Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing and accomplishing on-line transactions while preserving the privacy of user information. User information is stored at a trusted Web site. A user logs on to a transacting Web site with a user device and requests a transaction from the transacting Web site. The user is verified through the trusted Web site using an anonymous identifier corresponding to the user information and the transaction is accomplished between the user device and the transacting Web site using the anonymous identifier without transferring the user information to the transacting Web site.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the rendering of content by automatically deploying a rendering engine. A request for content is received and the content is packaged with a filename extension that is capable of being rendered by a rendering engine but is different than a file extension of the requested content. A program having a rendering engine for the content is opened based on instructions in the packaged content.

Abstract: A system and method for securely distributing content by automatically deploying security components. The system includes a server having content stored thereon, a client device having a standard application program for accomplishing a task related to the content, and a rights management module operatively coupled to the server and said client device and configured, upon a request to access the content, to determine if security components are coupled to the application program. The rights management module downloads and installs the security components on the client device if the security components are not coupled to the application program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically applying digital watermarks. Requested content is sent to a security module of a user device. A digital watermark is dynamically determined based at least on instance information about a rendering engine of the user device. The digital watermark is then rendered with the content using the rendering engine of the user device.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling use of content in accordance with usage rights associated with the content. A request for content is analyzed by looking for a signature from a user device making the request to determine if the user device has security components for enforcing the usage rights. If the request does not have the signature, a software agent is sent to the user device to determine if the user device is secure and the request is resent with the signature if the user device is secure. Content is rendered with a rendering engine of the user device in accordance with the usage rights in response to the resent request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling use of content by sharing secure communications. A user device receives a challenge token from a first server and forwards the challenge token to a second server in association with a request for use of content. A signature of the challenge token is analyzed to determine an origin of the challenge token and the request is authorized by a second server to use the content if the first server is related to the second server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing transactions related to content distribution. A content request is made through a user device and, in response to the request, the user device receives a direction to request a security component required to render the content. The user device then requests the security component from a computer associated with a transaction aggregator and billing information of the user is collected. The requested security component is returned to the user device and a protected instance of a rendering engine is created on the user device with the security component. The content is then rendered within the protected instance and the rendering operation is reported to the transaction aggregator.

Abstract: A system and method for encrypting content in an adaptive manner. Portions of data to be encrypted are identified and an encryption ratio that specifies the one or more portions of data to encrypt and other portions of data to not encrypt is determined. The data is then encrypted based on the encryption ratio.

Abstract: A rights management system including one or more consequential rights associated with digital content, and specifying a manner of use of the digital content, a right management module that enforces the rights permitting use of the digital content in accordance with the rights upon occurrence of a consequential event. The consequential event is based on another usage right. In one embodiment, the consequential event is the exercise, expiration, or possession of another usage right.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying data integrity. A compression parameter, such as the average code length of compressed data, is obtained. The parameter is transmitted to a recipient of the data to permit the recipient to again determine the parameter and compare the value of the parameter to the originally determined value. If the value of the parameter has changed, the data may have been modified or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: A method and system for managing use of items having usage rights associated therewith including a point of capture system adapted to generate content of a future event when the event occurs, a content distributor adapted to generate a rights label having usage rights associated with content of the future event before the content is created, the rights label having a distribution key for encrypting the content as the content is generated, the distribution key being encrypted with a public key. The system also includes a license server adapted to generate a license associate with the content from the rights label before the content is generated, the license including the distribution key encrypted with the public key, and a content distributor adapted to distribute the license before the content is generated.

Abstract: An enforceable property right and a system for controlling the manner of use of an item in accordance with usage rights. The enforceable property right includes an item ticket having a security mechanism incorporated therein and specifying an item for which the item ticket can be redeemed and a license associated with the item ticket. The license includes usage rights specifying a manner of use for redeeming the item ticket and a mechanism for unlocking said security mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for the secure distribution and consumption of electronic documents using a standard rendering engine. The documents can usage rights associated therewith. A server stores at least one of the documents in computer readable form. A client having a standard application program including a rendering engine capable of rendering unencrypted documents for viewing is operated by a user. The client and the server are coupled by a communications network. A security module controls requested for at least one of the documents on the server from the client and delivers the document and a set of rights associated with the document to the client.

Abstract: An auxiliary device control for a subscriber terminal includes a four wire ribbon cable defining a bidirectional communication and data interface from the terminal to one or more auxiliary devices. A communication and data protocol for the bidirectional transfer of instructions, status, and data over the interface includes an address field, command or reply field, data length field, and checksum field transmitted at 9600 baud. In a preferred implementation, the auxiliary device to be controlled is an IR peripheral controller which can tune a VCR, and switch it on and off. Several transactions in the communications and data protocol are used to effect the operation where a control VCR command and reply transaction cause the control of the tuning and recording of the VCR. A set-up VCR command and a brand reply transaction is used to provide information to configure the controller with brands and model of the VCRs.