Constructing a wrapper-based DRM system for digital content protection in digital libraries

Abstract

Conventional digital libraries utilize access control and digital watermarking techniques to protect their digital content. These methods, however, have drawbacks. First, after passing the identity authentication process, authorized users can easily redistribute the digital assets. Second, it is impractical to expect a digital watermarking scheme to prevent all kinds of attack. Thus, how to enforce property rights after digital content has been released to authorized users is a crucial and challenging issue. In this paper, we propose a wrapper-based approach to digital content protection that integrates digital watermarking, cryptography, information protection technology, and a rights model. In this rights enforcement environment, the behavior of all content players is monitored and digital content can only be accessed after certain usage rules have been satisfied. Furthermore, the proposed architecture can be easily integrated into any digital content player, or even existing DRM systems in digital libraries. With the protection of the proposed DRM system, the abuse of digital content can be drastically reduced. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.