System and method for key distribution and network connectivity

#This invention relates to systems and methods for key distribution and network connectivity.

#In recent years, the use of keys for purposes such as decrypting persistently-protected data has increased. For example, the DVB-CPT (Digital Video Broadcast—Content Protection Technology) body has proposed the concept of an authorized domain. Associated with an authorized domain is data, such as films, music, software, and the like, and a number of devices capable of using the data. Devices associated with the domain would be able to access the data associated with the domain, but devices not associated with the domain could not. In certain embodiments of this proposal, a particular access key are required to access the data associated with a particular authorized domain. Accordingly, only devices associated with a particular authorized domain possess the access key associated with that domain.

#Recent years have also brought increased interest in bringing networking capabilities to devices such as general purpose computers, portable devices, media terminals, and the like. Within this context, there has been particular interest in wireless networking using technologies such as IEEE 802.11(b) and Bluetooth.

#FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein a key distribution card is placed into a media device wishing to receive an access key.

#FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment wherein a key distribution card is placed into a media device acting as a surrogate for a media device wishing to receive an access key.

#FIG. 3 shows an exemplary smart networking card according to embodiments of the present invention.

#Embodiments of the present invention provide a Key Distribution Card (KDC) that can operate to distribute access keys to media devices such as general purpose and/or personal computers, mobile terminals, fixed terminals, television sets, digital set-top-boxes and personal video recorders. Such access keys may be used, for example, to log onto computer networks, or to access data subject to DRM (digital rights management) or other forms of persistent protection. One application of such keys is to access data such as content items associated with an authorized domain. The authorized domain, may be for example, a DVB-CPCM authorized domain. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a Smart Networking Card (SNC) smart card that provides network connectivity, such as Bluetooth or 802.11(b) connectivity, to a media device. The network connectivity so provided can be used, for example, to distribute access keys to other media devices. Aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

#Key Distribution Card

#In FIG. 1 is shown the KDC with reference number 101, having an access key 105 and a digital certificate 109 stored thereon. The KDC is shown in FIG. 1 as inserted into a media device 103 having a device certificate 111 and a store 107 for access keys. According to embodiments of the present invention, the KDC 101 may be implemented as a smart card that holds one or more similar or dissimilar access keys 105, and acts to distribute these keys to media devices. In certain embodiments, distributing an access key to a media device might involve the insertion of the KDC into a card reader device that is integrated with, or a peripheral of, the media device. Other embodiments allow a media device with no integrated or peripheral card reader to receive an access key by, for instance, by placing the KDC into a second media device that does have an integrated or peripheral card reader, and having the first media device connect to the second media device via a network or other data connection.