U.S. patent application number 16/352746 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for method and system for ensuring sequential playback of digital media.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Bryan J. JAMES, Aram LINDAHL.
Application Number | 20190340334 16/352746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42058873 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190340334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LINDAHL; Aram ; et
al. |
November 7, 2019 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENSURING SEQUENTIAL PLAYBACK OF DIGITAL
MEDIA
Abstract
Techniques for ensuring that media playback proceeds
sequentially through media content of a digital media asset are
disclosed. In one embodiment, distinct portions (e.g., segments) of
a digital media asset can be separately encrypted such that on
playback decoded data being output from at least one prior portion
can be used to derive a cryptographic key that is used in
decrypting a subsequent portion of the digital media asset.
Inventors: |
LINDAHL; Aram; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; JAMES; Bryan J.; (Menlo Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42058873 |
Appl. No.: |
16/352746 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14792605 |
Jul 6, 2015 |
10268806 |
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16352746 |
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12241966 |
Sep 30, 2008 |
9077526 |
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14792605 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 9/0891 20130101;
H04L 2209/603 20130101; H04L 9/08 20130101; H04L 9/0861 20130101;
G06F 2221/0753 20130101; G06F 21/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/10 20060101
G06F021/10; H04L 9/08 20060101 H04L009/08 |
Claims
1. A method for decrypting a digital media asset, the method
comprising: receiving the digital media asset, wherein the digital
media asset comprises a first encrypted segment and a second
encrypted segment; decrypting, by a first decryption key, the first
encrypted segment to produce a first decrypted segment; decoding
the first decrypted segment to produce a first decoded segment;
generating a second decryption key based on the first decoded
segment; and decrypting, by the second decryption key, the second
encrypted segment to produce a second decrypted segment.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second decryption key is
decrypted only when the first decoded segment is played back.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: decoding the second
decrypted segment to produce a second decoded segment.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the digital media asset
comprises receiving an encrypted digital media asset.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein decrypting the first encrypted
segment, by the first decryption key, comprises accessing
decryption information related to the digital media asset.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the decryption information
defines: the first decryption key; and segment positions within the
digital media asset that separate at least the first encrypted
segment from the second encrypted segment.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the decryption information
provides information related to the decrypting the first encrypted
segment and the second encrypted segment in a sequential
manner.
8. A method for encrypting a digital media asset, the method
comprising: obtaining the digital media asset, wherein the digital
media asset comprises a first segment and a second segment;
generating, by an encrypting algorithm, a first encryption key and
a second encryption key for the first segment and the second
segment, respectively, wherein the second encryption key is
generated based on the first segment; encrypting, by the first
encryption key, the first segment to produce a first encrypted
segment; encrypting, by the second encryption key, the second
segment to produce a second encrypted segment; and providing the
digital media asset to at least one computing device.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: generating decryption
information with the digital media asset, wherein the decryption
information defines: the first encryption key, and segment
positions within the digital media asset that separate at least the
first encrypted segment from the second encrypted segment.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second segment is generated
sequentially with respect to the first segment.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: segregating the
digital media asset to form the first segment and the second
segment.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the decryption information
comprises a decryption algorithm to be used by the at least one
computing device to sequentially decrypt the first segment and the
second segment.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: encrypting, by a
second encryption algorithm, the digital media asset and the
decryption information.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the second encryption key is
determined based on decoded data provided by the first segment.
15. At least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium
configured to store instructions that, when executed by at least
one processor included in a computing device, cause the computing
device to decrypt a digital media asset, by carrying out steps that
include: receiving the digital media asset, wherein the digital
media asset comprises a first encrypted segment and a second
encrypted segment; decrypting, by a first decryption key, the first
encrypted segment to produce a first decrypted segment; decoding
the first decrypted segment to produce a first decoded segment;
generating a second decryption key based on the first decoded
segment; and decrypting, by the second decryption key, the second
encrypted segment to produce a second decrypted segment.
16. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage
medium of claim 15, wherein the second decryption key is decrypted
only when the first decoded segment is played back.
17. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage
medium of claim 15, wherein the steps further include: decoding the
second decrypted segment to produce a second decoded segment.
18. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage
medium of claim 15, wherein receiving the digital media asset
comprises receiving an encrypted digital media asset.
19. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage
medium of claim 18, wherein decrypting the first encrypted segment,
by the first decryption key, comprises accessing decryption
information related to the digital media asset.
20. The at least one non-transitory computer readable storage
medium of claim 19, wherein the decryption information defines: the
first decryption key; and segment positions within the digital
media asset that separate at least the first encrypted segment from
the second encrypted segment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/792,605, filed Jul. 6, 2015, entitled
"METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENSURING SEQUENTIAL PLAYBACK OF DIGITAL
MEDIA," which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/241,966, filed Sep. 30, 2008, of the same title, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,077,526 issued Jul. 7, 2015, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all
purposes
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to digital content playback
and, more particularly, to controlled playback of digital media
content.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In recent years music or video delivery or distribution over
the Internet has become popular. In some cases, the music or video
is streamed to interested persons. In other cases, electronic media
files are downloaded to interested persons. The electronic media
files being downloaded might be encrypted to prevent further
unauthorized distribution. When the electronic media files are
encrypted, the interested persons are also provided with
appropriate cryptographic keys so that the encrypted media files
can be decrypted. Once decrypted, the media content within the
electronic media files can be played for the interested persons.
However, once an electronic media file is decrypted, there is no
non-intrusive way to conventionally ensure what portion the
interested person has watched. Typically, nothing prevents the
interested person from skipping playback of certain portions of the
electronic media file that are of less interest to the interested
person.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for improved approaches to control
playback of electronic media files on a media playback device.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention pertains to techniques for ensuring that media
playback proceeds sequentially through media content of a digital
media asset. In one embodiment, distinct portions (e.g., segments)
of a digital media asset can be separately encrypted such that on
playback decoded data being output from at least one prior portion
can be used to derive a cryptographic key that is used in
decrypting a subsequent portion of the digital media asset.
[0006] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a method, system, device, apparatus (including computer readable
medium and graphical user interface). Several embodiments of the
invention are discussed below.
[0007] As a method for requiring sequential playback of a digital
media asset, one embodiment of the invention can, for example,
include at least: accessing decryption instructions associated with
the digital media asset; accessing a first segment of the digital
media asset; decrypting the first segment of the digital media
asset with a decryption key; decoding the decrypted first segment
to obtain decoded media data; outputting the decoded media data
pertaining to the decrypted first segment to an output device;
determining a sequential key for a next segment of the digital
media asset based on at least a portion of the decoded media data
pertaining to the decrypted first segment; accessing the next
segment of the digital media asset; and decrypting the next segment
of the digital media asset based on at least the sequential
key.
[0008] As a media playback device, one embodiment of the invention
can, for example, include at least: a storage device configured to
store encrypted digital media content; a decryption engine
configured to decrypt the encrypted digital media content to obtain
encoded media content, the decryption of the encrypted digital
media content requiring a content access key and a sequential key;
a decoder configured to produce decoded data from the encoded media
content; an output device configured to output the decoded data;
and a sequential key generator operatively connected to the decoder
and the decryption engine, the sequential key generator being
configured to produce different sequential keys for use by the
decryption engine in decoding each of a plurality of different
segments of the encrypted digital media content.
[0009] As a system for cryptographically ensuring sequential
playback of a digital media asset, one embodiment can, for example,
include at least: means for accessing an nth segment of a digital
media asset having a plurality of segments; means for decrypting at
least the nth segment of the digital media asset with a decryption
key; means for decoding the decrypted nth segment to obtain decoded
media data; means for outputting the decoded media data pertaining
to the decrypted nth segment to an output device; means for
determining a sequential key for a n+1th segment of the digital
media asset based on at least a portion of the decoded media data
pertaining to the nth segment; means for accessing the n+1th
segment of the digital media asset; and means for decrypting the
n+1th segment of the digital media asset based on at least the
sequential key.
[0010] Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media storage, decryption and
playback system according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a media output system according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a playback process according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4E are illustrations of a decryption process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to still another embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an encryption process according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 7A-7E are illustrations of an encryption process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a media player suitable for use
with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The invention pertains to techniques for ensuring that media
playback proceeds sequentially through media content of a digital
media asset. In one embodiment, distinct portions (e.g., segments)
of a digital media asset can be separately encrypted such that on
playback decoded data being output from at least one prior portion
can be used to derive a cryptographic key that is used in
decrypting a subsequent portion of the digital media asset.
[0023] In one embodiment, a digital media asset can be doubly
encrypted. One level of encryption serves to protect the digital
media asset from unauthorized usage, and a second level of
encryption serves to ensure that playback of the digital media
asset is sequential.
[0024] The digital media asset can, for example, pertain to an
audio or video media item. Typically, the audio or video media item
is stored as an electronic file (e.g., electronic media file) in a
data storage device. Examples of audio or video media items include
songs, movies, music videos, television shows, podcasts,
audio/visual presentations, and audio books.
[0025] Generally speaking, an interested person can often cause a
media playback device to play at any point in an electronic media
file. While such flexibility is often an advantage, in some
situations it made be a disadvantage. For example, if electronic
media content to be played were a tutorial on a subject, it can be
an advantage to require the user to sequentially watch the
electronic media content in a prescribed order. As another example,
if the electronic media content includes interspersed
advertisements, then it can be useful to ensure that the
advertisement are properly presented and not skipped.
[0026] Advantageously, in one embodiment, the invention can ensure
that certain or all portions of a digital media asset (e.g.,
advertisement, tutorial) are presented to users. For example, a
digital media asset having interspersed advertisements can ensure
that users view and/or hear the advertisements before a subsequent
portion of the digital media asset is made available to the
users.
[0027] In another embodiment, a command can be performed once a
user has viewed and/or heard some or all of a digital asset. The
command can log an event or access a remote location (e.g., using a
URL) to inform a remote server that the user has viewed and/or
heard some or all of the digital asset.
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1A-8. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a media storage, decryption and
playback system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The playback system 100 includes a sequential encryption system 102
that imposes encryption to ensure sequential utilization of digital
media assets, such as media items provided in media files (e.g.,
electronic files). The sequential encryption system 102 can be
coupled to a media file storage device 104 that can store digital
media assets. For example, the media file storage device 104 can
store encrypted digital media assets that have been processed by
the sequential encryption system 102. The encrypted digital media
assets are stored as electronic files.
[0030] The system 100 also includes a sequential decryption system
106 and a playback system 108. The media playback system 108
typically operates for the benefit of a user. A user can interact
with the media playback system 108 to select one or more digital
media assets to be played by the media playback system 108. When a
particular digital media asset is to be played, the media playback
system 108 can access the particular digital media asset from the
media file storage device 104 via the sequential decryption system
106. Here, in this embodiment, the particular digital media asset
is stored in the media file storage device 104 in an encrypted
manner. Hence, the sequential decryption system 106 is utilized to
remove the sequential encryption imposed on the particular digital
media asset. Thereafter, the particular digital media asset can be
made available to the media playback system 108 for playback for
the user.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, by applying
sequential encryption to digital media assets, the system 100 can
ensure that the digital media asset is only capable of being played
back in a sequential manner. As result, the user of the media
playback system 108 is required to view and or listen to the
particular digital media asset in any sequential fashion. Although
the system 100 provides sequential encryption and sequential
decryption to digital media assets, it should be noted that other
encryption can additionally be performed. Such other encryption can
provide an additional layer of encryption. For example, the other
encryption can pertain to a content encryption that restricts
access to the media content to only authorized users.
[0032] Optionally, to monitor or track the playing of all or one or
more certain portions (e.g., advertisement(s)) of a digital media
asset being played by the media playback system 108, a command can
be executed to store or perform an action locally or remotely. For
example, remote actions can be initiated over a network, such as
the Internet, and operate to log an event or access a remote
location (e.g., using a URL) to inform a remote server that the
user has viewed and/or heard all or one or more of the certain
portions of the digital media asset.
[0033] Although the sequential encryption system 102 and the
sequential decryption system 106 are shown in FIG. 1 as being
separate, they can be provided together by a sequential
encryption/decryption system. Also the media playback system 108
can include one or both of the sequential encryption system 102 and
the sequential decryption system 106.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a media output system 200
according to one embodiment of the invention. The media output
system 200 illustrates operations carried out to cause an encrypted
media asset having media content to be processed so that the media
content is presented to a user.
[0035] The media output system 200 includes a media content storage
device 202. The media content storage device 202 can, for example,
store a plurality of digital media assets, each of which contains
media content. In this embodiment, the digital media assets are
stored to the media content storage device 202 in an encrypted
form. Consequently, the digital media assets must first be
decrypted before it media content can be utilized. A decryption
engine 204 can decrypt the encrypted media content. Next, a decoder
206 can perform a decoding operation so that the media content can
be presented to a user by way of an output device 280. The decoding
required is dependent on the nature of the media content. The
output device 208 can include one or more of a speaker or a display
device.
[0036] According to one aspect of the media output system 200, the
encryption imposed on the media content stored to the media content
storage device 202 is referred to as sequential encryption. The
sequential encryption is designed to ensure sequential playback of
associated media content. Accordingly, the decryption of subsequent
portions of media content for a particular digital media asset can
depend upon earlier portions of the media content. In this regard,
the media output system 200 includes a key generator 210 that
couples to the decoder 206 so that the key generator 210 is able to
access decoded data produced by the decoder 206. The decoded data
pertains to the current portion of media content being output. The
key generator 210 utilizes the decoded data pertaining to the
current portion of the media content to produce a decryption key
that is utilized to decrypt a subsequent portion of the media
content that is to be output. The encryption key produced by the
key generator 210 can then be supplied to the decryption engine
204. The decryption engine 204 can then decrypt the subsequent
portion of the media content. Hence, in this embodiment, to decrypt
a subsequent portion of media content requires that a prior portion
of the media content be decrypted and decoded. The decoding can be
processing intensive; however, the decoding is otherwise required
for the output device 208 to present the media content. Therefore,
the key generator 210 can gain access to the decoded data with
little or no additional independent decoding. As a result, key
generation is efficient because the key generator 210 does not
require its own separate processing-intensive decoding
operations.
[0037] Additionally, in the media output system 200 may further
include a key cache 212. The key cache 212 can provide storage for
one or more encryption keys produced by the key generator 210. The
decryption engine 204 can access the key cache 212 to retrieve the
one or more decryption keys needed to decrypt a portion of the
media content to be output. The decryption keys can be maintained
within the key cache 212 for a limited period of time, such as a
playback session. Once the encryption keys are resident within the
key cache 212, the media output system 200 can permit the user to
randomly access different portions within the media content. Here,
after the media content has been fully processed and viewed in a
sequential manner, the necessary encryption keys for the various
portions of the media content can all reside within the key cache
212 such that the media output system 200 is able to thereafter
access the media content in a non-sequential manner.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a playback process 300 according
to one embodiment of the invention. The playback process 300
operates to decrypt and output digital media content pertaining to
a digital media asset when requested by a user.
[0039] The playback process 300 can begin with a decision 302 that
determines whether a playback request has been received. When the
decision 302 determines that a playback request has not been
received, the playback process 300 can await such a request. Once
the decision 302 determines that a playback request has been
received, a media asset to be presented can be decrypted 304. Here,
it is assumed that the outer level of encryption being imposed on
the media asset is imposed on the media asset as a whole. For
example, this level of encryption can be considered content or file
level encryption. After the content or file level encryption has
been removed at block 304, decryption information pertaining to the
digital media asset can be accessed 306. The decryption
information, if provided, can serve to provide guidance to a media
playback system as to how to decrypt the media content to remove
sequential encryption.
[0040] Next, a first segment of media content for the digital media
asset is accessed 308. The decryption information can include
information on the start and/or end of the various segments of the
digital media asset. The segment that has been accessed 308 can
then be decrypted 310. The decryption 310 of the segment can
utilize a sequential key that has been determined from one or more
prior segments or otherwise provided to the media playback system.
Next, the decrypted segment can be decoded 312 to produce decoded
data that is suitable for being output to an output device. The
decoding can be different for different output devices and/or
different types of digital media assets. For example, a video type
digital media asset would be decoded differently than would an
audio type digital media asset. In any case, after being decoded
312, the decoded data can be output 314 to the output device.
[0041] Thereafter, a decision 316 determines whether there are more
segments of the digital media asset to be output. When the decision
316 determines that there are more segments to be output, a
sequence key can be generated 318. The sequence key 318 is, for
example, a sequential key they can be utilized to decrypt a
subsequent segment for the digital media asset. In one embodiment,
the key generation can make use of at least a portion of the data
that has previously been decoded 312. After the sequence key has
been generated 318, the playback process 300 can return to repeat
the block 308 in subsequent blocks so that a next segment of media
content for the digital media asset can be accessed 308, decrypted
310, decoded 312 and output 314 in a similar manner. Alternatively,
when the decision 316 determines that there are no more segments of
the digital media asset to be output, the playback process 300 can
end.
[0042] Although the playback process 300 provides the decryption
operation at block 304 to undo content or file level encryption
from the digital media asset, in another embodiment, the digital
media asset does not have content or file level encryption. In such
case, the decryption operation at block 304 is not performed by the
playback processing.
[0043] In one embodiment, in the case where the digital media asset
is a video media asset, one or more different tracks of the video
media asset can be processed separately or as a group to ensure
playback of certain tracks.
[0044] FIGS. 4A-4E are illustrations of a decryption process
according to one embodiment of the invention. The decryption
process illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E can pertain to one embodiment of
decryption processing by the playback process 300 according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates an encrypted digital media asset that
was previously encrypted to provide multi-level encryption. Here,
an electronic file for a digital media asset was previously
encrypted such that individual segments are encrypted and in
addition the encrypted segments as well as decryption information
are further encrypted using an encryption key. This further
encryption provides an additional layer of encryption to the media
content within the electronic file for the digital media asset. The
further encryption also provides an initial encryption layer for
the decryption information that can be within or attached to the
electronic file.
[0046] FIG. 4B illustrates the digital media asset after the
initial encryption layer has been removed through a first
decryption operation. The block 304 of the playback process 300
can, for example, operate to remove the first level of encryption.
After the first decryption operation has been performed, as shown
in FIG. 4B, the electronic file for the digital media asset has
individual ones of the segments encrypted (i.e., second level of
encryption). Also, after the first decryption operation, decryption
information (DI) previously attached to the encrypted electronic
file is fully decrypted and thus available to be accessed. The
decryption information can specify segment positions within the
electronic file as well as encryption algorithms and decryption key
generation information. FIG. 4C illustrates the digital media asset
with the decryption information removed.
[0047] Next, the individual segment can be decrypted. Typically,
the individual segments are decrypted as need and in conjunction
with playback of the digital media asset. For example, block 310 of
the playback process 300 can operate to remove the sequential
encryption. FIG. 4D illustrates the digital media asset after the
individual segments have been decrypted. Here, the encrypted
segments are separately decrypted. Once decrypted, the three
segments Sa, Sb and Sc are able to be accessed. Typically,
different decryption keys are used to decrypt different segments.
Although the different segments are still indicated in FIG. 4D,
segments are for encryption and this do not impact the media
content for the digital media asset. Hence, FIG. 4E illustrates the
digital media asset following decryption. The resulting media
content within the digital media asset following the decryption
process is the same data as the data that was initially
encrypted.
[0048] FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to one embodiment of the invention. A
media asset file 500 is an electronic file that stores media data
for a digital media asset. The media asset file 500 is illustrated
as being segmented into three (3) segments, namely, segment Sa 502,
segment Sb 504, and segment Sc 506. Each of these segments contains
a portion of the media data for the digital media asset. Each of
these segments is also separately encrypted using encryption keys
EKa, EKb and EKc, respectively. For illustration, the media asset
file 500 only has three (3) segments; however, in general the
larger the media asset file the greater the number of segments.
Nevertheless, in undergoing decryption, decryption keys Ka 508, Kb
510 and Kc 512 need to be generated in order to respectively
decrypt the encrypted segments Sa, Sb and Sc. In this example, the
decryption key Ka 508 is made available as a seed key, as already
generated or as processed from an earlier segment. The decryption
key Ka 508 is used to decrypt the encrypted segment Sa 502 to gain
access to the media data within the segment Sa. Thereafter, the
media data in the segment Sa can be decoded and output to an output
device (e.g., output device 208). In doing so, some or all of the
decoded media data from the segment Sa can also be used to generate
the decryption key Kb 510. The key generation can use a key
generation algorithm, which can specify a key generation formula as
well as identify one or more specific portions of the decoded media
data from the segment Sa to be used to generate the decryption key
Kb 510. The decryption key Kb 510 is used to decrypt the encrypted
segment Sb 504 to gain access to the media data within the segment
Sb. Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sb can be decoded and
output to the output device. In doing so, some or all of the
decoded media data from the segment Sb can also be used to generate
the decryption key Kc 512. The key generation can use a key
generation algorithm, which can specify a key generation formula as
well as identify one or more specific portions of the decoded media
data from the segment Sb to be used to generate the decryption key
Kc 512. The decryption key Kc 512 is used to decrypt the encrypted
segment Sc 506 to gain access to the media data within the segment
Sc. Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sc can be decoded and
output to the output device.
[0049] FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to another embodiment of the
invention. A media asset file 520 is an electronic file that stores
media data for a digital media asset. The media asset file 520 is
illustrated as being segmented into three (3) segments, namely,
segment Sa 522, segment Sb 524, and segment Sc 526. Each of these
segments contains a portion of the media data for the digital media
asset. Each of these segments is also separately encrypted using
encryption keys EKa, EKb and EKc, respectively. For illustration,
the media asset file 520 only has three (3) segments; however, in
general the larger the media asset file the greater the number of
segments. Nevertheless, in undergoing decryption, decryption keys
Ka 528, Kb 530 and Kc 532 need to be generated in order to
respectively decrypt the encrypted segments Sa, Sb and Sc. In this
example, the decryption key Ka 528 is made available as a seed key,
as already generated or as processed from an earlier segment. The
decryption key Ka 528 is used to decrypt the encrypted segment Sa
522 to gain access to the media data within the segment Sa.
Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sa can be decoded and
output to an output device (e.g., output device 208). In doing so,
predetermined portions of the decoded media data from the segment
Sa can also be used to generate the decryption key Kb 530. In one
example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, three distinct portions of the
decoded media data from the segment Sa 522 are used to determine
the decryption key Kb 530. Although three distinct portions are
illustrated in FIG. 5B, it should be recognized that any number of
portions can be similarly utilized. The key generation can use a
key generation algorithm, which can specify a key generation
formula as well as specify the specific portions of the decoded
media data from the segment Sa to be used to generate the
decryption key Kb 530. The decryption key Kb 530 is used to decrypt
the encrypted segment Sb 524 to gain access to the media data
within the segment Sb. Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sb
can be decoded and output to the output device. In doing so,
predetermined portions of the decoded media data from the segment
Sb can also be used to generate the decryption key Kc 532. In one
example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, three distinct portions of the
decoded media data from the segment Sb are used to determine the
decryption key Kc 532. The key generation can use a key generation
algorithm, which can specify a key generation formula as well as
specify the specific portions of the decoded media data from the
segment Sb to be used to generate the decryption key Kc 532. In
should be noted that the key generation can be performed
differently in different segments, such as through use of different
key generation formula and/or different specific portions. The
decryption key Kc 532 is used to decrypt the encrypted segment Sc
526 to gain access to the media data within the segment Sc.
Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sc can be decoded and
output to the output device.
[0050] FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic illustration of a serial
decryption process according to still another embodiment of the
invention. A media asset file 540 is an electronic file that stores
media data for a digital media asset. The media asset file 540 is
illustrated as being segmented into three (3) segments, namely,
segment Sa 542, segment Sb 544, and segment Sc 546. Each of these
segments contains a portion of the media data for the digital media
asset. The segment Sa is not encrypted, while the segments Sb and
Sc are separately encrypted using encryption keys EKb and EKc,
respectively. For illustration, the media asset file 540 only has
three (3) segments; however, in general the larger the media asset
file the greater the number of segments. Nevertheless, in
undergoing decryption, decryption keys Kb 548 and Kc 550 need to be
generated in order to respectively decrypt the encrypted segments
Sb and Sc. In this example, the segment Sa 542 is not encrypted so
there is no need to generate a decryption key Ka. The media data in
the segment Sa can be decoded and output to an output device (e.g.,
output device 208). In doing so, some or all of the decoded media
data from the segment Sa can also be used to generate the
decryption key Kb 548. The key generation can use a key generation
algorithm, which can specify a key generation formula as well as
specify specific portions of the decoded media data from the
segment Sa to be used to generate the decryption key Kb 548. The
decryption key Kb 548 is used to decrypt the encrypted segment Sb
544 to gain access to the media data within the segment Sb.
Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sb can be decoded and
output to the output device. In doing so, some or all of the
decoded media data from the segment Sb can also be used to generate
the decryption key Kc 550. The key generation can use a key
generation algorithm, which can specify a key generation formula as
well as specify specific portions of the decoded media data from
the segment Sb to be used to generate the decryption key Kc 550. In
should be noted that the key generation can be performed
differently in different segments, such as through use of different
key generation formula and/or different specific portions. The
decryption key Kc 550 is used to decrypt the encrypted segment Sc
546 to gain access to the media data within the segment Sc.
Thereafter, the media data in the segment Sc can be decoded and
output to the output device.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an encryption process 600
according to one embodiment of the invention. The encryption
process 600 operates to impose encryption on a digital media asset.
In particular, the encryption process 600 imposes multi-level
encryption to a digital media asset. In this illustrated
embodiment, the first level of encryption is sequential encryption,
and the second level encryption is content encryption. However, in
an alternative embodiment, the second level encryption is not
performed.
[0052] The encryption process initially identifies 602 a media
asset to be encrypted. An encryption algorithm is then selected
604. For example, the encryption algorithm can be predetermined or
randomly determined. The identified media asset can then be
segregated 606 into different segments.
[0053] Next, sequential keys can be determined 608 for the segments
based on the selected encryption algorithm. In one embodiment, one
or more of these selected encryption algorithms can utilize decoded
data from prior segments to determine 608 the sequential key for a
subsequent segment. Hence, in such an embodiment, decoded data of
segments may need to be determined in order to determined 608 the
sequential keys.
[0054] After the sequential keys have been determined 608, the
segments can be encrypted 610 utilizing the respective sequential
keys. Decryption information can also be associated 612 to the
media asset. The decryption information can provide information to
assist with subsequent decryption of the encrypted media asset. For
example, the decryption information can identify or provide a
reference to determine the encryption algorithm utilized or the
appropriate decryption algorithm to be utilized as well as
information on beginning and/or end points of segments of the media
asset to be encrypted. Further, the identified media asset can be
encrypted 614 using an encryption key. Here, the identified media
asset at this time can contain the encrypted segments as well as
the decryption information. Hence, the encryption 614 of the
identified media asset imposes a second level of encryption to the
identified media asset. Thereafter, the encrypted media asset can
be stored 616 such that it is available for distribution. Following
the block 616, the encryption process 600 can end.
[0055] Although the encryption process 600 provides the encryption
operation at block 614 to provide content or file level encryption
to the digital media asset, in another embodiment, the digital
media asset does not have content or file level encryption. In such
case, the encryption operation at block 614 is not performed by the
encryption processing.
[0056] It should be noted that the different segments resulting
from the segregation 606 can pertain to a single media asset or a
plurality of different media assets. In the case of a plurality of
different media assets, in one embodiment, the segments from the
different media assets can be interspersed.
[0057] FIGS. 7A-7E are illustrations of an encryption process
according to one embodiment of the invention. The encryption
process illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E can pertain to one embodiment of
the encryption process 600 according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0058] FIG. 7A illustrates a digital media asset being provided as
an electronic file that is freely accessible. FIG. 7B illustrates a
segmented digital media asset. In this example, the segmented
digital media asset has three segments Sa, Sb and Sc. The media
content of the segmented digital media asset is the same as the
digital media asset prior to segmentation. It should be understood
that the segmented digital media asset illustrated in FIG. 7B can
be comprised of segments from a single file or multiple files. For
example, the three segments Sa, Sb and Sc may originate from
multiple digital media assets.
[0059] As noted above, the encryption process 600 can separately
encrypt the segments of the segmented digital media asset. FIG. 7C
illustrates a digital media asset with encrypted segments.
Typically, different encryption keys are used to encrypt different
segments. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the segment Sa is
encrypted by an encryption key EK1, the segment Sb is encrypted by
an encryption key EK2, and the segment Sc is encrypted by an
encryption key EK3. Also, as discussed above decryption information
can be attached to an electronic file for a digital media asset.
FIG. 7D illustrates decryption information (DI) attached to the
electronic file having the digital media asset stored as encrypted
segments. The decryption information can specify segment positions
within the electronic file(s) as well as encryption algorithms and
decryption key generation information. FIG. 7E illustrates an
encrypted digital media asset. Here, the electronic file for the
digital media asset having encrypted segments and the decryption
information can be further encrypted using an encryption key (EKx).
This further encryption provides an additional layer of encryption
to the media content within the electronic file for the digital
media asset. The further encryption also provides an initial
encryption layer for the decryption information within or attached
to the electronic file.
[0060] The media playback device can, for example, be a portable
electronic device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a media player 800
suitable for use with the invention. The media player 800
illustrates circuitry of a representative portable media
device.
[0061] The media player 800 includes a processor 802 that pertains
to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall
operation of the media player 800. Also, with respect to the media
output system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the processor 802 can in
one embodiment implement the decryption engine 204, the key
generator 210 and/or the key cache 212. The media player 800 stores
media data pertaining to media items in a file system 804 and a
cache 806. The file system 804 is, typically, semiconductor memory
(e.g., Flash memory) and/or one or more storage disks. The file
system 804 typically provides high capacity storage capability for
the media player 800. However, since the access time to the file
system 804 can be relatively slow, the media player 800 can also
include the cache 806. The cache 806 is, for example, Random-Access
Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access
time to the cache 806 is typically shorter than for the file system
804. However, the cache 806 does not have the large storage
capacity of the file system 804. Further, the file system 804, when
active, consumes more power than does the cache 806. The power
consumption is often a concern when the media player 800 is a
portable media player that is powered by a battery 824. The media
player 800 also includes a RAM 820 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)
822. The ROM 822 can store programs, utilities or processes to be
executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 820 provides volatile
data storage, such as for the cache 806.
[0062] The media player 800 also includes a user input device 808
that allows a user of the media player 800 to interact with the
media player 800. For example, the user input device 808 can take a
variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch-sensitive
surface, etc. Still further, the media player 800 includes a
display 810 (screen display) that can be controlled by the
processor 802 to display information to the user. A data bus 811
can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system 804,
the cache 806, the processor 802, an audio coder/decoder (CODEC)
812 and/or a video CODEC 815.
[0063] In one embodiment, the media player 800 serves to store a
plurality of media items (e.g., songs, videos, podcasts, etc.) in
the file system 804. When a user desires to have the media player
play a particular media item, a list of available media items is
displayed on the display 810. Then, using the user input device
808, a user can select one of the available media items. The
processor 802, upon receiving a selection of a particular media
item, supplies the media data to one or more appropriate output
devices. If the particular media item is encrypted, the particular
media item is first decrypted as noted above, which could involve
one or more layers of encryption. As an example, for audio output,
the processor 802 can supply the media data (e.g., audio file) for
the particular media item to the audio CODEC 812. The audio CODEC
812 can then produce analog output signals for a speaker 814. The
speaker 814 can be a speaker internal to the media player 800 or
external to the media player 800. For example, headphones or
earphones that connect to the media player 800 would be considered
an external speaker. As another example, for video output, the
processor 802 can supply the media data (e.g., video file) for the
particular media item to the video CODEC 815. The video CODEC 815
can then produce output signals for the display 810 and/or the
speaker 814.
[0064] The media player 800 also includes a network/bus interface
816 that couples to a data link 818. The data link 818 allows the
media player 800 to couple to another device (e.g., a host
computer, a power source, or an accessory device). The data link
818 can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless
connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus
interface 816 can include a wireless transceiver. The data link 818
can also provide power to the media player 800 (e.g., to charge the
battery 824).
[0065] A portable electronic device as discussed herein may, but
need not, be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held
generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that
is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held
electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or
two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is
used to both support the device as well as to perform operations
with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one
hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs
operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both
hands support the device as well as perform operations during use.
In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for
placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the
user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the
device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels. Even smaller,
and thus more portable devices, are wearable electronic
devices.
[0066] The various aspects, features, embodiments or
implementations of the invention described above can be used alone
or in various combinations.
[0067] Embodiments of the invention can, for example, be
implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and
software. Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as
computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer
readable medium is any data storage device that can store data
which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the
computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and
random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable
medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory
card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data
storage device. The computer readable medium can also be
distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the
computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed
fashion.
[0068] Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
become obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may
be practiced without these specific details. The description and
representation herein are the common meanings used by those
experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and
circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring aspects of the present invention.
[0069] In the foregoing description, reference to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the order of blocks in
process flowcharts or diagrams representing one or more embodiments
of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order
nor imply any limitations in the invention.
[0070] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more
of the following advantages. One advantage of certain embodiments
of the invention is that sequential playback of digital media
assets can be enforced. Another advantage of certain embodiment of
the invention is that cryptographic techniques can be utilized to
ensure sequential playback. Another advantage of certain embodiment
of the invention is that processing for ensuring sequential
playback can be efficiently performed by making use of processing
otherwise performed for media playback. Still another advantage of
certain embodiment of the invention is that multiple levels of
encryption can be utilized, where one of the levels serves to
ensure sequential playback.
[0071] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact
construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *