Advantageously, if such school
hours change, such a change can be reflected with an appropriate
dynamic condition. In further exemplary embodiments, a dynamic
condition can be used to specify that an item, such as a musical
work, and the like, cannot be copied or if a condition of no
copying already existed, that such a restriction can be removed. In
further exemplary embodiments, such rights and/or conditions can be
dynamically changed with the result that a first request to render
an item can result in "yes, but only ten times," while a second
request at a later time can result in a "no," for example, reneging
on the earlier right to render ten times.
[0093] The exemplary embodiments can employ a digital ticket, for
example, as further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,971. In an
exemplary embodiment, a digital ticket can include a digital token,
and the like, possession of which can be a condition for exercising
a manner of use specified in a usage right. For example, in the
third exemplary use case, the author can acquire from the
government agency a digital distribution license for the work that
can specify use of a digital ticket. The distribution license can
be used to specify that the work cannot be copied or transferred
until such time as the government agency involved presents the
digital ticket.
[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the digital ticket can be used
to represent the certificate of inspection and approval by the
government of a digital work or other item or the approval of the
terms of distribution of a digital work or other item, and the
like. In an exemplary embodiment, when a digital ticket is
presented to the clearinghouse 150, the corresponding item then can
be distributed. In an exemplary embodiment, when an item is
presented to the Digital Rights Management systems of the exemplary
embodiments, usage rights associated with the item can include a
condition that a digital ticket be presented. In further exemplary
embodiments, a usage right can be used to specify that Edit or
Embed transactions cannot be performed with respect to an item, for
example, even by an author of the item, unless a government office
presents a digital ticket evidencing approval of such a change. In
further exemplary embodiments, any other suitable rights or
conditions can be specified as allowed or not allowed, and the
like.
[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, a digital ticket can be employed
with the second exemplary use case, wherein when the thousands of
people each receive the electronic notification that the picture is
available for acquisition, a digital ticket can be included with
such notification and corresponding usage right. For example, the
corresponding usage right can be configured to give the right to
obtain the picture and render the picture, but a condition for
exercising such a usage right can be that the digital ticket be
punched by a specified special ticket agent, for example, residing
on a central control repository controlled by the government or
other entity, as a stakeholder.
[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the thousands of persons
can submit a respective digital ticket to such a special ticket
agent for punching. The picture can have been reviewed by the
government, which can decide whether or not certain persons are
permitted to obtain the picture, render the picture, and the like.
For example, only requests from certain authorized repositories can
be honored in order to obtain or render the picture. In an
exemplary embodiment, the special ticket agent can be configured to
check each digital ticket against a database that includes
information as to whether or not a requesting repository is
designated as being authorized to obtain or render the picture.
[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, when such a database indicates
that a requesting repository is an authorized repository, the
corresponding digital ticket can be punched, wherein the
corresponding condition is thus satisfied and the requesting
repository can be permitted to obtain or render the picture. In an
exemplary embodiment, if the requesting repository is not
authorized the digital ticket is not punched. In further exemplary
embodiments, the database can be dynamically changed, such that a
first request to render an item can result in a "yes" decision,
while a second request at a later time to render the item can
result in a "no" decision. In further exemplary embodiments, the
ticket agent can impose a condition on the "yes" decision to the
request to render the item, for example, such as if the item is
rendered by viewing, the right to view terminates after one hour,
and the like.
[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a first exemplary
distribution model, and via appropriate usage rights and/or
conditions, upon release of a movie, a studio can offer to sell the
movie by download for $5, including the right to view the movie
three times within a ninety day period or by download for $4,
including the right to view the movie one time within a ninety day
period. Advantageously, a year after release of the movie, the
studio can lower the price for downloads to $3, with the right to
view the movie an unlimited number times being specified in
corresponding usage rights and/or conditions. In addition, with
appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the studio can allow
previous customers, such as the customers that paid $5 or $4 for
downloading the movie, the right to unlimited view of the movie. In
an exemplary embodiment, such customers need not get a refund, but
a refund can be implemented in further exemplary embodiments using
the exemplary systems and methods.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, two years after the release of
the movie, with appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the
studio can allow previous customers to have the right to make an
unlimited number of copies of the movie and to transfer a copy of
the movie to whomever they wish, wherein, previously, making a copy
of the movie was not allowed. However, to view the movie, for
example, render the movie by playing, each new recipient of the
movie can be required pay the studio $2 to obtain the right to
render the movie via corresponding usage rights and/or conditions.
Such a render right can be configured to specify an unlimited
number of views, over an unlimited period of time, and the like. As
an incentive for customers of the studio to redistribute the movie,
via appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the studio can pay
a customer a $1 payment for each copy that such a person transfers
and for which the studio is paid the $2 fee. Advantageously, the
exemplary distribution scenarios can be configured to include an
owner-to-consumer model that can evolve into a peer-to-peer model,
and the like.
[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a second exemplary
distribution model, and via appropriate usage rights and/or
conditions, a government can enact a law that provides a consumer
with the right to make up to two copies of an item, such as a movie
file, video file, music file, and the like, that the consumer buys
in digital form, because that is considered fair use of the item.
With appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the government can
make it illegal to sell a movie, unless the movie is accompanied by
technology that permits the movie to be copied up to two times. In
addition, with appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the
government can allow an owner of a movie, such as the studio, the
right to use technology to prevent more than two copies from being
made.
[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, a year later, and via
appropriate usage rights and/or conditions, the government can
decide that two copies is not fair enough and enact a law that
provides consumers with the right to make up to three copies. The
law can provide that the three-copy right law is retroactive for
all movies previously sold under the two-copy right law, and which,
advantageously, can be implemented with the exemplary embodiments.
The exemplary embodiments, thus, illustrate use of Digital Rights
Management in connection with fair use legislation. In further
exemplary embodiments, however, any other suitable law or
regulation or no law at all, for example, just a preference of the
studio as to how many copies the studio wishes to allow, can be
implemented. Because future viewing of the movie can be important
to the studio and the recipient of the movie, in an exemplary
embodiment, a stakeholder, advantageously, can be designated to
ensure appropriate future use of an item.
[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a third exemplary
distribution model, and via appropriate usage rights and/or
conditions, an enterprise can be configured to grant scientists of
the enterprise the right to render, for example, by viewing or
printing, and the like, digital documents in a central repository,
such as technical resource library of the enterprise, and the like.
In an exemplary embodiment, such usage rights and/or conditions can
be used to specify that the scientists can be given the right, for
example, to download one copy from the central repository to a
personal computer, while not being permitted others actions to be
taken, such as to transfer the downloaded document, and the like.
Advantageously, a year later, the enterprise can make a business
decision that allowing such printing was not a good idea, and can
specify via modified usage rights and/or conditions that such
printing is no longer allowed, with such a rule being applicable to
documents previously downloaded to the personal computer of the
scientist.
[0103] A common theme in the exemplary distribution models is
dynamic change. For example, in each of the exemplary distribution
models someone or some party can be allowed to change their mind.
Advantageously, the exemplary systems and methods of the exemplary
embodiments can be employed to implement such decisions and
changes.
[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, digital tickets also can be used
to implement the exemplary distribution models. For example, in the
third distribution model, the corresponding usage right can be used
to specify a digital ticket, wherein access to a document can be
made subject to a special ticket agent punching the digital ticket.
In an exemplary embodiment, the digital ticket must be presented
and punched for each access. Advantageously, if the enterprise
later wishes to prevent printing, when the special ticket agent is
requested by a scientist to punch a digital ticket, the special
ticket agent can be configured to refuse the request. In an
exemplary embodiment, this could be the end of the story, but in a
further exemplary embodiment, the special ticket agent can be
configured to provide the scientist with a means, such as a link,
and the like, to acquire a new license, wherein the new license
need not include the print right.
[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, a rights expression in the form
of a master license, for example, can include master usage rights
and can be stored in one or more repositories, and can be employed
to effectuate a solution to the exemplary distribution models. The
master license can include usage rights pertaining to an item, such
as a digital work or other item, for example, the movie of the
first and second exemplary distribution models, the technical
documents of third exemplary distribution model, and the like. A
user, customer, consumer, distributor, and the like, of an item can
have a reference or pointer that can be associated with the master
license.
[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, many persons can hold a pointer
or reference associated with a common master license. In further
exemplary embodiments, however, a single person can hold such a
reference or pointer, for example, to implement the first exemplary
use case of control by a parent of access to content by a child. In
an exemplary embodiment, there can be more than one copy of a
master license, for example, residing on servers located on
different Local Area Networks (LANs) or devices, such as servers
located in various geographies. In an exemplary embodiment, the
multiple licenses can be similar or different. For example, it can
be desired that a master license applies to the whole world, except
for France, and that a variant of such as master license applies to
France. In an exemplary embodiment, an appropriate reference or
pointer for clients or persons to be associated with the France
variant of the master license can be provided.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, a master license can include all
the usage rights and conditions pertaining to an item, wherein,
advantageously, a user, such as the possessor of a movie or the
scientist of the exemplary embodiments, need only possess a
reference or pointer to such a master license. Advantageously, such
exemplary embodiments can be useful in resource-constrained
environments, because a reference or pointer can consume less space
than the information expressed in the master license. In a further
exemplary embodiment, the master license can specify less than all
usage rights and conditions. For example, some rights and
conditions can be specified in separate usage rights including, for
example, usage rights specific to each instance of an item, such as
the movie or technical document of the exemplary distribution
models.
[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the reference or pointer can
employ any suitable mode of communications, such as a hyperlink, an
offline mode of communication, such as coupling two hardware
devices or communication within a single device. For example, a
repository including a master license associated with a movie can
be on a same computer hard drive as the repository in which the
movie is stored. There can be included a pointer or reference
establishing a correspondence between usage rights specified in the
master license and the movie, even though the usage rights and the
movie are on the same device.
[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the master license can specify
the usage rights and conditions that are to be associated with an
item, wherein a reference or pointer can point to the master
license. In an exemplary embodiment, when a possessor of an item,
such as a digital work or other item, for example, the possessor of
the movie in the first and second exemplary distribution models,
desires to access the item, such as to render the item, copy the
item or move the item to another repository, the master license can
be accessed. The purpose of the access can be to determine that the
right to perform the proposed transaction, such as to render the
item or copy the item, can be associated with the item and to check
and fulfill any suitable conditions, such as to payment of a fee,
and the like.
[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, such a check can be performed in
each instance of attempted use, for example, to implement dynamic
changes. For example, in the first exemplary distribution model,
after one year, the owner of a copy of the movie would find that
the right to view the movie has been upgraded to an unlimited
right. Accordingly, it can be desirable that such a check with the
master license be performed on each instance of attempted use,
because that best implements the intent of dynamically implementing
changes. In further exemplary embodiments, however, such a check
can be performed at various times, frequencies, and the like.
[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the movie studio of the first
exemplary distribution model can employ mechanisms to provide
notifications of changes in the corresponding usage rights. For
example, such notification mechanisms can include sending an e-mail
or directing persons, devices or systems logging into to the
content distributions system, such as an Internet site, and the
like, to the changed master license.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, every time a user wishes to
render or take an action, such as copy or move, with respect to an
item, the master license can be checked for a current state of the
usage rights therein, for example, by interpreting, and the like,
the master license. In an exemplary embodiment, if the master
license can be determined to have changed, the master license can
be interpreted differently than when the master license was last
referenced. Accordingly, an action that was permitted yesterday may
not be permitted today or a requested action denied yesterday may
be permitted today. In an exemplary embodiment, the master license
can be changed at any suitable time.
[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, a master license can be held by
an issuer thereof or by some authority other than the issuer. For
example, a studio owning a movie can employ an agent who can
administer the master license for the studio. In an exemplary
embodiment, the studio can maintain legal control of the master
license, even thought the agent can hold or maintain physical
control of the master license. In an exemplary embodiment, the
studio or an agent thereof can change the master license as
necessary or when required to do so by some other entity, such as a
government, and the like, as in the second exemplary use case. In a
further exemplary embodiment, however, a master license also can be
held outside of the control of the issuer of the master license by
a stakeholder, for example, under the control of a government
authority or entity, such as the censors office of a government, a
consumer organization, an industry association, a regulatory or
self regulatory organization, a good business organization, such as
a Better Business Bureau, and the like.
[0114] In a further exemplary embodiment, the master license can
initially be held be one party, for example, the studio, and later
by another party, for example, one or more stakeholders. Such
change in holding of the master license can occur, for example, as
specified in usage rights and/or conditions.
[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, a digital ticket that points to
a reference or pointer that in turn points to a license, including
a master license, can be employed. For example, a consumer can hold
a digital ticket issued by a rights holder or other stakeholder,
such as issued by a content owner as a rights holder or a
government as a stakeholder, wherein the digital ticket includes a
pointer to a reference pointer. In an exemplary embodiment, the
reference pointer can be hosted, controlled, and the like, by the
rights holder, which can include the item or content owner or
another stakeholder. In an exemplary embodiment, any suitable
pointer can initially be held or be controlled by one party and
later by another party, for example, one or more stakeholders. In
an exemplary embodiment, such a change in control of a pointer can
occur, for example, as specified in usage rights and/or
conditions.
[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, such a reference pointer can
point to the actual usage right, advantageously, providing
flexibility in the implementation of changing usage rights. For
example, a change can be implemented by changing the actual usage
right being pointed to or can be implemented by having the
reference pointer change the place, for example, the usage right,
to which the pointer is pointing. Advantageously, the change of
such a pointer can occur at the reference pointer, obviating the
need to change the pointer associated with the digital ticket.
[0117] In a further exemplary embodiment, however, a digital ticket
need not be employed. For example, a pointer can be associated with
an item, such as a digital work or other item, and included as part
of a license including the usage rights associated with the item.
As with the exemplary digital ticket embodiment, such a pointer can
point to a reference pointer, which in turn points to the actual
license, for example, including a master license. Thus, in an
exemplary embodiment, a user, consumer, distributor, and the like,
of an item, can hold a usage right, which is or can include a
pointer to a reference pointer. The reference pointer can be
hosted, controlled, and the like, by a rights holder, which can
include a content owner or another stakeholder.
[0118] Advantageously, according to the exemplary embodiments, a
reference pointer can be configured to point to an actual usage
right, thereby providing flexibility for implementing changes in
usage rights. For example, a change can be implemented by merely
changing the actual usage right being pointed to or can be
implemented by having the reference pointer change the place, for
example, the usage right, to which the reference pointer is
pointing. Because the change of the pointer to the usage right
occurs at the reference pointer, advantageously, a pointer
associated with a digital ticket or a license or a usage right need
not be changed.
[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the person issuing a digital
ticket, a license, a usage right, and the like, need not be the
same person hosting or controlling the reference pointer. For
example, the issuer can be the owner of an item, such digital
content, a digital work or other item, and the reference pointer
can be hosted or controlled by another stakeholder, such as a
parent, a government authority or an authority within an
enterprise. For example, in the second exemplary distribution
model, if the government, as a stakeholder, controlled such a
reference pointer, the government can implement a technology action
to change the right of the consumers to make three instead of two
copies of digital movies, advantageously, avoiding a need to
implement an enforcement action to require the studio to change the
corresponding licenses.
[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, a condition for allowing access
to or use of a digital work or other item may be that the
repository which is requesting access or which is proposed to
receive or store or in any way be involved with the item have
certain attributes or otherwise be configured in certain ways or
not have certain attributes or configurations. For example, the
repository can be required to possess minimal security attributes.
If the repository is part of a personal document assistant (PDA)
device, the repository can require that the PDA have specified or
minimal security attributes and that the PDA be configured to
permit the PDA to support the required conditions for access.
[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, a repository, including a
device, such as a PDA, personal computer, and the like, can be
reconfigured before such device can be involved with a digital work
or other item. For example, such reconfiguration can involve the
installation of new software at the repository or system or devices
that control the repository, can involve changing parameters or
other settings of existing software, can take the form of a
software plug in, and the like.
[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, a condition for access,
possession or the involvement with a digital work or other item of
any suitable kind of repository or device can be that the
repository or device permits itself to be reconfigured. For
example, such reconfiguration can include that the repository or
device allowing itself to be accessed, for example, by a central
control repository, for changing default settings, installing new
software, modifying existing software, inserting a plug in,
disabling certain software or features, and the like, for example,
in a way that such changes cannot be negated or at least not easily
negated.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, if a repository or other device
will not allow itself to be accessed or configured, then such a
device need not be allowed to handle the digital work or other
item. In further exemplary embodiments, such a device might be
denied the right to handle certain types of items or not be allowed
to perform functions otherwise permitted. In further exemplary
embodiments, if upon accessing the repository or device, it is
determined that such a device cannot be reconfigured in a way that
meets the requirement of a condition, for example, such as when a
repository, even after being reconfigured does not possess a
minimum level of security, then the right to access or otherwise
handle the item can be denied.
[0124] In further exemplary embodiments, the purpose of access to
the repository or device can be to ascertain whether or not such as
device meets one or more conditions. For example, if it is
determined that such as device does meet such conditions, then
reconfiguration need not be necessary or if it is determined that
such a device does meet such conditions in part, then limited
reconfiguration could be necessary.
[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, the condition that a repository
or device be reconfigurable or reconfigured, for example, can apply
to any suitable type of repository or device and to any suitable
function that such a device might perform. For example, a condition
could apply to any suitable repository or device which is to store
a digital work or other item or which is to render the item or
which is to transmit the item across a communications medium or
which is a communications medium.
[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, Digital Rights Management
systems, where access to digital resources can be controlled by a
rights expression, can be employed to implement the exemplary
embodiments. Typically, in such systems, rights expressions
specifying usage rights can be created and associated with an item
at one repository and another repository can then request access to
the item in a client-server relationship. In further exemplary
embodiment, however, both the client and the server repositories
can create usage rights and associate such usage rights to an
item.
[0127] The exemplary embodiments further include recognition that
there is a need make it possible for the rights of other persons,
such as consumers, as recipients and holders of digital works or
other items, to be protected. For example, when a person obtains a
digital work or other item and certain rights in the item, such as
the right to copy the item, print the item, play the item, transfer
the item to another device, and the like, the person expects that
technology should not prevent the ability to utilize such rights.
In an exemplary embodiment, for example, a consumer can acquire a
digital work or other item together with the right to play the item
an unlimited number of times on the condition the item can be
played on an authorized device.
[0128] Accordingly, each time playing of the item is requested on a
device, an exemplary system can be configured to perform a check to
determine if the requested device is authorized to play the item.
If, however, the party or entity operating the exemplary system has
gone out of business, fails or neglects to perform such a check, or
for any other suitable reason such a check cannot be performed, the
consumer can be deprived of the right to play the item, even though
the device of the consumer is an authorized device. In a further
exemplarily embodiment, a consumer can acquire the right to obtain
an Internet based service on the condition that the consumer makes
a one time payment of $100 plus a payment of an additional $1 per
use of the service. However, if the consumer is unable to access a
system to tender the $1 to the provider of the service, for
example, due to failure to perform or neglect or any other suitable
reason, although the consumer is willing to pay, the consumer can
deprived of the right to access the service, and if not merely
transient, the consumer can be permanently deprived of the benefit
of the initial payment of $100.
[0129] Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, for the best interests of
providers of services, digital works and other items and of
recipient customers of such providers, a stakeholder can be
designated to perform obligations, needed tasks, and the like, to
ensure that a recipient of an item can exercise rights associated
with the item or service. Such a designation can be made in a
suitable rights expression. In a further exemplary embodiment, a
stakeholder can be designated to be operative, for example, upon
certain conditions being met, such as a provider ceasing to do
business, ceasing to comply with obligations, becoming unwilling or
unable to perform or to perform in an agreed or appropriate manner
or in a manner prescribed by law, and the like.
[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, such a stakeholder can be
designated by a recipient or a provider or some other party or
entity, and can include an association of providers or owners of
digital works or services, an association of consumers or other
recipients, a governmental entity, a regulatory or self regulatory
association, a association, such as the Better Business Bureau,
someone designated by any of the foregoing parties or any other
suitable party or entity, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment,
the designation of such a stakeholder can be by agreement between a
provider and a recipient or can be an arrangement required by law
or governmental regulation or self regulation, such as part of rule
or a trade association practice.
[0131] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system 500 in which a client and server repository can create and
associate usage rights. In FIG. 5, a digital work or other item
502, for example, in the form of digital content, such as a movie,
song, and the like, can be employed, but the exemplary embodiments
can be applied to any suitable type of item. A creator can create
the item 502 and specify, via a rights expression, usage rights 504
for association with the item 502. In an exemplary embodiment, the
usage rights 504 and the associated item 502 can be deposited in
respective client repositories 506b and 506a. In a further
exemplary embodiment, the usage rights 504 and the associated item
502 can be deposited in a same client repository 506, such as a
common repository.
[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the repositories 506b and 506a
can be the same or different physical devices. The repository 506
can initiate a session with a server repository 508. The repository
506 or repository 506a if the usage rights 504 and the item 502 are
not in a common repository can upload the item 502 along with the
associated usage rights 504 to the server repository 508. In an
exemplary embodiment, the item 502 can be uploaded or otherwise
transmitted before, after or at the same time as the usage rights
504. For example, the item 502 can be uploaded after it is
determined that the server repository 508 accepts access thereto.
The server repository 508 can check to see if the usage rights 504
specify that the server repository 508 can access the item 502. If
the usage rights 504 do not permit the server repository 508 to
access the item 502, the server repository 508 can refuse access or
terminate the session. If, however, the server repository 508 can
have access to the item 502, the server repository 508 can perform
authorized actions requested by the client repository 506 in
accordance with server usage rights 510.
[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, if the usage rights 504 do not
permit the server repository 508 to access the item 502, the server
repository 508 can initiate a session with the repository 506
requesting access and specifying the server usage rights 510 that
the server repository 506 requests. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the repository 506 can initiate such a session. If the
client repository 506 agrees to such access, then access can be
granted.
[0134] In a exemplary embodiment, the determination as to whether
there is agreement on access can be on the basis of the rights and
conditions specified by the server repository 508 and not
prohibited by the repository 506, plus the rights and conditions
specified by the repository 506 and not prohibited by the server
repository 508, combined to form the rights and conditions of an
agreement. In further exemplary embodiments, however, other rules
can be employed. One or more of the client repository 506 and the
server repository 508 can perform the function of determining if
there is an agreement or both repositories can do so and compare
results. In an exemplary embodiment, the client 506 or server 508
repository can initiate a request and, thus, be a requesting
repository. In an exemplary embodiment, a particular usage right,
request or repository need not specify the rights and
conditions.
[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, after performing the requested
action, the server repository 508 can provide feedback to the
repository 506 based on the execution of the requested action. In
an exemplary embodiment, such feedback can include the result of a
requested action or an acknowledgement of receipt of the
request.
[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the rights and conditions for
comparison can be generated in any suitable manner. For example,
the usage rights associated with digital works or other items and
one or more repositories can be employed. In a further exemplary
embodiment, however, usage rights need not be employed. In an
exemplary embodiment, usage rights associated with an item can be
compared with rights and conditions specified in a request from a
requesting repository.
[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, a client repository, in a
client-server model, can be configured to create and associate
usage rights to items, such as digital works. By contrast, typical
client side repositories simply consume content distributed by a
server repository and typically are not involved in the creating of
usage rights. By providing the client repository with the ability
of creating of usage rights, advantageously, the exemplary use
cases and distribution models can be implemented. For example, if a
stakeholder controls the server repository 508 and/or the server
usage rights 510, such a stakeholder can control what is done with
the item 502.
[0138] Although the exemplary system 500 of FIG. 5 is described in
terms of the client device repository 506 and the server device
repository 508, in a further exemplary embodiment, the roles of the
repositories can be reversed and either repository can operate in
both a client and/or server mode. Thus, the storage of usage rights
or items or digital works, the session initiation, the uploading
and checking of the usage rights and the other functions, for
example, can be performed by any suitable repository including
another or any suitable number of other repositories.
[0139] In an exemplary embodiment, the server repository 508 can
assign or pass along the server usage rights 510 to particular
items 502, such as digital works or other items. In an exemplary
embodiment, the server repository 508 functions can include
functions for associating usage rights with the item 502. Thus,
once associated, the item 502 can have one or more usage rights
associated therewith, such as the usage rights assigned by the
repository 508 and the usage rights, if any, such as the usage
rights 504 associated with the item 502 prior to the encounter of
the item 502 with the repository. Such an assignment of the usage
rights can be done by any suitable method. In an exemplary
embodiment, the usage rights associated with a repository then can
be bound to an item, just as with usage rights previously
associated with such an item. Advantageously, if a stakeholder
controls the server repository 508 and/or the server usage rights
510, such a stakeholder can control what is done with the item
502.
[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, multiple repositories each can
be used to assign usage rights to a particular item or just one
repository can assign usage rights to an item on multiple
occasions. The assigning repositories can be controlled by one or
more entities or stakeholders. The usage rights can be cumulative.
For example, in the case of a digital work in the form of a movie
file, music file, and the like, initially a studio can create a
usage right, for example, that permits viewing of the movie file
five times within a thirty day period. A customer then can obtain
the movie file with the associated usage right. Twenty-nine days
later, the studio can decide to offer the customer a new deal and
permit the customer unlimited viewing of the movie file for one
year.
[0141] Accordingly, a transaction using any suitable methods, such
as a transaction through an Internet site, and the like, can be
performed between the studio and the customer and the movie
possessed by the customer can have two usage rights associated
therewith and the customer can exercise either one of the usage
rights. In an exemplary embodiment, the first usage right can
effectively be a subset of the second usage right, so effectively
the second usage right can define the rights that the customer has
with respect to the movie file.
[0142] In further exemplary embodiments, however, plural usage
rights need not be subsets of each other. For example, the first
usage right the customer obtained can be for five views within an
unlimited period of time. If in the first twenty-nine days the
customer uses two of those five views, the customer then can start
using the right for the unlimited views for the next year, and,
when that right has lapsed, the customer still can have three views
left on the first usage right.
[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the studio can specify that as a
condition of the customer receiving the second usage right, the
customer must give up the first usage right. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the first usage right or an intervening usage right can
be used to specify that no other usage rights can be associated
with an item or that no more usage rights can be so assigned unless
certain conditions are met.
[0144] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system 600 in which plural repositories associate plural usage
rights with an item. In FIG. 6, a repository 602 creates usage
right 604 and associates the usage right 604 with an item 602, such
a digital work or other item. A repository 606 then can create two
usage rights 608 and 610 and associate the usage rights 608 and 610
with the item 612. The usage right 608 and the usage right 610 can
be generated at the same time or at different times. In an
exemplary embodiment, one of the usage rights 608 or 610 can be a
subset of the other the usage rights 608 or 610 or the usage rights
608 and 610 each can include usage right information that is
different from the other or from the usage right 604.
[0145] In an exemplary embodiment relating to the access of the
item 612 in the form of a movie file, music file, and the like, the
repository 606 can be controlled by the movie studio and the usage
right 608 can permit the movie file 612, to be viewed five times
within thirty days. The usage right 610 can be subsequently issued
by the studio permitting unlimited viewing for a year. In an
exemplary embodiment, the studio can create a business arrangement
with a distributor giving the distributor, for example, via the
exemplary meta-rights, the right to distribute the movies of the
studio, including the right to provide usage rights to possessors
of the movie file 612. In an exemplary embodiment, the distributor
can maintain control of the repository 602.
[0146] After more than a year after the customer obtained the usage
right 604 and the customer has consumed all rights under usage
right 608, the customer learns that the distributor is offering to
provide usage rights permitting the movie file 612 to be viewed an
unlimited number of times on the condition of payment of $2. The
customer then can initiate a transaction with the repository 602,
pay the $2 fee and obtain the usage rights 604, which are
associated with the movie file 612. Thus, the movie file 612 can
have the usage rights 604, 608, and 610 associated therewith,
wherein rights given by two of the usage rights have expired. In a
further exemplary embodiment, however, zero or more of the usage
rights 604, 608, and 610 can be active at the same time.
[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, a user, such as a customer, can
be permitted to exercise whichever of plural usage rights the user
possesses and that the user chooses to exercise. Advantageously,
such a liberal approach can be particularly suited for
business-to-consumer situations. For example, a consumer having two
item tickets permitting rental of a car at two prices can choose
the lowest price or the least restrictive item ticket. In an
exemplary embodiment, an item ticket can include a mechanism by
which a license can be associated with a non-digital item, for
example, a tangible item, such as goods or services.
[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, a customer who possesses a copy
of a song file, a movie file, and the like, can choose the right to
play the file for free instead of the right to play the file for a
fee. In an exemplary embodiment, any suitable systems and methods
can be employed to automatically select the best usage right or the
user can manually, for example, through human intervention, and the
like, select the desired right or the user can specify rules or
preferences to enable the system to automatically make decisions
for the rights selection based on such rules or preferences. In a
further exemplary embodiment, a restrictive system can be provided
that can typically be employed in business, government or other
enterprise environments. In an exemplary embodiment, use, access,
and the like, of such a system can be permitted based on the most
restrictive usage right.
[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, a permutation of the liberal and
the restrictive systems can include a system where access can be
based on the most restrictive right, unless certain conditions are
met. In a further exemplary embodiment, a system can be provided
where access is based on the most liberal right, unless certain
conditions are not met. In an exemplary embodiment, such a
condition can include the presentment or presence or the lack
thereof of a digital ticket. In an exemplary embodiment, such
conditions can be dynamic conditions tracked by state variables,
and the like.
[0150] In an exemplary embodiment, the restrictive system can
include a system where plural usage rights are subsets of each
other and only the lowest set usage right can be exercised. The
system enforcing rights management can make the choices about which
usage right applies, thus, reversing the situation where the
customer decides. In an exemplary embodiment, such a choice can
involve human intervention, rules or a combination thereof, wherein
usage rights associated with a repository according to the
exemplary embodiments can be employed. The exemplary embodiments,
for example, described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6,
advantageously, can be employed to provide stakeholders with a way
to assign usage rights and thus influence, control or otherwise
affect use, access, and the like, with respect to an item.
[0151] In the exemplary embodiments, usage rights can be associated
with a repository. For example, the usage rights 504 can be
assigned to the item 502, such as a digital work or other item, and
the server usage rights 510 can be assigned to the server
repository 508. In an exemplary embodiment, the usage rights 510
associated with the repository 508 can then be bound to or
associated with the item 502. However, such association with the
item 502 can be optional.
[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, the repository 508 can have one
or more usage rights 510 associated therewith. Advantageously, the
usage rights 510 can be used inform the repository of what usage
rights, for example, including rights and/or conditions, can be
associated with the item 502 and such usage rights need not be the
same as the usage rights 510 associated with the repository
508.
[0153] Advantageously, the server usage rights 510 associated with
the repository 508 can be used to enable the server repository 508
to know what to do when the server repository 508 encounters the
item 502. In an exemplary embodiment, the server usage rights 510
associated with the server repository 508 can be used tell the
server repository 508 what the server repository 508 can and cannot
do. In an exemplary embodiment, such usage rights need not become
permanently associated with the item 502.
[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, the conjunction of the usage
rights 504 associated with the item 502 and the usage rights 510
associated with the repository 508 can be transitory, for example,
existing long enough to enable an analysis of the various types of
usage rights so that a decision can be made about what function to
perform. The usage rights 510 associated with the repository 508
can be used to send the item 502 or information about the item 502
or the usage rights 504 associated with the item 502 to another
location, such as a network, node, router, other repository, and
the like, where a decision can be made or where the item 502 can be
re-routed.
[0155] In a further exemplary embodiment, the item 502 need not be
sent to such a location, but rather reference can be made to the
location for a determination, in which case information about the
item 502 or the associated usage rights 504 thereof can be sent.
Similarly, the usage rights associated with the item 503 can be
used to send the item 502 or such other information to another such
location. In a further exemplary embodiment, usage rights can be
used to specify that the item 502 is not to be sent to a location
or reference made to such location or can go no further than a
specified location.
[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the usage rights 510 associated
with the repository 508 can be used to inform the repository 508
that the repository 508 can render any suitable item 502, such as a
digital work other item presented to the repository 508. In a
further exemplary embodiment, the usage rights associated 510 with
the repository 508 can be used to specify that the repository 508
can perform any suitable action requested of the repository 508,
for example, except rendering. In a further exemplary embodiment,
the usage rights 510 can be used to specify that the repository 508
can do any suitable action requested of the repository 508,
including rendering, except that the repository 508 is restricted
from rendering certain types of files, such as Joint Photographic
Experts Group (JPEG) files, and the like.
[0157] Thus, according to the exemplary embodiments, the usage
rights 510 can be configured to be permissive, for example,
allowing everything or almost everything or can be restrictive, for
example, allowing rendering of only JPEG files. The salient point
is that the usage rights 510 can pertain to the repository 508,
while other usage rights, such as the usage rights 504, can pertain
to the item 502. Thus, the combination of the usage rights 504, if
any, pertaining to the item 502, and the usage rights 510, if any,
pertaining to the repository 508, can be used to determine what is
permitted. The exemplary embodiments thus include the exemplary
systems and methods described herein, wherein repositories can
associate, pass on, and the like, usage rights to an item.
[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, the actions of the repository
can be applied to particular digital works or items or to groups or
classes of such digital works or items. In an exemplary embodiment,
usage rights can be used to specify that a repository can perform
an operation requested, for example, based on certain conditions
being met. In an exemplary embodiment, such conditions can be
dynamic and can be based on state variables, and the like. For
example, a repository can be permitted to perform an operation with
respect to an item, if a digital ticket is present corresponding to
such an item. In an exemplary embodiment, the repository can be
informed by the usage rights associated therewith to perform an
action, for example, with respect to an item which bears a certain
watermark or is signed in a certain way or otherwise is
identifiable in some way. Such identification can be based on
factors, such as what the item is, such a video file, music file,
and the like, where the item is from, such as from a trusted source
or any other suitable factor.
[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, association of usage rights to a
repository can be used to determine the actions that can be
performed with respect to an item. In an exemplary embodiment, any
suitable item can be presented to a repository and the repository
can determine if it can perform the requested action with respect
to that item.
[0160] Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, the thing that
is being managed and controlled is the repository. The repository
usage rights can be controlling over usage rights associated with
an item. For example, if the usage right associated with an item
specifies an action that is not permitted, while the usage right
associated with a repository provides that such an action is
permitted, then the result can be that the repository does perform
such an action. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment,
supremacy of the repository usage rights can be a default mode. In
further exemplary embodiments, however, the repository usage rights
can yield to the item usage rights or the repository usage rights
can yield to the item usage rights subject to certain conditions
specified in usage rights or on certain occasions specified in
usage rights.
[0161] In a further exemplary embodiment, the thing that is being
managed and controlled is an item. In an exemplary embodiment, the
usage right associated with such an item can specify that an
operation can be performed, for example, by a certain repository or
repositories. In an exemplary embodiment, the usage right can be
used to grant plural rights and specify that some subset of such
rights can be performed by certain repositories or that all rights
must be performed by certain specified repositories. This concept
can be thought of as conditions on the rights associated with the
item.
[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, the usage right associated with
an item need not grant any particular rights or specify any
particular conditions, but rather can function to point or refer
the item to a repository. In an exemplary embodiment, the usage
rights of the repository can define and determine what actions are
permitted with respect to such an item. Thus, the usage rights
associated with an item can be used to present or point the item to
a specified repository or repositories. In a further exemplary
embodiment, there can be provided one or more of such pointers. In
an exemplary embodiment, an item or information about the item can
go to any of the suitable locations allowed by such pointers or can
be used to attempt to locate a place that will permit the action
requested.
[0163] By associating usage rights with repositories, the third
exemplary distribution model, wherein the movie studio can be
allowed to change the prices and number of views of a movie,
advantageously, can be implemented. For example, when the user
obtains a copy of the movie, the usage rights associated with the
movie can include view rights. Such view rights also can be
specified to be exercised a defined number of times, within a
defined period, and the like, for example, by accessing a specified
repository, and the like. Thus, when a customer presents the usage
rights associated with the movie or the movie itself to the
authorized repository for rendering, the user can find that the
view rights have been upgraded to unlimited view rights.
Advantageously, with the exemplary embodiment, the movie studio can
change usage rights without having to retrieve copies of the movie,
without having to change usage rights already associated with the
movies or without having to take any other suitable actions.
[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, a repository need not be a
single set of functional specifications, and need not be or reside
in a single device or software program. Thus, a repository can
include a virtual repository, for example, including plural
computers, printers, storage devices, faxes, processors, and the
like. Such a virtual repository can be thought of as turning
multiple devices or functionalities into a single virtual device or
functionality. For example, a home network can be configured as a
single repository, can employ a distributed computing capability
and can include plural repositories connected within a trust zone.
Thus, in the exemplary embodiments, a repository with usage rights
can be a repository, which can include a virtual repository. In an
exemplary embodiment, when such a virtual repository has usage
rights associated therewith, other repositories within the group
including the virtual repository can have respective usage rights
or derive such respective usage rights from another repository,
such as another repository within the group, a central node of the
virtual repository or a central control repository.
[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, a central control repository can
be used in conjunction with various other repositories, item types,
actions, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, usage rights
associated with an item can point or refer to such a repository and
can constitute or include a pointer. In an exemplary embodiment,
the central control repository can be connected through a
communications network, such as the communications network 170, to
other repositories or devices capable of performing specific
functions, such printers, routers, computers, music players, e-mail
servers, copying machines, storage repositories, video players, DVD
media players, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the
central control repository can be employed as a virtual
repository.
[0166] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary Digital Rights Management
system 700 in which a central control repository with usage rights
associated therewith controls functions to be performed with
respect to an item. In FIG. 7, a usage right 702 associated with an
item 704, such as a digital work or other item, can be used to
point to a central control repository 706. In an exemplary
embodiment, the usage right 702 associated with the item 704 can
refer to the central control repository 706 as the place that
specifies what usage rights pertain to the item 704. In a further
exemplary embodiment, the usage right 702 can be used to define
usage rights pertaining to the item 704, but further specify that
such rights can be exercised only through the central control
repository 706. The reference to the central control repository 706
can be thought of as a condition on the right to exercise rights
specified in the usage rights 702.
[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, the central control repository
706 can have usage rights 708 associated therewith that control the
actions, functions, and the like, the repository 706 is permitted
to perform. In an exemplary embodiment, the usage rights 708 can be
of any suitable type, for example, including usage rights general
in nature or specific in nature or there between. For example, a
general usage right 708 can include disallowing printing of the
item 704, such as a document, and the like, even if the usage
rights 702 associated with the item 704 permit printing or not
allowing the routing of the item 704, such as an e-mail, and the
like, to an e-mail server 718, if the item 704 is larger than one
megabyte, even if usage rights associated with the item 704 permit
e-mailing thereof.
[0168] In an exemplary embodiment, a specific usage right 708 can
include permitting usage rights 702 of the item 704, such as a
movie file, music file, and the like, to be upgraded to permit
viewing of the item 704, even if the right to view usage right 702
associated with the item 704 has expired because the time allowed
for viewing has expired.
[0169] In an exemplary embodiment, the central control repository
706 can be configured to analyze the usage rights 708 and the usage
rights 702 of the item 704, for example, to determine what
functions are permitted, what action to take, and the like. In an
exemplary embodiment, if a request to perform a function or action
is not permitted, such a request can be denied. If, however, the
requested function or action is permitted or if some of plural
requested functions or actions are permitted, then the central
control repository 706 can route the request to repository or other
device authorized to perform the requested function or action. In a
further exemplary embodiment, the central control repository 706
can be authorized and capable of performing a given function,
wherein the routing step need not be employed.
[0170] Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, if a print
function is requested, the central control repository 706 can route
the request to a printer 710 or 712. Advantageously, the request
can be routed to any suitable printer requested. However, if either
the usage right 702 or 708 specify printing on a designated printer
or printers, for example, such as the printer 710, then the request
can be routed to the authorized printer or printers.
[0171] In a further exemplary embodiment, if both printed copy and
a digital copy are requested, the request can be routed to the
printer 710 and a repository 716 capable of performing the function
of making a digital copy. In an exemplary embodiment, an attempt to
exercise an unauthorized right can result in a consequence, such as
the item or a usage right or both being impounded or held for
machine or human intervention or a report being made concerning the
attempt or other consequence. Thus, a usage right can be used to
specify that a condition of exercise of the right is that an
unauthorized action is not attempted and, optionally, what
consequence follows from the unauthorized attempt
[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the repositories
710-720 can have usage rights (not shown) associated therewith. In
an exemplary embodiment, there can be as many layers as a system
designer desires to implement. For example, the e-mail server 718
can have associated therewith usage rights that are specific to the
e-mail server 718 and which define what the e-mail server 718 can
and cannot do.
[0173] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the usage rights
associated with the e-mail server 718 can cause the e-mail server
718 to not process the item 704, even though the central control
repository 706 and the usage rights 702 associated with and the
item 704 do not prohibit such processing. For example, the
repository performing copy functions 716 via suitable usage rights
associated therewith can be configured to refuse to make a copy of
the item 704 or impose a condition on making such a copy, for
example, such as payment of a $1 fee, notwithstanding a
determination by the central control repository 706 based on
analyzing the usage rights 702 and 708 that a copy can be made. In
further exemplary embodiments, one or more of the repositories
710-720 can be configured as a virtual repository.
[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, if usage rights associated with
one repository, for example, the copier repository 716, and the
usage rights associated with another repository, for example, usage
rights 708 associated with central control repository 706, are in
conflict or can result in conflicting transactions or do not deal
consistently with the same transaction, for example, where the copy
repository 716 disallows printing, but the central control
repository usage rights 708 does not disallow printing, but also
does not expressly allow printing, a decision resolving the primacy
of the respective usage rights can be made, for example, based on
one or more rules.
[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, a repository can perform a
function, for example, if a repository or an item is configured in
a particular way. For example, an artist may want to permit
printing of black and white versions of the item 704, such as a
digital work of the artist, for example, including art, but
prohibit printing color versions. The usage rights 702 associated
with the item 704 can provide that the item 704 can be printed only
on a black and white printer. Accordingly, in an exemplary
embodiment, a condition can be used to ensure, for example, that
the printer 712 be configured in a certain way, such as being
configured to only print the item 704 in a gray scale format. For
example, such a condition can specify that there must be detected
the presence of a black only print cartridge in the printer 712. In
an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can be identified in any
suitable manner, for example, including the identification of the
presence of a hardware or firmware element, such as via CRUM
technology for identifying a print cartridge.
[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, such a condition can be used to
specify that the item 704 can be printed, if a particular type of
print cartridge, such as a print cartridge of a specific
manufacturer, is present in the print repository 712. In an
exemplary embodiment, the condition specifying the presence of the
specific print cartridge can be associated via corresponding usage
rights with one or more of the item 704, the printer repository 712
or the central control repository 706. In a further exemplary
embodiment, the condition can be used specify that the printing is
allowed only with authorization, such as by presenting a digital
ticket, and the like. The exemplary embodiments, advantageously,
can be applied to the configuration of any suitable repository or
sub-repositories, such as a repository dependant in some way on
another repository.
[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, the item 704 need not have usage
rights associated therewith, wherein the analysis of usage rights
by the central control repository 706 can be of the usage rights
708 associated therewith. In the exemplary embodiments, the central
control repository 706 or one or more of the other repositories
710-720 can be configured to examine and analyze other attributes
about the item 704, such as meta data, the type of file, the size
of the file, the presence or absence of an appropriate digital
ticket, watermark or security indicator, the absence of tampering
or any other suitable characteristics. One or more of such
characteristics can be used as part of the process to determine
which of the repositories 706 and 710-720 can process the item 704.
For example, if a determined characteristic of the item 704, such
as a music file, movie file, and the like, is that the item 704 is
over one megabyte in size, the determination can be to not e-mail
the item 704, notwithstanding that e-mailing was requested by a
user.
[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, when usage rights are associated
with repositories, usage rights need not be associated with an
item, such as a digital work or other item. For example, the item
can have a pointer or reference to a place to go to find what can
be done with the item. In an exemplary embodiment, such a place can
be a repository, which can have usage rights associated therewith.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the repository to which the item
can be pointed can be an authorized place to go to have usage
rights assigned to the item or a place to go to be re-routed to
another repository.
[0179] Thus, according to the exemplary embodiments, the thing
being bound or associated to an item, such as a digital work or
other item, can be a way, such as by employing a pointer, to locate
a repository authorized to determine what can be done with the
item. Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments can be employed in
resource-constrained environments, because a reference can consume
less space than the information expressing the corresponding usage
rights.
[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, a repository can be configured
to analyze any suitable item presented to the repository and
determine, based on usage rights associated with the repository,
characteristics of the item, and the like, what functions can be
performed with respect to the item. Thus, advantageously, an item
need not have a pointer associated with the item to direct the item
to a particular repository in order for a repository to analyze the
item and perform functions or actions. Accordingly, with the
exemplary embodiments, a repository can be configured perform an
analysis and functions or actions on any suitable item presented to
the repository or on any suitable item presented from an authorized
source, for example, such as from the central control repository
706, or which is otherwise identified as being an item which the
repository is authorized to analyze or process.
[0181] Advantageously, the processing of items not having usage
rights associated therewith through repositories having usage
rights associated therewith can be utilized in various types of
business applications, but can be particularly useful within an
enterprise or any other suitable kind of a closed environment. For
example, an enterprise including a government department can
include an internal network connecting to stationary or
transportable client devices, such as laptop computers, PDAs, and
the like. In an exemplary embodiment, usage rights can be
associated with appropriate repositories, such as servers, and the
like, for example, including the central control repository 706.
Thus, any suitable item moving off of a client device can pass to
or through a repository having usage rights associated therewith
and which can examine the item and make determinations concerning
the item. In an exemplary embodiment, such a determination can
include assigning usage rights to the item, wherein such usage
rights can include state information or conditions including
dynamic conditions.
[0182] In an exemplary embodiment, a client device can be
configured so as to not communicate external to the device, for
example, external to the hard drive of the device, except through
the network of the enterprise or through authorized repositories or
devices. For example, in a situation where the stakeholder is a
government, a law can be configured to require that all or certain
items, such as digital traffic moving into and/or out of a country,
government department or other environment go through one or more
authorized repositories. Advantageously, the repositories can be
configured to examine such items and analyze and process such items
in accordance with usage rights associated with such
repositories.
[0183] In a further exemplary embodiment, the repositories can be
configured to examine any suitable characteristics of an item, such
as a media type, content, security type, size, watermarking,
origin, author, and the like. If the item also has usage rights
associated therewith, such analysis can include comparing usage
rights associated with the item to those associated with the
repository. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments can be
configured for an entity, such as the government, and the like,
which can decide that usage rights or certain usage rights
associated with an item can or will be disregarded and items will
be processed in accordance with usage rights associated with a
repository, notwithstanding the usage rights associated with the
item.
[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, if an item is encrypted or
otherwise protected in some fashion, the exemplary systems can be
programmed or configured to refuse to process such an item.
Advantageously, items with usage rights not authorized by a
stakeholder need not be processed, for example, need not leave or
enter the country or other environment, unless such usage rights
can be overridden.
[0185] The exemplary embodiments are applicable to entities other
than governments, such as business or personal enterprises. For
example, the stakeholder can be a parent controlling access to
information entering or leaving the home, for example, utilizing a
network, such as wireless network, a WiFi network, a home network,
and the like, and a repository through which traffic into or out of
the home can be processed. In an exemplary embodiment, such control
and processing can be for any suitable reason, such as for audit or
census or censorship or control or security reasons.
[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, a function performed by a
repository with respect to usage rights can include applying usage
rights to an item, such as a digital work or other item. Thus,
according to the exemplary embodiments, any suitable items entering
and/or leaving a country or other environment can have usage rights
associated therewith by a repository, such as an authorized
repository, with the result that the item then can be used inside
or outside the country or other environment, in accordance with the
usage rights associated therewith by the repository. In an
exemplary embodiment, the enforcement of such usage rights can be
performed, for example, as disclosed in the commonly-assigned U.S.
Pat. No. 5,530,235, No. 5,629,980, No. 5,634,012, No. 5,638,443,
No. 5,715,403, No. 6,233,684, and No. 6,236,971, incorporated by
reference herein.
[0187] In a further exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary that
a client device present an item, for example, to a network of an
enterprise, and the like, for the item to be analyzed or operations
performed with respect to the item, such as assignment of usage
rights to the item. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, repositories,
such as authorized repositories, connected to a network or other
environment of an enterprise or other stakeholder can be configured
to access client or other devices and for items found residing
therein, analyze the items, make decisions or take actions
concerning such items.
[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, with respect to the first
exemplary use case, wherein a child accesses a musical work and the
parent is the additional stakeholder, a networked repository, such
as the central control repository 706, can be configured access a
client device, such as a personal computer of the child, locate and
access the appropriate digital work or other item, such as the
musical work, and change the usage rights associated with the item,
such that the item can no longer be used, for example, played.
Advantageously, with the exemplary embodiments, the decision of the
parent that the musical work is not appropriate for listening by
the child can be enforced.
[0189] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary repository 800 that can be
employed in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-7. In FIG. 8, the
exemplary repository 800 can include a processor module configured
to process, interpret, and the like, a rights expression 808 in the
form of a usage right associated with the repository 800, for
example, specifying a manner of use of an item 812, a condition of
use of the item 812, and the like, at the repository 800.
[0190] The exemplary repository 800, for example, also can include
a determination module 804. The determination module 804 can be
configured to determine, based on the rights expression 808 and/or
one or more rules, what action or actions 816 the repository 800
can take when the repository 800 processes the item 812 or the
repository 800 receives a request 814 for the item 812.
[0191] The exemplary repository 800, for example, also can include
a comparison module 806. The comparison module 806 can be
configured to compare a rights expression 810 associated with the
item 812 and, for example, specifying a manner of use, a condition
of use, and the like, of the item 812, with the rights expression
808 for the determination module 804 to determine the action or
actions 816.
[0192] The exemplary embodiments can be applied to any suitable
type of distribution system for digital works, goods, services or
other things or items. In an exemplary embodiment, any suitable
number of computers or other devices can be employed to practice
the exemplary embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, dynamic
conditions, and the like, can be monitored and used to change usage
rights assigned to content in any suitable manner. In an exemplary
embodiment, usage rights can include any suitable privileges or
restrictions on use and/or distribution of a digital work or other
item or content thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the dynamic
conditions can be monitored, and the usage rights, for example, can
be dynamically assigned or adjusted, constantly, periodically, only
when a digital work or other item is to be distributed, and the
like.
[0193] In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution, accounting,
other functions, and the like, for example, of the distributor 120,
the clearinghouse 150, and the like, can be accomplished by any
suitable party on any suitable device. For example, a digital work
or other item can be rendered on a device, such as an e-book
reader, PDA, and the like, in response to entry of a code or
insertion of a smartcard into a reader. Accounting can be
accomplished when the item or accounting data is returned to a
specific source. The division of tasks disclosed herein is of an
exemplary nature.
[0194] In an exemplary embodiment, usage rights, accounting data,
and the like, can be encapsulated with the digital work or other
item or can be stored separately there from. Code for rendering,
decrypting, or otherwise permitting or limiting use of the item can
be stored on any suitable device or can be encapsulated with the
item. In an exemplary embodiment, any suitable distribution
arrangement can be employed, wherein such arrangements can include
any suitable combination of devices, such as personal computers,
servers, PDAs, and the like, communicating with one another in any
suitable manner as is necessary to transfer the desired
information.
[0195] Thus, the exemplary embodiments can be employed for online
and offline modes of operation. For example, the rights
expressions, including usage rights, and repositories can reside on
the same device as the client device. Such a device can include a
hard drive of a personal computer or some other handheld or
transportable device. Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments
enable a transaction to be consummated without having to establish
a communication session with another device, through the Internet
or otherwise.
[0196] In exemplary embodiment, a hard drive on a personal computer
can include rights expression generating software, document
preparation software, server software, and the like. Such software
systems or components can provide the computing resources to
create, package, prepare, and the like, an item, for example,
content, such as a song, movie, and the like, create rights
expressions, including usage rights and conditions, associated with
the item and make decisions concerning usage of the item in
accordance with such rights and conditions. In exemplary
embodiment, such software systems can communicate with each other
within the hard drive of a personal computer, and the like.
[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, to the extent communication
outside the client device are employed to process a transaction for
some reason, for example, to make a financial payment, there can be
conducted an online session at a time other than the request for or
use of the item. For example, the client device can communicate
with the clearinghouse 150 and make an online payment. The payment
can be recorded in the client device within, for example, a
software component on the client device. Such a record can be
recorded as a monetary amount, such as $100.00, or as units, such
as ten viewings of a movie file or ten one-day rentals of a rental
car from a particular company or in any other suitable manner.
[0198] In an exemplary embodiment, each use of an item can be
recorded and deducted from the authorized amount or number of uses.
In the case of a financial transaction, it is possible to make the
transaction offline using a digital storage device, such as a
smartcard, removable storage device, and the like. In an exemplary
embodiment, information to be exchanged can be exchanged using a
physical device in substitution for online communication. For
example, a rights expression in the form of a license can be
presented by inserting a card, such as a smartcard, and the like,
having the license stored thereon into a personal computer.
[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, a customer holding a digital
ticket associated with an item, such as access to service, and the
like, can present the digital ticket and obtain the item,
advantageously, without having to be online at the time the service
is obtained. The service itself, which is obtained, can reside on a
device controlled by the customer, such as a personal computer hard
drive, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the service can
include the execution of a computer program.
[0200] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for
controlling usage rights to digital works or other items by
stakeholders thereof and that can be employed in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-8. In FIG. 9, at step 902, a provider of an
item can specify in a rights expression a manner of use of the item
by a recipient of the item and a condition for use of the item by
the recipient. In an exemplary embodiment, the condition can be
used to indicate that the use by the recipient of the item is
subject to control, for example, by the provider of the item and/or
a stakeholder with regards to the item, and the like. At step 904,
the rights expression can be associated with the item. If the
rights expression can be associated with the item, as determined at
step 906, the use by the recipient of the item can be controlled,
at step 908, based on the condition in the rights expression.
Otherwise, at step 910, and appropriate message can be sent, for
example, indicating that the rights expression was not associated
with the item.
[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, the use by the recipient of the
item is subject to such control by a provider and/or other
stakeholder of the item, for example, as described with respect to
the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-8 relating to consumer
protection, the use of one or more repositories, including a
central control repository, digital tickets, master licenses,
pointers, and the like.
[0202] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, directed to
consumer protection, a stakeholder need not be a provider of a
digital work or other item and can be given control with respect to
enforcement of use of the item, for example, as specified in a
suitable rights expression. In an exemplary embodiment, specifying
a rights expression can include any suitable way of creating,
indicting, and the like, a rights expression. In an exemplary
embodiment, a recipient of an item can include a person, system,
device, software or other entity entitled to use an item, which
need not entail actually physically receiving a rights expression
or an item, for example, as in the case of remote access to an
item. In an exemplary embodiment, parameters of use of an item can
be different from manners of use and need not be a specific type of
use. For example, parameters of use can include using an item to
make as many copies as a current law defines as fair use, wherein
the corresponding manner if use can be copy and the corresponding
conditions can be that a copy count can be no more than one, where
a current law permits one copy as fair use.
[0203] The devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments
described with respect to FIGS. 1-9 can communicate, for example,
over the communications network 170, and can include any suitable
servers, workstations, personal computers (PCs), laptop computers,
PDAs, Internet appliances, set top boxes, modems, handheld devices,
telephones, cellular telephones, wireless devices or other devices
capable of performing the processes of the disclosed exemplary
embodiments. The devices and subsystems, for example, can
communicate with each other using any suitable protocol and can be
implemented using a general-purpose computer system, and the like.
One or more interface mechanisms can be employed, for example,
including Internet access, telecommunications in any suitable form,
such as voice, modem, and the like, wireless communications media,
and the like. Accordingly, communications network 170 can include,
for example, wireless communications networks, cellular
communications networks, satellite communications networks, Public
Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs),
the Internet, intranets, hybrid communications networks,
combinations thereof, and the like. Accordingly, the communications
network 170 can include one or more networks.
[0204] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments
described with respect to FIGS. 1-9, are for exemplary purposes, as
many variations of the specific hardware used to implement the
disclosed exemplary embodiments are possible. For example, the
functionality of the devices and the subsystems of the exemplary
systems can be implemented via one or more programmed computer
systems or devices. To implement, such variations as well as other
variations, a single computer system can be programmed to perform
the functions of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the
exemplary systems. On the other hand, two or more programmed
computer systems or devices can be substituted for one or more of
the devices and subsystems of the exemplary systems. Accordingly,
principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as
redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as
desired, for example, to increase the robustness and performance of
the exemplary embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-9.
[0205] The exemplary systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-9
can be used to store information relating to various processes
described herein. This information can be stored in one or more
memories, such as a hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk,
magneto-optical disk, RAM, ROM, and the like, of the devices and
sub-systems of the exemplary systems described with respect to
FIGS. 1-9. One or more databases of the devices and subsystems can
store the information used to implement the exemplary embodiments.
The databases can be organized using data structures, such as
records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the
like, included in one or more memories, such as the memories listed
above.
[0206] All or a portion of the exemplary embodiments described with
respect to FIGS. 1-9 can be conveniently implemented using one or
more general-purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital
signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed
according to the teachings of the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of
ordinary skill based on the teachings of the disclosed exemplary
embodiments. In addition, the exemplary embodiments can be
implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated
circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of component
circuits.
[0207] Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable
media, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can
include software for controlling the devices and sub-systems of the
exemplary systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-9, for driving
a device or devices for implementing the invention, and for
enabling the devices and sub-systems of the exemplary systems
described with respect to FIGS. 1-9 to interact with a human user.
Such software can include, but is not limited to, device drivers,
firmware, operating systems, development tools, applications
software, etc. Such computer readable media further can include the
computer program product of an embodiment of the present invention
for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of
the processing performed in implementing the invention. Computer
code devices of the embodiments of the present invention can
include any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including
but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link
libraries (DLLs), Java classes and applets, complete executable
programs, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)
objects, etc. Moreover, parts of the processing of the embodiments
of the present invention can be distributed for better performance,
reliability, and/or cost.
[0208] The computer readable medium can include any suitable medium
that participates in providing instructions to a processor for
execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media,
and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical
or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatile
media can include dynamic memory, and the like. Transmission media
can include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including
the wires that make up one or buses of a computer. Transmission
media also can take the form of acoustic, optical, or
electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio
frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.
[0209] As stated above, the exemplary embodiments described with
respect to FIGS. 1-9 can include one or more computer readable
medium or memory for holding instructions programmed according to
the teachings of the invention and for including data structures,
tables, records or other data described herein. Common forms of
computer-readable media can include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper
tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM,
and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0210] Various forms of computer-readable media can be involved in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example,
the instructions for carrying out at least part of the exemplary
embodiments of the present invention can initially be borne on a
magnetic disk of a remote computer connected to the network 170. In
such a scenario, the remote computer can load the instructions into
main memory and send the instructions, for example, over a
telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system
can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared
transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit
the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, an Internet appliance,
and the like. An infrared detector on the portable computing device
can receive the information and instructions borne by the infrared
signal and place the data on a bus. The bus can convey the data to
main memory, from which a processor retrieves and executes the
instructions. The instructions received by the main memory can
optionally be stored on storage device either before or after
execution by a processor.
[0211] Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments can be employed in
offline systems, online systems, and the like, and in applications,
such as TV applications, computer applications, DVD applications,
VCR applications, appliance applications, CD player applications,
and the like. In addition, the signals employed to transmit the
legality expression of the exemplary embodiments, can be configured
to be transmitted within the visible spectrum of a human, within
the audible spectrum of a human, not within the visible spectrum of
a human, not within the audible spectrum of a human, combinations
thereof, and the like.
[0212] Although the exemplary embodiments can be described in terms
of applications in music, games, movies, coupons, legal arenas, and
the like, the exemplary embodiments are applicable to any suitable
application, such as digital and non-digital content, devices,
software, services, goods, resources, and the like, and can be
practiced with variations in technology, interface, language,
grammar, content, rights, offerings, services, speed, size,
limitations, devices, and the like.
[0213] While the present invention have been described in
connection with a number of exemplary embodiments and
implementations, the present invention is not so limited but rather
covers various modifications and equivalent arrangements, which
fall within the purview of the appended claims.
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