SESSION-BASED ENCRYPTION FOR DELIVERING CONTENT ON-DEMAND

摘要

The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory or storage device) for a session-based encryption (e.g., a common-tier encryption) for delivering a content (e.g., video, data, multi-media content and the like) on demand using multiple encryptors. According to an embodiment, the STB's request for a VOD session may be routed by a session resource manager (SRM) to receive content from an appropriate encryptor chosen from multiple encryptors based on a predefined criteria. This approach can minimize a number of encryptions/encrytpion devices (such as ECM generators) needed in a cable network. However, the simulcrypt encryptor can be also used, if necessary, e.g., when CAS-only encryptors are fully loaded with a traffic.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
receiving, by a session resource computing device from a requesting device, a request for a content and a required type of conditional access system (CAS) for decrypting the content by the requesting device, the required type of CAS being out of a plurality of CAS types, each CAS type being associated with a group of requesting devices and distinguishable by a unique entitlement control message (ECM); and choosing, by the session resource computing device, an encryptor out of a plurality of encryptor options for the required type of CAS using a predefined procedure, the chosen encryptor being associated at least with the required type of CAS for encrypting the requested content using at least a corresponding ECM for the required type of CAS to deliver the encrypted requested content to the requesting device for decrypting the content using the corresponding ECM.