阅读说明：本技术 用于受控访问数字媒体内容的系统 (System for controlled access to digital media content ) 是由 T·威特多夫 于 2019-07-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种用于受控访问数字媒体内容的系统(10),包括：服务器计算机(11)；计算机网络连接(12)；读取/输出设备(13a-13c)；信息载体(1,1’)；服务器计算机(11)准备好数字媒体内容；读取/输出设备(13a-13c)经由计算机网络连接(12)与服务器计算机(11)连接；通过信息载体(1,1’)存储至少一个第一信息和至少一个第二信息,第一和第二信息由读取/输出设备(13a-13c)读取；读取/输出设备(13a-13c)从信息载体(1,1’)中确定第一和第二信息并将第一和第二信息传输到服务器计算机(11)；服务器计算机(11)用于根据对第一和第二信息的联合检查的结果,释放特定媒体内容以传输到读取/输出设备(13a-13c),以便借助于读取/输出设备(13a-13c)输出该媒体内容。(A system (10) for controlled access to digital media content is provided, comprising: a server computer (11); a computer network connection (12); a read/output device (13a-13 c); an information carrier (1, 1'); the server computer (11) prepares the digital media content; the read/output devices (13a-13c) are connected to the server computer (11) via a computer network connection (12); storing at least one first information and at least one second information by means of an information carrier (1, 1'), the first and second information being read by a read/output device (13a-13 c); a read/output device (13a-13c) determines first and second information from the information carrier (1, 1') and transmits the first and second information to the server computer (11); the server computer (11) is arranged to release the specific media content for transmission to the read/output device (13a-13c) for output by means of the read/output device (13a-13c) in dependence on the result of the joint check of the first and second information.)

1. A system (10) for controlled access to digital media content, comprising:

a server computer (11);

a computer network connection (12);

a read/output device (13a-13 c);

an information carrier (1, 1');

wherein the server computer (11) is ready for digital media content;

wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is connected or connectable with the server computer (11) via the computer network connection (12);

wherein at least one first information and at least one second information are stored by said information carrier (1, 1'), said first information and said second information being read by said read/output device (13a-13 c);

wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is designed and arranged for determining the first information and the second information from the information carrier (1, 1') and for transmitting the first information and the second information to the server computer (11); and

wherein the server computer (11) is designed and arranged for releasing a specific media content for transmission to the read/output device (13a-13c) for outputting the media content by means of the read/output device (13a-13c) depending on the result of the joint check of the first information and the second information.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first information is stored by the information carrier (1, 1') by means of an NFC-readable code or an optical digital code.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second information is stored by the information carrier (1, 1') by means of an NFC-readable code or an optical digital code.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information carrier (1, 1') is designed in the form of a card with at least one printed optical digital code and/or an integrated NFC chip (4).

5. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is designed in the form of a pen (13c), an audio box (13a) or a tablet computer (13 b).

6. A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein for reading the first and second information and for outputting the media content a combined read/output device (13a-13c) is provided.

7. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein for reading the first and second information and for outputting the media content separate read/output devices are provided.

8. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein content of audio, video, e-book, or application is provided as the media content.

9. A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the server computer (11) is designed and arranged for transmitting metadata about the respective media content to the read/output device (13a-13 c).

10. System (10) according to claim 9, wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is designed and arranged for selecting available media content, in particular based on metadata according to claim 9.

11. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection between the read/output device (13a-13c) and the server computer (11) is designed to be wireless.

12. A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is designed and arranged for requesting the media content by transmitting the first information and the second information to the server computer (11).

13. A system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the read/output device (13a-13c) is only used together with the information carrier (1, 1') for outputting the media content.

14. A system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information carrier (1, 1') uniquely identifies a specific media content, if necessary from a combination consisting of the first information and the second information.

15. The system (10) according to claim 1, wherein a list of allowed combinations of the first information and the second information is obtained on the server computer (11).

16. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server computer (11) is designed and arranged for blocking specific media content for transmission to the read/output devices (13a-13c) in dependence on a combination consisting of the first information and the second information, when the combination consisting of the first information and the second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of times and/or the combination consisting of the first information and the second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of read/output devices (13a-13c) during a predetermined time interval.

17. System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the information carrier (1, 1') has, in addition to a number, preferably a plurality, of optical digital codes (6, 7), an NFC chip (4), wherein the server computer (11) is designed and arranged to release media content stored on the NFC chip (4) concerning the combination of the first information and the second information for transmission to the read/output device (13a-13c) only if a predetermined number, sequence or selection of optical/digital codes (6, 7) to which the combination belongs has previously been transmitted to the server computer (11) by the read/output device (13a-13 c).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for controlled access to digital media content.

Background

In particular, media content, such as text, audio, video or software applications (apps) and combinations thereof, can be consumed today at any time and almost anywhere without problems over computer networks such as the global internet. Even for (smaller) children, media content can be provided in this way, wherein ensuring access control is indeed an important aspect, especially from the age-appropriateness point of view. Furthermore, it is important that access to the media content can be made easily for smaller children and-if possible-in the form of games.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for controlled access to digital media content in a computer network, with which (smaller) children can also access media content suitable for them without risk and with a game-like approach. Furthermore, the holder of the usage rights of the media content should be able to restrict the access quantitatively.

This object is achieved by the system for controlled access to digital media content provided by the present invention. Advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention are the subject of additional embodiments.

A system for controlled access to digital media content according to the present invention comprises: a server computer; computer network connection; at least one read/output device; and at least one information carrier. The server computer preparing the digital media content; the read/output device is connected or connectable with a server computer via a computer network connection; storing at least one first information and at least one second information by an information carrier, wherein the first information and the second information are readable by a read/output device; the read/output device is designed and arranged for determining the first information and the second information from the information carrier and for transmitting the first information and the second information to the server computer; and the server computer is designed and arranged for releasing the specific media content for transmission to the read/output device for outputting the media content by means of the read/output device, depending on the result of the joint check of the first information and the second information.

Therefore, for accessing the media content, a (physical) information carrier is absolutely necessary. This allows for efficient (quantitative) access control. Furthermore, the information carrier can be designed in the form of a toy, a collecting card or the like, thus creating a value increase for the user (child). Furthermore, by means of the information carrier and the information stored thereon/therein, specific media content can be unambiguously identified, for example in order to achieve an effective age rating. The maximum protection against forgery and fraud is achieved by using both information in combination. In addition, the card may be transferred or sold and the new owner may also be able to access the associated media content.

In a first embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the first information is stored by the information carrier by means of an NFC-readable code or an optical digital code. Accordingly, the read/output device is designed and arranged for reading out the mentioned code type, for example by a user pointing a reading pen (digital pen) at the code or bringing the information carrier into the vicinity of an NFC-enabled reading device.

NFC or near field communication is an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for contactless data exchange by electromagnetic induction over short distances of a few centimeters with a data transmission rate of maximally 424kBit/s by means of loosely coupled coils. However, if NFC is mentioned here and below, it should also include alternative, similar communication technologies.

The optical digital code is preferably based on a dot-grid system printed on paper or the like. For example, so-called digital paper is printed with a grid having dots of size 0.1mm and a pitch of 0.3 mm. The positions of the individual dots are slightly different and thus provide an optically detectable digital code that can allow a digital pen to detect the printed code on the paper. The infrared camera in the digital pen is for this purpose oriented towards a grid of points in the background of the page. If reference is made here and below to an optical digital code or optical code or OID, it should also include alternative, similar encoding techniques.

In a second embodiment of the system according to the invention, provision is made for the second information to be stored by the information carrier by means of an NFC-readable code or an optical digital code. Correspondingly, the read/output device is also designed and arranged in this case for reading out the mentioned code type, for example by the user pointing a reading pen (digital pen) at the code or bringing the information carrier into the vicinity of the NFC-enabled reading device.

In a third embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the information carrier is designed in the form of a card with at least one printed optical digital code and/or an integrated NFC chip. Such cards can be produced simply and cost-effectively and can be provided with images, text and other content/decorations. They provide additional added value as exchange cards or collection cards and are in this case easy to store, for example in a suitable binder.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the read/output device is designed in the form of a (digital) pen, an audio box (audio box) or a tablet computer. Pens of this type have been developedOr Ting, is known. They are used to read optical codes (OIDs or mesh codes) and are connected to the internet via a wireless connection. Tablet computers are known in various designs, including designs with NFC functionality. An audio box is a special NFC-enabled device, particularly suitable for children, which is basically only designed to play audio content from the internet and is also connected to the internet via a wireless connection. The playback may be streamed under a persistent internet connection or offline after a prior download.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, provision is made for a combined read/output device to be provided for reading the first information and the second information and for outputting the media content, so that a particularly simple operability results, since only one device has to be used. All the above-described devices are suitable for this purpose.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that a separate read/output device is provided for reading the first information and the second information and for outputting the media content. For example, a pen may be used to read the information, which pen co-acts with an external speaker, tablet computer or audio box to output by means of a device separate from the pen.

In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, provision is made for audio, video, electronic book or application content to be provided as media content. In this case, the type of each available media content will depend on the type of read/output device used: audio content is suitable for audio boxes and pens, for example, while video and applications can only be used with tablet computers.

In a further preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the server computer is designed and arranged to transmit metadata about the respective media content to the read/output device. The metadata may more accurately specify the type of media content that is available.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is further provided that the read/output device is designed and arranged for selecting the available media content, in particular based on the metadata. In this way, the read/output device "recognizes" which type of media content it may use.

In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the connection between the read/output device and the server computer is designed to be wireless, for which it has been repeatedly indicated. This may significantly improve the comfort of the user.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the read/output device is designed and arranged for requesting the media content by transmitting the first information and the second information to the server computer. In this way, media content can be protected from abuse:

in the case of the use of NFC chips, the first information is preferably a so-called unique id (uid) of, for example, 7 bytes of the chip, which is fixedly specified at the factory and cannot be changed without significant expenditure if at all. The second information can then be a security code, for example, of 13 digits, which can in principle be freely distributed and can accordingly also be falsified. Since it is provided within the scope of the invention that certain media contents are released for transmission to the read/output device only as a function of the result of the joint check of the first information and the second information in order to output these media contents by means of the read/output device, it can be ensured that unauthorized access to the media contents does not occur. Although the second information may be obtained and copied in an unauthorized manner, the associated first information is not suitable. Thus, if the server computer has a "list" with allowed combinations of first information and second information, it may deny media requests based on disallowed combinations of first information and second information.

In case an optical code (OID code, preferably OID3 code) is used, the first information is preferably a first (initialization) code (number) from, for example and without limitation, a first range of values between 0 and 200.000. The second information may then be another code (number) from, for example and without limitation, a second, in particular larger, range of values between 0 and 500.000. The second information may be encoded, for example, in the form of a "play" symbol. Since it is provided within the scope of the invention that certain media contents are released for transmission to the read/output device only as a function of the result of the joint check of the first information and the second information in order to output these media contents by means of the read/output device, it is also ensured here that unauthorized access to the media contents does not occur. Although one of the two pieces of information can be obtained and copied in an unauthorized manner due to a limited range of values produced by, for example, a "brute force attack", an actually excessive range of values is produced together with the other piece of information. Thus, if the server computer also has a "list" with allowed combinations of the first information and the second information, it may here also reject media requests based on disallowed combinations of the first information and the second information.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the read/output device can be used for outputting the media content only with the information carrier. This can be achieved in particular when using NFC technology, since it can be ensured that the read/output device is only available when an information carrier with an NFC chip is located in the vicinity. The information carrier is thus value-added.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is also preferably provided that the information carrier uniquely identifies the specific media content, optionally on the basis of a combination of the first information and the second information. This has already been pointed out. In this way it is ensured that especially children users can only access content of a suitable age.

In a further development of the system according to the invention, it can also be provided that the server computer is designed and arranged to block the specific media content for transmission to the read/output device in dependence on the combination of the first information and the second information if the combination of the first information and the second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of times and/or if the combination of the first information and the second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of read/output devices during a predetermined time interval. In this way it is possible to prevent, for example, an information carrier with an optical code from being simply copied. All copies will then at this point have the same combination of first and second information, and the server computer will notice that this combination is repeated and sent from a different device and may block the transmission, preferably on condition that a specific error message is output.

In a further development of the system according to the invention, it can finally be provided that the information carrier has, in addition to a number, preferably a plurality of, optical digital codes, an NFC chip, wherein the server computer is designed and arranged to release the media content stored on the NFC chip in respect of the combination of the first information and the second information for transmission to the read/output device only if a predetermined number, sequence or selection of optical digital codes to which the combination belongs has previously been transmitted to the server computer by the read/output device. In this way a reward system can be established: specific media content is only available when a specific task or the like has been solved in advance or a question has been answered. This is preferably done by means of a (digital) pen for transmitting a predetermined number, sequence or selection of optical digital codes belonging to the relevant media content to the server computer. For example and without limitation, the computational problems printed on the information carrier must first be solved by selecting the optical code belonging to the solution with a pen, which then sends the relevant information to the server computer. The media content used as the reward is then unlocked and can be transmitted to the read/output device and output there in accordance with the cooperation of the NFC chip with the server computer.

If in the present application reference is made to "transmission" or "transmission", this always includes streaming media of the relevant media content in addition to regular downloading.

If in this application it is mentioned that a device is "designed or arranged" to perform a specific action or operation, it may thus comprise a hardware engineering design, a software engineering design, a firmware engineering design or a combination of these design forms of the device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the following steps are required for accessing the media content via the NFC card or OID:

a) the read/output device or apparatus (pen, box, tablet) must be able to access the internet or a similar computer network (so-called "on-board WLAN").

b) The product code (code data on the NFC card or the optical OID code, corresponding to the first information and the second information) is read (the product corresponds to the information carrier defined at the outset).

c) The product code is sent to the back end (server computer) for verification.

d) The back end receives the product code and checks it,

d1) whether the combined two read OID codes (first information and second information) represent a valid product code or

d2) Whether the security code (second information) represents a valid product code after combination with the unique NFC chip ID (first information).

e) In the case of an invalid code combination consisting of the first information and the second information, the backend responds with an error message.

f) With the code combinations in effect, the backend responds with metadata about the product it belongs to, containing links to various media content (audio, video, e-book, applications) about the product.

g) The apparatus (also comprising: terminal device) selects media content that can be played by it and downloads it from the backend, where the code combination can also be sent together as authorization.

h) In case of a valid code combination, the backend provides the media data to the device.

i) The media content for this device is played.

A standardized NFC chip can be installed in the information carrier, which is purchased from the manufacturer of the card. In this case, the following criteria are preferably used:

the communication techniques and protocols used conform to the ISO/IEC14443 standard.

The memory capacity and functionality of the chip preferably corresponds to the specification NTAG213 or NTAG216(https:// www.nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/NTAG213_215_216. pdf).

Data is stored on the information carrier in the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF).

The front and/or back side of the information carrier may be printed with OID codes (codes for Optical Identification Devices (OIDs)). Information carriers are also used by other manufacturers to access media content or to encode information in a printer.

As described in detail above, the information carrier contains code that allows access to media content (audio books, videos, e-books, mobile applications). Depending on the functional range of the different reading and output devices (loudspeaker, screen, input options), these contents can be used either acoustically, visually or interactively.

As mentioned above, the authentication of the correct content for accessing the content of the information carrier is preferably performed on the basis of a unique, hard-to-guess code. The content of the information carrier is read in different ways (code in the form of OID or NFC data) by various reading and output devices.

Access to the media content is preferably based on the following steps:

connecting the terminal device (pen, (listen) box or tablet) to the internet (preferably through a WLAN portal) through a user-guided procedure.

-reading a code (first information and second information) (OID or NFC data).

-transmitting the code to the back-end (server computer) over the internet, preferably encrypted (e.g. by SSL).

-the backend verifies the code.

-in case of a correct code, the back-end sends the product information to the terminal device.

-the terminal device retrieving the media content from the backend, wherein the code is used again as an access key.

-the terminal device playing the media content (streaming media) or downloading the media content for later (offline) use.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an information carrier usable within the scope of the invention in different views;

fig. 2 shows in a different view another information carrier usable within the scope of the invention;

fig. 3 shows a different embodiment of the system according to the invention; and

fig. 4 shows a flow chart of a method for accessing media content running in the system.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 an information carrier 1 in the form of a transaction card usable within the scope of the invention is shown in different views. The dimensions and shapes given are to be understood as exemplary only and not as limiting.

In fig. 1 an exploded view of the information carrier 1 is shown below. The information carrier 1 comprises a carrier material 2 made of cardboard or plastic, in which carrier material an NFC chip 4 is inserted in a substantially central recess 3. Alternatively, chip 4 may also be bonded to the carrier material in region 3. On both sides, the carrier material 2 is coated (glued) with a printing paper 5, on which paper 5 images, text or the like can be printed. Preferably, there is content related to media content consumable by means of the information carrier 1. The NFC chip 4 stores or contains first information and second information (UID or security code), as explained in detail at the outset.

In fig. 2 another information carrier 1' in the form of a transaction card usable within the scope of the invention is shown in a different view. The dimensions and shapes given should also be understood to be merely exemplary and not limiting.

In fig. 2 an exploded view of the information carrier 1' is shown below. The information carrier 1' comprises a carrier material 2 made of cardboard or plastic, in which an NFC chip 4 is inserted in a substantially central recess 3. Alternatively, chip 4 may also be bonded to the carrier material in region 3. On both sides, the carrier material 2 is also coated (glued) with a printing paper 5, on which paper 5 images, text or the like can be printed. Preferably, there is also content related to media content consumable by means of the information carrier 1'. Now at reference numeral 6 another print plane (print) for OID code is added, which can be read with a suitable (digital) pen. The printing 6 need not be of the entire surface, but it can instead be limited to a specific surface area of the information carrier 1'. For example, the printing 6 may be provided only with a playback or "play" symbol on the information carrier 1

(not shown) in the region of the substrate.

At reference numeral 7 the information carrier 1' has an additional activation tag (sticker) which also carries the OID code. In case only optical codes (OID codes, preferably OID3 codes) are used, the OID code at reference numeral 7 is an encoding of first information, preferably a first (initialization) code (number) from, for example, but not limited to, a first range of values between 0 and 200.000. The second information implemented at reference numeral 6 may then be another code (number) from, for example, but not limited to, a second, in particular larger, value range between 0 and 500.000. As already mentioned, the second information may preferably be encoded in the form of a "play" symbol.

The NFC chip 4 may not function in this use example; alternatively, it may be used within the bonus system described more above.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a system for controlled access to digital media content according to the present invention, which system is provided with the reference numeral 10 as a whole. The system 10 includes: a server computer (backend) 11; computer network connection (internet) 12; various read/output devices (apparatus, terminal devices) 13a-13c, i.e., an audio box 13a, a tablet computer 13b, and a (digital) pen 13 c; and each terminal device 13a-13c has a suitable information carrier 1', 1, respectively. The server computer 11 is ready for the media content in question (not shown). The read/output devices 13a to 13c are connected to the server computer 11 via a computer network connection 12 or can be connected by a user (user) 14, preferably wirelessly via a WLAN, as shown ("on-board WLAN"). By means of the respective information carrier 1', 1 at least one first information and at least one second information are stored, which first information and second information can be read by means of the associated read/output device 13a-13c via NFC or OID technology, as described above with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Each read/output device 13a-13c is designed and arranged to determine first information and second information ("read code" in fig. 3) of the information carrier 1, 1' and to transmit the first information and the second information to the server computer 11 ("transmit code to back end"). The server computer 11 is designed and arranged to release the specific media content for transmission to the requesting read/output device 13a-13c for output by means of the read/output device 13a-13c, depending on the result of the joint check performed by it on the first information and the second information. For this purpose, product details relating to the media content associated with the respective information carrier 1, 1' are first transmitted by the server computer 11 to the associated read/output device 13a-13c ("receive product details"), and the associated read/output device 13a-13c then requests the appropriate media content from the server computer 11 ("request-compatible media content") and outputs it ("play media content"). The user 14 preferably brings the relevant read/output device 13a-13c and the respective information carrier 1, 1' in operative connection and in particular ensures that the OID/NFC code is read/detected by means of the read/output device 13 a-13.

In case the read/output device 13a, 13b is equipped as a tablet computer or audio box, there may be a slot or gap or other type of holding/retaining means (not visible) on the read/output device for accommodating an information carrier 1 specially designed as a card.

Fig. 4 shows the basic (method) sequence in the form of a flow chart, as explained above with the aid of fig. 3. The read/output device ("appliance") gains access to the internet or a similar computer network (so-called "on-board WLAN") in step S1, the read/output device thereby being connected to a server computer ("backend"). In step S2, the product code (code data on the NFC card (card code) or the optical OID code, corresponding to the first information and the second information) is read by means of the read/output device (the product corresponding to the information carrier defined at the outset). The product code is then sent to the back end (server computer) for verification by the read/output device in step S3. The backend receives the product code and checks (verifies) in step S4 whether the two read OID codes (first information and second information) combined represent a valid product code or whether the security code (second information) represents a valid product code after combination with the unique NFC chip ID (first information). This is indicated in fig. 4 for both cases by the "authentication code", wherein the code is composed of the first information and the second information, respectively, which are checked together, as explained in detail above. Preferably, for this purpose, a list of allowed combinations consisting of the first information and the second combination is available on the back-end computer. In the case of an invalid code combination consisting of the first information and the second information ("invalid"), the backend responds in step S5 with an error message, which is preferably output by the read/output device. The back-end computer is in this connection preferably also designed and arranged for blocking the specific media content for transmission in dependence on the combination of first information and second information when the combination of first information and second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of times and/or the combination of first information and second information is transmitted more than a predetermined number of read/output devices during a predetermined time interval, which is not explicitly shown in fig. 4 and in particular in step S5. In the case of a valid code combination ("valid"), the backend responds in step S6 with metadata on the belonging product ("product details") containing links to various media content (audio, video, e-book, application) of the product. The read/output device receives the metadata in step S7 and selects media content that can be played by it in step S8 ("select compatible.... content"). The read/output device then requests the media content from the back-end, where the code combination is sent together again as authorization. In the case of a valid code combination (checked in step S9), the back end provides the media data to the read/output device. The media content for the read/output device is played in step S10.