Method and system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage

Abstract

A method and a system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage of the data object. To control the usage of the data object, a set of control data, defining uses of the data object, which comply with the predetermined conditions, is created for the data object. The data object is concatenated with the user set of control data, encrypted and transferred to the user. When the user wants to use the data object, a special user program checks whether the usage complies with the control data. If so, the usage is enabled. Otherwise it is disabled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to data processing and more particularly to a method and a system for managing data objects so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage.

[0003] Description of Related Technology

[0004] Much has been written recently regarding the puzzle of universal connectivity. A typical vision of the data highway has long distance high speed data carriers inter connecting regional networks which provide telecommunications services and a wide range of interactive on-line services to consumers. Many of the pieces are already in place, others are in development or testing. In fact, even though the data highway is under construction it is currently open to limited traffic. On-line services are springing up daily and video on demand services are currently being tested.

[0005] The potential to benefit society is immense. The scope of information available to consumers will become truly global as the traditional barriers to entry for distribution of, and access to, information are lowered dramatically. This means that more diverse and specialized information will be made available just as conveniently as generic sources from major vendors used to be. The end result is that organizations and individuals will be empowered in ways heretofore only imagined.

[0006] However, a fully functioning data highway will only be as valuable as the actual services which it provides. Services envisioned for the data highway that involve the delivery of data objects (e.g. books, films, video, news, music, software, games, etc.) will be and are currently limited by the availability of such objects. Library and educational services are similarly affected. Before owners will allow their data objects to be offered they must be assured of royalty payments and protection from piracy.

[0007] Encryption is a key component of any solution to provide copy protection. But encryption alone is not enough. During transmission and storage the data objects will be protected by encryption, but as soon as anyone is given the key to decipher the content he will have unlimited control over it. Since the digital domain permits data objects to be reproduced in unlimited quantities with no loss of quality, each object will need to be protected from unlimited use and unauthorized reproduction and resale.

[0008] The protection problem must not be solved by a separate solution for each particular data format, because then the progress will indeed be slow. It is important to consider the effect of standardization on an industry. Consider how the VHS, the CD and the DAT formats, and the IBM PC compatibility standards have encouraged growth in their respective industries. However, if there is to be any type of standardization, the standard must provide universal adaptability to the needs of both data providers and data users.

[0009] The data object owner may want to have permanent secure control over how, when, where, and by whom his property is used. Furthermore, he may want to define different rules of engagement for different types of users and different types of security depending on the value of particular objects. The rules defined by him shall govern the automated operations enabled by data services and networking. The owner may also want to sell composite objects with different rules governing each constituent object. Thus, it is necessary to be able to implement variable and extensible control.

[0010] The user on his part wants to be able to search for and purchase data objects in a convenient manner. If desired, the user should be able to combine or edit purchased objects (i.e. for creating a presentation). Furthermore, the user may want to protect his children from inappropriate material. A complete solution must enable these needs as well.

[0011] What is needed is a universally adaptable system and method for managing the exchange and usage of data objects while protecting the interests of data object owners and users.

[0012] A method for enforcing payment of royalties when copying softcopy books is described in the European patent application EP 0 277 800. This method protects a formatted text stream of a structured document which includes a royalty payment element having a special tag. When the formatted text stream is inputted in the user's data processor, the text stream is searched to identify the royalty payment element and a flag is stored in the memory of the data processor. When the user for instance requests to print the document, the data processor requests authorization for this operation from a second data processor. The second data processor charges the user the amount indicated in the royalty payment element and then transmits the authorization to the first data processor.

[0013] One serious limitation of this method is that it can only be applied to structured documents. The description of the above-mentioned European patent application defines a structured document as: a document prepared in accordance with an SGML compliant type definition. In other words it can not be applied to documents which are not SGML compliant and it cannot be applied to any other types of data objects.

[0014] Furthermore, this method does not provide for variable and extensible control. Anyone can purchase a softcopy book on a CD, a floppy disc or the like, and the same royalty amount is indicated in the royalty payment element of all softcopy books of the same title.

[0015] Thus, the method described in EP 0 277 800 does not satisfy the above-mentioned requirements for universally adaptable protection of data objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Certain aspects of the present invention includes a method and a data processing system for managing a data object in a manner that is independent of the format and the structure thereof, so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage control and royalty payment.

[0017] More particularly, a data object provider, e.g., the owner of a data object or his agent (broker), stores the data object in a memory device, e.g. a bulk storage device, where it is accessible by means of the data provider's data processor. The data object can consist of digital data, analog data or a combination or hybrid of analog and digital data.

[0018] A general set of control data, which is based on the predetermined conditions for usage of the data object, is created and stored in the same memory device as the data object or another memory device where it is accessible by the data provider's data processor. The predetermined conditions for usage may be defined by the data object owner, by the broker or by anyone else. They may differ, between different data objects.

[0019] The general set of control data comprises at least one or more usage control elements, which define usages of the data object which comply with the predetermined conditions. These usages may encompass for instance the kind of user, a time limit for usage, a geographical area for usage, allowed operations, such as making a hard copy of the data object or viewing it, and/or claim to royalty payment. The general set of control data may comprise other kinds of control elements besides the usage control element. In a preferred embodiment, the general set of control data comprises a security control element which defines a security procedure which has to be carried out before usage of the data object. It also comprises an identifier, which uniquely identifies the general set of control data.

[0020] The general set of control data is concatenated with a copy of the data object. Thus, the control data does not reside in the data object, but outside it, which makes the control data independent of the format of and the kind of data object and which allows for usage control independently of the data object format.

[0021] At least the usage control element(s) and the data object are encrypted, so that the user is unable to use the data object without a user program which performs the usage control and which decrypts the data object. Alternatively, the whole set of control data and the copy of the data object may be encrypted.

[0022] A user may request authorization for usage of a data object residing at a data provider's processor via a data network or in any other appropriate way. The authorization may or may not require payment. When a request for authorization for usage is received, a user set of control data is created by the data provider's processor. The user set of control data comprises the general set of control data or a subset thereof including at least one of said usage control elements which is relevant for the actual user. It typically also includes a new identifier which uniquely identifies this set of control data. If relevant, the user set of control data also comprises an indication of the number of usages authorized. If more than one kind of usage is authorized, the number of each kind of usage may be specified. Finally, the user set of control data is concatenated with a copy of the data object, and at least the usage control elements and the copy of the data object are encrypted to create a secure data package ready for transfer to the user.

[0023] Before the data package is transferred to the user, it should be confirmed that the request for authorization for usage has been granted. The check is preferably carried out before the user set of control data is created. However, it can also be carried out in parallel with or after the creation of the user control data. In the latter case, the number of usages requested by the user is tentatively authorized and included in the user set, but if the request is refused the user set is canceled or changed.

[0024] The data package may be transferred to the user by electronic means or stored on bulk storage media and transferred to the user by mail or by any suitable transportation means.

[0025] Once the data object has been packaged in the above-described manner, it can only be accessed by a user program which has built-in usage control and means for decrypting the data package. The user program will only permit usages defined as acceptable in the control data. Moreover, if the control data comprises a security control element, the security procedure prescribed therein has to be complied with. In one embodiment, the usage control may be performed as follows. If the user decides to use a data object, the user program checks the control data to see if this action is authorized. More particularly, it checks that the number of authorized usages of this kind is one or more. If so, the action is enabled and the number of authorized usages decremented by one. Otherwise, the action is interrupted by the user program and the user may or may not be given the opportunity to purchase the right to complete the action.

[0026] After the usage, the user program repackages the data object in the same manner as it was packaged before.

[0027] When a data object is redistributed by a user or a broker, new control elements are added in the control data to reflect the relation between the old user/broker and the new user/broker. In this way, an audit trail for the data object may be created.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention at least two data packages are stored on a user's data processor, which examines the usage control elements of the data packages in order to find a match. If a match is found, the user's data processor carries out an action which is specified in the user set of control data. This method can be used for selling and buying data objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the general data flow according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a data object provider's data processor.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the different modules of a data packaging program according to the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a data flow diagram of a data packaging process.

[0033] FIG. 5 is an example of a header file.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an example of a usage data file.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a data flow diagram of loading an object to the data object provider's data processor.

[0036] FIGS. 8 a and 8b are examples of control data for a data object on the data object provider's data processor and for an object ready to be transferred to a user, respectively.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a data flow diagram of data packaging on the data object provider's data processor.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a data packaging procedure.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a memory image of a data object and its control data.

[0040] FIG. 12 a is a memory image of the concatenated control data and data object.

[0041] FIG. 12 b is a memory image of the concatenated and encrypted control data and data object.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a system block diagram of a user's data processor.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the different modules of a user program according to the invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of using a data object on the user's data processor.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of how the user program operates in a specific application example.

[0046] FIG. 17 is an example of various data package structures for composite objects.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Certain embodiments of the invention are described in this section.

[0048] General Overview

[0049] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the general data flow according to the invention. The flow diagram is divided into a data object provider part 1 and a user part 2.

[0050] In the data object provider part 1, a data object 24 is created by an author. The data object 24 may be stored in a data base management system (DBMS) 22. The data object can consist of digital data, analog data or a combination or hybrid of analog and digital data. The primary difference between analog data objects and digital data objects is the means for storage, transfer and usage.

[0051] The author also determines the conditions 42 for the usage of the data object 24 by a user. The data object 24 and the usage conditions 42 are input to a data packaging program 19, which creates a secure data package 40 of the data object and of control data which are based on the input usage conditions 42. Once packaged in this way, the data object can only be accessed by a user program 35.

[0052] The data object may be packaged together with a general set of control data, which is the same for all users of the data object. This may be the case when the data object is sent to a retailer or a bulletin board, wherefrom a user may obtain it. The data object may also be packaged as a consequence of a request from a user for usage of the data object. In that case, the package may include control data which is specifically adapted to that user. This control data is called a user set of control data. It may for example comprise the number of usages purchased by the user. Typically, the user set of control data will be created on the basis of the general set of control data and include at least a subset thereof. A user set of control data need not always be adapted for a specific user. All sets of control data which are created on the basis of a general set of control data will be called a user set of control data. Thus, a set of control data can be a general set in one phase and a user set in another phase.

[0053] The above-mentioned data packaging can be carried out by the author himself by means of the data packaging program 19. As an alternative, the author may send his data object to a broker, who inputs the data object and the usage conditions determined by the author to the data packaging program 19 in order to create a secure package 40. The author may also sell his data object to the broker. In that case, the broker probably wants to apply his own usage conditions to the data packaging program. The author may also provide the data object in a secure package to the broker, who repackages the data object and adds further control data which is relevant to his business activities. Various combinations of the above alternatives are also conceivable.

[0054] In the user part 2 of the flow diagram, the secure package 40 is received by a user, who must use the user program 35 in order to unpackage the secure package 40 and obtain the data object in a final form 80 for usage. After usage, the data object is repackaged into the secure package 40.

[0055] The different parts of the system and the different steps of the method according to the invention will now be described in more detail.

[0056] The Data Provider's Data Processor

[0057] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of a data object provider's data processor. As mentioned above, the data object provider may be an author of a data object, an owner of a data object, a broker of a data object or anyone else who wants to distribute a data object, while retaining the control of its usage. The data processor is a general or special purpose processor, preferably with network capabilities. It comprises a CPU 10, a memory 11 and a network adapter 12, which are interconnected by a bus 13. As shown in FIG. 2, other conventional means, such as a display 14, a keyboard 15, a printer 16, a bulk storage device 17, and a ROM 18, may also be connected to the bus 13. The memory 11 stores network and telecommunications programs 21 and an operating system (OS) 23. All the above-mentioned elements are well-known to the skilled person and commercially available. For the purpose of the present invention, the memory 11 also stores a data packaging program 19 and, preferably, a database 20 intended for control data. Depending upon the current operation, one or more data objects 24 can be stored in the memory 11 as shown or in the bulk storage 17. The data provider's data processor is considered secure.

[0058] The Data Packaging Program

[0059] The data packaging program 19 is used for creating control data for controlling the usage of a data object and for packaging the data object and the control data into a secure package.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, it comprises a program control module 301, a user interface module 302, a packaging module 303, a control data creation module 304, an encryption module 305, one or more format modules 306, and one or more security modules 307.

[0061] The control module 301 controls the execution of the other modules. The user interface module 302 handles interaction with the data object provider. The packaging module 303 packages the control data and the data object. It uses the control data creation module 304, the format modules 306, the security modules 307 and the encryption module 305 as will be described more in detail below.

[0062] The format modules 306 comprise program code, which is required to handle the data objects in their native format. They can fulfill functions such as data compression and data conversion. They can be implemented by any appropriate, commercially available program, such as by means of a routine from the PKWARE Inc. Data Compression Library for Windows and the Image Alchemy package from Handmade Software Incorporated, respectively. They can also be implemented by custom designed programs.

[0063] The security modules 307 comprise program code required to implement security, such as more sophisticated encryption than what is provided by the encryption module 305, authorization algorithms, access control and usage control, above and beyond the basic security inherent in the data package.

[0064] The data packaging program 19 can contain many different types of both format and security modules. The program control module 301 applies the format and security modules which are requested by the data provider.

[0065] The encryption module 305 may be any appropriate, commercially available module, such as “FileCrypt” Visual Basic subprogram found in Crescent Software's QuickPak Professional for Windows—FILECRPT.BAS, or a custom designed encryption program.

[0066] The control data creation module 304 creates the control data for controlling the usage of the data object. An example of a control data structure will be described more in detail below.

[0067] The Control Data

[0068] The control data can be stored in a header file and a usage data file. In a preferred embodiment, the header file comprises fields to store an object identifier, which uniquely identifies the control data and/or its associated data object, a title, a format code, and a security code. The format code may represent the format or position of fields in the usage data file. Alternatively, the format code may designate one or more format modules to be used by the data packaging program or the user program. The security code may represent the encryption method used by the encryption module 305 or any security module to be used by the data packaging program and the user program. The header file fields will be referred to as header elements.

[0069] The usage data file comprises at least one field for storing data which controls usage of the data object. One or more usage data fields which represent one condition for the usage of the data object will be referred to as a usage element. In a preferred embodiment, each usage element is defined by an identifier field, e.g. a serial number, a size field, which specifies the size of the usage element in bytes or in any other appropriate way, and a data field.

[0070] The header elements and the usage elements are control elements which control all operations relating to the usage of the object. The number of control elements is unlimited. The data provider may define any number of control elements to represent his predetermined conditions of usage of the data object. The only restriction is that the data packaging program 19 and the user program 35 must have compatible program code to handle all the control elements. This program code resides in the packaging module and the usage manager module, to be described below.

[0071] Control elements can contain data, script or program code which is executed by the user program 35 to control usage of the related data object. Script and program code can contain conditional statements and the like which are processed with the relevant object and system parameters on the user's data processor. It would also be possible to use a control element to specify a specific proprietary user program which can only be obtained from a particular broker.

[0072] It is evident that the control data structure described above is but one example. The control data structure may be defined in many different ways with different control elements. For example, the partitioning of the control data in header data and usage data is not mandatory. Furthermore, the control elements mentioned above are but examples. The control data format may be unique, e.g. different for different data providers, or defined according to a standard.

[0073] The Operation of the Data Packaging Program

[0074] The operation of a first embodiment of the data packaging program will now be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 3 and the flow diagram of FIG. 4.

[0075] First a data provider creates a data object and saves it to a file, step 401. When the data packaging program is started, step 402, the user interface module 302 prompts the data object provider to input, step 403, the header information consisting of e.g. an object identifier, a title of the data object, a format code specifying any format module to be used for converting the format of the data object, and a security code specifying any security module to be used for adding further security to the data object. Furthermore, the user interface module 302 prompts the data object provider to input usage information, e.g. his conditions for the usage of the data object. The usage information may comprise the kind of user who is authorized to use the data object, the price for different usages of the object etc. The header information and the usage information, which may be entered in the form of predetermined codes, is then passed to the control module 301, which calls the packaging module 303 and passes the information to it.

[0076] The packaging module 303 calls the control data creation module 304, which first creates a header file, then creates header data on the basis of the header information entered by the data object provider and finally stores the header data, step 404-405. Then a usage data file is created, usage data created on the basis of the usage information entered by the data provider, and finally the usage data is stored in the usage data file, step 406-407.

[0077] The packaging module 303 then applies any format and security modules 306, 307 specified in the header file, steps 408-413, to the data object.

[0078] Next, the packaging module 303 concatenates the usage data file and the data object and stores the result as a temporary file, step 414. The packaging module 303 calls the encryption module 305, which encrypts the temporary file, step 415. The level of security will depend somewhat on the quality of the encryption and key methods used.

[0079] Finally, the packaging module 303 concatenates the header file and the encrypted temporary file and saves the result as a single file, step 416. This final file is the data package which may now be distributed by file transfer over a network, or on storage media such as CDROM or diskette, or by some other means.

EXAMPLE 1

[0080] An example of how the data packaging program 19 can be used will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In this example the data object provider is a computer graphics artist, who wants to distribute an image that can be used as clip art, but only in a document or file which is packaged according to the method of the invention and which has usage conditions which do not permit further cutting or pasting. The artist wants to provide a free preview of the image, but also wants to be paid on a per use basis unless the user is willing to pay a rather substantial fee for unlimited use. The artist will handle payment and usage authorization on a dial-up line to his data processor.

[0081] The artist uses some image creation application, such as Adobe's Photoshop to create his image. The artist then saves the image to file in an appropriate format for distribution, such as the Graphical Interchange Format (GIF). The artist then starts his data packaging program and enters an object identifier, a title, a format code and a security code, which in this example are “123166789”, “image”, “a”, and “b”, respectively. In this example, the format code “a” indicates that no format code need be applied, and this code is selected since the GIF format is appropriate and already compressed. Furthermore, the security code “b” indicates that no security module need be applied and this code is selected since the security achieved by the encryption performed by means of the encryption module 305 is considered appropriate by the artist.

[0082] Then the artist enters his dial-up phone number, his price for a single use of the image and for unlimited use of the data object, a code for usage types approved, and for number of usages approved. For this purpose, the user interface module 302 may display a data entry form.

[0083] The data packaging program 19 creates control data on the basis of the information entered by the artist and stores the data in the header file and in the usage data file as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. This data constitutes a general set of control data which is not specifically adapted to a single user, but which indicates the conditions of usage determined by the artist for all future users.

[0084] Then the package program 19 concatenates the data object and the control data in accordance with steps 414-416 of FIG. 4 to achieve the secure package. No format module or security module is applied to the data object, since they are not needed according to the data in the header file.

[0085] When the secure package has been obtained, the artist sends it to a bulletin board, from where it can be retrieved by a user.

EXAMPLE 2

[0086] Below, another embodiment of the data packaging program 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-12b. In this example, the data object consists of a video film, which is created by a film company and sent to a broker together with the predetermined conditions 42 for usage of the video. The broker loads the video 24 to the bulk storage 17 of his data processor. Then, he uses his data packaging program 19 to create a general set of control data 50 based on the predetermined conditions 42 for usage indicated by the film company. Furthermore, the address to the video in the bulk storage 17 is stored in an address table in the control database 20 or somewhere else in the memory 1. It could also be stored in the general set of control data 50. Finally, the general set of control data 50 is stored in the control database 20. It could also be stored somewhere else in the memory 11. After these operations, which correspond to steps 401-407 of FIG. 4, the data packaging program is exited.

[0087] FIG. 8 a shows the general set of control data for the video according to this example. Here the control data includes an identifier, a format code, a security code, the number of usage elements, the size of the data object, the size of the usage elements and two usage elements, each comprising an identifier field, a size field and a data field. The identifier may be a unique number in a series registered for the particular broker. In this example, the identifier is “123166789”, the format code “0010”, which, in this example, indicates the format of a AVI video and the security code is “0010”. Furthermore, the first usage element defines the acceptable users for the video and the second usage element data defines the number of viewings of the video purchased by a user. The first usage element data is 1 which, for the purposes of this example will signify that only education oriented users are acceptable to the film company. The data field of the second usage element data is empty, since at this stage no viewings of the video has been purchased.

[0088] Managing Object Transfer

[0089] The broker wants to transfer data objects to users and enable controlled usage in return for payment of usage fees or royalties. Managing the broker-user business relationship and negotiating the transaction between the broker and the user can both be automated, and the control data structure can provide unlimited support to these operations. The payment can be handled by transmitting credit card information, or the user can have a debit or credit account with the broker which is password activated. Preferably, payment should be confirmed before the data object is transferred to the user.

[0090] Data Packaging

[0091] When a user wants to use a data object, he contacts the broker and requests authorization for usage of the data object. When the request for authorization is received in the broker's data processor, a data program compares the usage for which authorization is requested with the usage control elements of the control data of the data object to see if it complies with the predetermined conditions for usage indicated therein. The comparison may include comparing the user type, the usage type, the number of usages, the price etc. If the requested usage complies with the predetermined conditions the authorization is granted, otherwise it is rejected.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a data flow diagram of the data packaging on the broker's data processor, which occurs in response to a granted request from a user for authorization for usage of the video, e.g. a granted request for the purchase of two viewings.

[0093] In response to a granted request, the broker again applies the data packaging program 19. The general set of control data 50 and the data object 24 are input to the program from the control database 20 and the bulk storage 17, respectively. The program creates a user set of control data 60 on the basis of the general set of control data 50 and concatenates the user set 60 and the data object 24 to create a secure data package 40, which may then be transferred to the user by any suitable means. A copy of the user set of control data is preferably stored in the broker's control database. This gives the broker a record with which to compare subsequent use, e.g. when a dial-up is required for usage.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary procedure used for creating a user set of control data and for packaging the user set of control data and the video into a secure package. Here, the procedure will be described with reference to the general set of control data shown in FIG. 8a.

[0095] The user set of control data 60, i.e. a set of control data which is adapted to the specific user of this example, is created in steps 1001-1003 of FIG. 10. First, the general set of control data 50 stored in the control database is copied to create new control data, step 1001. Second, a new identifier, here “123166790”, which uniquely identifies the user set of control data, is stored in the identifier field of the new control data 60, step 1002. Third, the data field of the second usage element is updated with the usage purchased, i.e. in this example with two, since two viewings of the video were purchased, step 1003.

[0096] The thus-created user set of control data, which corresponds to the general set of control data of FIG. 8a is shown in FIG. 8b.

[0097] The user set of control data is stored in the control database 20, step 1004. Then, the video, which is stored in the bulk storage 17, is copied, step 1005. The copy of the video is concatenated with the user set of control data, step 1006. The security code 0010 specifies that the entire data package 40 is to be encrypted and that the user program 35 must contain a key which can be applied. Accordingly, the whole data package is encrypted, step 1007. Finally, the encrypted data package is stored on a storage media or passed to a network program, step 1008, for further transfer to the user.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a memory image of the video 24 and the user control data 60. The user control data and a copy of the video 24 are concatenated as shown in FIG. 12a. The encrypted data package 40 is shown in FIG. 12b.

[0099] The procedure of FIG. 10 can be implemented by the data packaging program of FIG. 3. As an alternative to the procedure of FIG. 10, the user set of control data can be created as in steps 1001-1003 and saved in a header file and in a usage data file, whereafter steps 408-416 of the data packaging program of FIG. 4 can be performed to create the secure package.

[0100] The above-described process for creating a user-adapted set of control data may also be used by a user who wants to redistribute a data object or by a broker who wants to distribute the data object to other brokers. Obviously, redistribution of the data object requires that redistribution is a usage approved of in the control data of the data object. If so, the user or the broker creates a user set of control data by adding new control elements and possibly changing the data fields of old control element to reflect the relation between the author and the current user/broker and between the current user/broker and the future user/broker. In this way, an audit trail is created.

[0101] The User's Data Processor

[0102] The user's data processor, which is shown in FIG. 13, is a general or special purpose processor, preferably with network capabilities. It comprises a CPU 25, a memory 26, and a network adapter 27, which are interconnected by a bus 28. As shown in FIG. 13, other conventional means, such as a display 29, a keyboard 30, a printer 31, a sound system 32, a ROM 33, and a bulk storage device 34, may also be connected to the bus 28. The memory 26 stores network and telecommunications programs 37 and an operating system (OS) 39. All the above-mentioned elements are well-known to the skilled person and commercially available. For the purpose of the present invention, the memory 26 also stores a user program 35 and, preferably, a database 36 intended for the control data. Depending upon the current operation, a data package 40 can be stored in the memory 26, as shown, or in the bulk storage 34.

[0103] The User Program

[0104] The user program 35 controls the usage of a data object in accordance with the control data, which is included in the data package together with the data object.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 14, the user program 35 comprises a program control module 1401 a user interface module 1402, a usage manager module 1403, a control data parser module 1404, a decryption module 1405, one or more format modules 1406, one or more security modules 1407, and a file transfer program 1409.

[0106] The control module 1401 controls the execution of the other modules. The user interface module 1402 handles interactions with the user. The usage manager module 1403 unpackages the secure package 40. It uses the control data parser module 1404, the decryption module 1405, the format modules 1406, and the security modules 1407.

[0107] The format modules 1406 comprise program code, which is necessary to handle the data objects in their native format, such as decompression and data format procedures. The security modules 1407 comprises program code required to implement security above the lowest level, such as access control, usage control and more sophisticated decryption than what is provided by the basic decryption module 1405.

[0108] The user program 35 can contain many different types of both format and security modules. However, they should be complementary with the format and security modules used in the corresponding data packaging program. The usage manager module 1401 applies the format and security modules which are necessary to use a data object and which are specified in its control data. If the proper format and security modules are not available for a particular data object, the usage manager module 1401 will not permit any usage.

[0109] The decryption module 1405 can be the above-mentioned FileCrypt Visual Basic subprogram or some other commercially available decryption program. It can also be a custom designed decryption module. The only restriction is that the decryption module used in the user program is complementary with the encryption module of the data packaging program.

[0110] The control data parser module 1403 performs the reverse process of the control data creation module 304 in FIG. 3.

[0111] The user program 35 can have code which controls use of the program by password or by any other suitable method. A password may be added in a password control element during packaging of the data object. The password is transferred to the user by registered mail or in any other appropriate way. In response to the presence of the password control element in the control data structure, the user program prompts the user to input the password. The input password is compared with the password in the control data, and if they match, the user program continues, otherwise it is disabled.

[0112] The user program 35 can also have procedures which alter the behavior of the program (e.g. provide filters for children) according to the control data of the user object 41. It is important to mention that the user program 35 never stores the object in native format in user accessible storage and that during display of the data object the print screen key is trapped.

[0113] The file transfer program 1409 can transfer and receive files via network to and from other data processor.

[0114] Since the data object is repackaged into the secure package after the usage, the user program should also include program code for repackaging the data object. The program code could be the same as that used in the corresponding data packaging program 19. It could also be a separate program which is called from the user program.

[0115] Operation of the User Program

[0116] The operation of an embodiment of the user program 35 will now be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 14 and the flow diagram of FIG. 15.

[0117] First the user receives a data package 40 via file transfer over a network, or on a storage media such as CD-ROM or diskette, or by any other appropriate means, step 1501. He then stores the data package as a file on his data processor, step 1502.

[0118] When the user wants to use the data object, he starts the user program 6, step 1503. Then he requests usage of the data object, step 1504. The request is received by the user interface module 1402, which notifies the control module 1401 of the usage request. The control module 1401 calls the usage manager module 1403 and passes the usage request.

[0119] The usage manager module 1403 reads the format code from the data package to determine the control data format. Then it calls the decryption module 1405 to decrypt and extract the control data from the data package. The usage manager module 1403 applies the decryption module 1405 incrementally to decrypt only the control data. Finally, it stores the control data in memory, step 1505.

[0120] The usage manager module 1403 then calls the control data parser module 1404 to extract the data fields from the usage elements.

[0121] The usage manager module 1403 then compares the user request for usage with the corresponding control data, steps 1506-1507. If the requested usage is not permitted in the control data, the requested usage is disabled, step 1508. However, if the requested usage is approved of in the control data, the usage manager module 1403 applies any format and security modules 1406, 1407 specified in the header data or usage data, steps 1509-1514, to the data package.

[0122] Then the usage manager module 1403 calls the decryption module 1405, which decrypts the object data, step 1515, whereafter the requested usage is enabled, step 1516. In connection with the enabling of the usage, the control data may need to be updated, step 1517. The control data may for instance comprise a data field indicating a limited number of usages. If so, this data field is decremented by one in response to the enabling of the usage. When the user has finished usage oft he data object, the user program 35 restores the data package in the secure form by repackaging it, step 1518. More particularly, the data object and the usage elements are reconcatenated and reencrypted. Then the header elements are added and the thus-created package is stored in the user's data processor.

EXAMPLE 1 CONTINUED

[0123] A specific example of how the user program operates will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 15. The example is a continuation of Example 1 above, where an artist created an image and sent it to a bulletin board.

[0124] Assume that a user has found the image at an electronic bulletin board (BBS) and is interested in using it. He then loads the data package 40 containing the image to his data processor and stores it as a file in the bulk storage. The user then executes the user program 35 and requests to preview the image. The user program then performs steps 1505-1507 of the flow diagram in FIG. 15. The request for a preview of the image is compared with the data field of the usage element “code for usage type approved”. In this example, the code “9” designates that previews are permitted. Thus, the requested preview is OK. Then, the user program 35 performs step 1509-1515 of FIG. 15. Since the format code “a” and the security code “b” of the header data indicate that neither conversion, nor decompression, nor security treatment is required, the user program only decrypts the object data. The usage manager module 1403 then displays the preview on the user's data processor and passes control back to the user interface 1402.

[0125] When the user is finished previewing the image, the user interface module 1402 displays the costs for usage of the image in accordance with the price usage data of the control data (“price for single use” and “price for unlimited use” in FIG. 6) and prompts the user to enter a purchase request. The user decides to buy unlimited use of the image, and the user interface module 1402 inputs purchase information, such as an identification, billing, and address for that request and passes the request to the control module 1401. The control module calls the file transfer program 1409, which dials the artist's dial-up number as indicated in the usage data (“control element for artist's phone number” in FIG. 6) and transfers the request and purchase information to a broker program on the artist's data processor. Upon approval of the purchase, the broker program returns a file containing an update for “usage type approved” control elements. The update is “10” for the usage type approved, which in this example indicates that unlimited use by that user is permitted. The file transfer program 1409 passes this update to the usage manager module 1403 which updates the control data with the “usage type approved” code. The user interface module 1402 then displays a confirmation message to the user.

[0126] Subsequently, the user interlace module inputs a request to copy the image to a file packaged according to this invention, on the user's machine. The usage manager module then compares the user request control data. The usage manager module examines the data filed for “Usage type approved”, which now is “00”. The usage manager module copies the image to the file.

[0127] When the user is finished with the image, the usage manager module 1403 repackages the image as before except with updated control data. This repackaging process is exactly like that shown in FIG. 4, except that the header and usage data already exist, so the process starts after step 406 where control data is created.

[0128] Improved Security

[0129] If the data object provider wants to improve the security of a data package containing a data object, a security module 307 containing a sophisticated encryption algorithm, such as RSA, could be used. In that case the packaging module 303 calls the security module 307 in step 412 of the flow diagram of FIG. 4. The security module encrypts the image and passes a security algorithm code to the control data creation module 304, which adds a control element for the security module code, which will be detected by the user program 35. Then the data packaging continues with step 414. When the data package is sent to the user, the public key is mailed to the user by registered mail. When the user program is executed in response to a request for usage of this data object, the usage manager module will detect the security module code in the control data and call the security module. This module passes control to the user interface module 1402, which requests the user to input the public key. If the key is correct, the user security module applies complementary decryption using that key and passes a usage approved message to the usage manager module, which enables the usage.

[0130] As another example of improved security, a security module may implement an authorization process, according to which each usage of the data object requires a dialup to the data processor of the data object provider. When the corresponding security module code is detected by the user program 35, the relevant security module is called. This module passes a request for authorization to the control module 1401, which calls the file transfer program 1409, which dial the data object provider's dial-up number, which is indicated in a usage element and transfers the request for authorization of usage. Upon a granted authorization, the data provider's data processor returns a usage approved message to the user security module, which forwards the approval to the usage control module, which enables one usage. If the user requests further usages of the data object, the authorization process is repeated. This procedures results in a permanent data object security.

EXAMPLE 2 CONTINUED

[0131] A further specific example of how the user program 35 operates will now be described with reference to FIG. 16. The example is a continuation of Example 2 above, where a user purchased two viewings of a video film from a broker.

[0132] The user wants to play the video which was purchased and transferred from the broker. The user applies the user program 35, step 1601, and requests to play the video, step 1602. The user program 35 first examines the user set of control data 60, step 1603. In this example, the user program 35 contains only those format and security modules for objects with format code of 0010 and with a security code of 0010. Consequently, only those types of data objects may be used. If the program encounters other codes it will not enable the usage action, step 1604-1605.

[0133] Next, the user program 35 compares the first control element data which is 1, for educational users only, to user information entered by the user on request of the user program. Since the user type entered by the user is the same as that indicated in the first usage element the process continues, steps 1606-1607. Then the user program checks the second control element data which specifies that the number of plays purchased is 2. Consequently, the usage is enabled, step 1609. The user program applies the decryption module with the universal key and the AVI format video is displayed on the display unit 29. Then, the second control element data is decremented by one, step 1610. Finally, the video is repackaged, step 1611. Proceeding to a state 1699, the user program returns to its initial state to process further requests from the user.

[0134] Implementation of Variable and Extensible Object Control

[0135] Object control is achieved through the interaction of the data packaging program 19 and the usage program 35 with the control data. Variation of object control can be applied to a particular object by creating a control data format with control elements defining the control variation and the circumstances in which the variation is applied. Program procedures should then be added to program modules to process the control elements. For example, suppose a broker wants to allow students to print a particular article for free but require business users to pay for it. He defines control elements to represent the user types student and business and the associated costs for each. He then adds program logic to examine the user type and calculate costs accordingly. Object control is extensible in the sense that the control data format can have as many elements as there are parameters defining the rules for object control.

[0136] Implementation of Variable and Extensible Object Security

[0137] Object security is also achieved through the interaction of the data packaging program 19 and the user program 35 with the control data. Security process and encryption/decryption algorithms can be added as program modules. Variation of object security can be applied to a particular object by creating a control data format with control elements defining the security variation and the circumstances in which the variation is applied. Program procedures should be added to program modules to process the control elements. For example, suppose a broker wants to apply minimal security to his collection of current news articles but to apply tight security to his encyclopedia and text books. He defines a control element for security type. He then adds program logic to apply the security algorithms accordingly. Object security is extensible in the sense that multiple levels of security can be applied. The level of security will of course be dependent on the encryption/key method which is implemented in the security modules. One level of security may be to require on-line confirmation when loading a data object to the user's data processor. This can be implemented in program code in a security module. This permits the broker to check that the object has not already been loaded as well as double check all other parameters.

[0138] It is also important to have version control with time stamping between the usage program and the user's control database. Otherwise the database can be duplicated and reapplied to the user program. The user program can place a time stamp in the control database and in a hidden system file each time the control database is accessed. If the time stamps are not identical, the control database has been tampered with and all usage is disabled. Program code for handling time stamps can reside in a security module.

[0139] Handling Composite Objects

[0140] A composite object can be handled by defining a control data format with control elements defining relationships between constituent objects and by defining a parent/child element and a related object id element. For example, suppose a broker wants to include a video and a text book in an educational package. He creates a parent object with control elements referring to the video and textbook objects. He also includes control elements in the control data for the video object and the textbook object referring to the parent object. Finally, he adds program procedures to program modules to process the control elements.

[0141] In other words, when the data object is a composite data object including at least two constituent data objects, a respective general set of control data is created for each of the constituent data object and the composite data object. In response to a request from a user, a respective user set of control data is created for each of the constituent data objects as well as for the composite data object.

[0142] Examples of various data package structures for composite objects are given in FIG. 17.

[0143] Another side of composite objects is when the user wants to combine data objects for some particular use. Combination is a usage action that must be permitted in each constituent data object. A new data object is created with control data linking the constituent data objects. Each constituent data object retains its original control data which continues to control its subsequent usage.

[0144] When a user requests authorization for usage of one constituent data object in a composite data object, a user set of control data is created only for that constituent data object and concatenated only with a copy of that constituent data object.

[0145] Scaleable Implementation

[0146] The flexible control data structure and modular program structure permit almost boundless extensibility with regard to implementation of the owner's requirements for usage control and royalty payment. The control data structure can include control elements for complex user types, usage types, multiple billing schemes, artistic or ownership credit requirements and others. Security modules can be included which interact with any variation of the control data structure and the control data. Security modules could require a dial up to the brokers data processor to approve loading or usage actions and to implement approval authentication mechanisms.

[0147] User Acting as a Broker

[0148] A limited or full implementation of the broker's data packaging program can be implemented on the user's machine to permit further distribution or reselling. However, only those data objects with control data permitting further distribution or reselling are enabled in that way.

[0149] Rebrokering

[0150] An author of a data object may want to allow his original broker to distribute his data object to other brokers whom will also distribute his image. He then includes a control element which enables rebrokering in the control data before distributing the data object with its associated control data to the original broker. Upon request for rebrokering, the original broker copies the general set of control data and updates the copy to create a user set of control data which will function as the general set of control data on the subsequent brokers data processor. The original broker packages the data object with the user set of control data and transfers the package to the subsequent broker. The subsequent broker then proceeds as if he were an original broker.

[0151] Automated Transaction Negotiation

[0152] This is an example of how the predetermined conditions for usage included in the control data can be used for achieving automated transaction negotiation.

[0153] Suppose some company wants to provide a computer automated stock trading. Buy and sell orders could be implemented in the form of data packages and a user program could process the data packages and execute transactions. Data packages could carry digital cash and manage payment based on conditions defined in the control data.

[0154] In this example, the buy order is created using a data packaging program according to the invention on the buyer's data processor. The sell order is created using the data packaging program on the seller's data processor. Both orders are used by the user program on the stock trader's data processor. The usages would take the form of using a sell order data package to sell stock and a buy order data package to buy stock. The rules or conditions for buying and selling stocks could be indicated in the control data of the packages. The data object consists of digital money. In this context it is important to remember that digital money is merely data which references real money or virtual money that is issued and maintained for the purpose of digital transactions.

[0155] In this example the buyer starts with a digital money data file. He uses the data packaging program to create control data, e.g. kind of stock, price, quantity, for the purchase, and he then packages the digital money data file and the control data into a secure package as described above.

[0156] The seller starts with an empty data file. This empty file is analogous to the digital money data file except it is empty. The seller creates control data, e.g. kind of stock, price, quantity, and packages the empty file and the control data into a secure package.

[0157] Both the sell order package and the buy order package are transferred to the data processor of the stock trading company, where they are received and stored in the memory. The user program of the stock trading company examines the control data of the buy and sell order packages in the same way as has been described above and looks for a match. Upon identifying matched buy and sell orders the user program executes a transaction, whereby the digital money is extracted from the buy order data package and transferred to the sell order package. Then the control data of the data packages is updated to provide an audit trail. Both packages are repackaged in the same manner as they were previously packaged and then transferred back to their authors.

[0158] The above described technique could be used for selling and buying any object as well as for automated negotiations. Payment may be carried out in other ways than by digital money.

[0159] In the general case, the data processor of the user decrypts the usage control elements of the user sets of control data and examines the usage control elements to find a match. In response to the finding of a match, the user's data processor carries out an action which is specified in the user set of control data.

Claims

1. A method of managing a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: storing a data object in the memory of a data object provider processor; providing a variable number of control conditions for usage of the data object; providing a general set of control data for the data object based on the variable number of control conditions for usage, the general set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable number of control conditions; and encrypting at least the data object to create a secure data package so that it is ready to transfer to a user data processor.

2. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising encrypting together the data object and the general set of control data.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the general set of control data includes providing an identifier which uniquely identifies the general set of control data.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the general set of control data includes providing a security control element which identifies a security process to be applied before usage of the data object is allowed.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the general set of control data includes providing a format control element which identifies the format of the control data.

6. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising: receiving a request for authorization for usage by a user; comparing the usage for which authorization is requested with the one or more usage control elements of the general set of control data; and granting the authorization if the usage for which authorization is requested complies with the usages defined by the one or more usage control elements.

7. The method of claim 6, additionally comprising requiring payment for the requested authorization for usage before granting the authorization.

8. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising: transmitting the secure data package into the data processor; checking, in response to a request by a user for usage of the data object, whether the requested usage complies with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the general set of control data; and decrypting, in response to the requested usage complying with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the general set of control data, the data object so as to enable the requested usage.

9. The method of claim 8, additionally comprising: combining, after the usage of the data object, the data object and the one or more usage control elements; and reencrypting at least the data object.

10. A method of controlling the usage by a user of a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: providing a variable number of control conditions for usage of the data object; providing a data object and control data, which comprises at least one usage control element defining a usage of the data object which complies with the variable number of control conditions, the data object being encrypted; receiving a request by the user for usage of the data object; checking, in response to the request by the user for usage of the data object, whether the requested usage complies with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the control data; and decrypting, in response to the requested usage complying with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the control data, the data object and enabling the requested usage.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the usage control element is updated after the at least one usage of the data object.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the control data comprises an indication of the number of times the user is authorized to use the data object in accordance with the at least one usage control element, wherein the requested usage of the data object is only enabled when the number of times is one or more, and wherein the number of times is decremented by one when the requested usage is enabled.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the control data comprise a security control element, and additionally comprising executing, before each usage of the data object, a security procedure defined in the security control element.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein checking whether the requested usage complies with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element, comprises checking that a data processor is capable of executing a security procedure specified in a security control element of the at least one usage control element, and if not, disabling the usage.

15. The method of claim 10, additionally comprising: combining, after the usage of the data object, the data object and the one or more usage control elements; and reencrypting at least the data object.

16. A system for managing a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: a user interface module which receives a variable number of control conditions; a packaging module which provides a general set of control data for the data object based on the variable number of control conditions for usage, the general set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable number of control conditions and which packages the general set of control data; and an encrypting module which encrypts the data object to create a secure data package, which is ready for transfer to a user.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the general set of control data comprises a control data element which controls further distribution of the data object.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein one of the usage control elements includes a security control element that defines a security procedure.

19. A system for controlling the usage by a user of a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: a usage manager module which receives a variable number of control conditions, checks whether a usage requested by the user complies with the usage defined by at least one usage control element that complies with the variable number of control conditions, and disables the usage requested by the user when the usage does not comply with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element; and a decryption module which decrypts the data object, responsive to the check for requested usage by the usage manager module.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein one of the usage control elements includes a security control element that defines a security procedure.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the security procedure is an RSA encryption algorithm.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the usage manager module encrypts the data object after usage.

23. A method of controlling the usage by a user of data objects so as to comply with a variable number of conditions for usage of the data objects, comprising: providing at least two data packages, each data package comprising a data object and a user set of control data, which comprises at least one usage control element defining a usage of the data object which complies with the variable number of conditions, the data object being encrypted; examining the usage control elements of the at least two data packages to find a match; and performing an action being specified in the user sets of control data of the at least two data packages.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein one of the at least two data packages is a sell order, and wherein one of the at least two data packages is a buy order.

25. The method of claim 23, additionally comprising checking whether a data processor is capable of executing a security procedure specified in a security control element of the at least one usage control element, and disabling the usage when the data processor is not capable of executing the security procedure, and decrypting the data objects.

26. The method of claim 25, additionally comprising: updating the at least one usage control element of each data package; and reencrypting each of the data object.

27. A method of managing a data object so as to comply with a variable number of control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: providing variable control conditions for usage of the data object; providing a general set of control data for the data object based on the variable control conditions for usage, the general set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable control conditions; providing, in response to a request for authorization for usage of the data object by a user, a user set of control data, which comprises at least a subset of the general set of control data, including at least one of the usage control elements; encrypting at least the data object to create a secure data package; and checking, before allowing transfer of the data package to the user, that the request for authorization for usage of the data object has been granted.

28. The method of claim 27, additionally comprising checking whether a data processor is capable of executing a security procedure specified in a security control element of the at least one usage control element, and disabling the usage when the data processor is not capable of executing the security procedure.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the data object is composed of at least two constituent data objects and wherein the user set of control data, in response to a request for authorization for usage of one of the constituent data objects by a user, is created only for that constituent data object and combined only with a copy of that constituent data object.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the request for authorization is received from a user via a data network.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the data object is a composite data object including at least two constituent data objects, and wherein providing a general set of control data comprises providing a respective general set of control data for each of the constituent data objects and the composite data object, and wherein providing a user set of control data comprises providing a respective user set of control data for each of the constituent data objects and the composite data object.

32. The method as defined in claim 27, additionally comprising storing the user set of control data in a processor of a data object provider.

33. The method as defined in claim 27, additionally comprising: transmitting the data package; checking, in response to a request by the user for usage of the data object, whether the requested usage complies with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the user set of control data; and decrypting, in response to the requested usage complying with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the user set of control data, the data object and enabling the requested usage.

34. The method of claim 27, additionally comprising: transmitting the data package; and reencrypting the data object.

35. A system for managing a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: a packaging module which provides a general set of control data for the data object based on variable conditions for usage, the general set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable conditions and which combines the user set of control data with the data object, and wherein the packaging module provides in response to a request for authorization for usage of the data object by a user, a user set of control data, which comprises at least a subset of the general set of control data, which subset comprises at least one of the usage control elements; an encrypting module which encrypts the data object to create a secure data package, which is ready for transfer to a user; and a control module which checks that the request for authorization for usage of the data object has been granted before allowing transfer of the data package to the user.

36. A method of managing a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: providing a general set of control data for the data object based on a variable number of control conditions for usage, the general set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable number of control conditions; and encrypting at least the data object to create at least one secure data package, which is ready for transfer to a user.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the data object and the usage control elements are encrypted into a single secure package.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein providing the general set of control data includes providing a security control element which identifies a security process to be applied before usage of the data object is allowed.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein providing the general set of control data includes providing a format control element which identifies the format of the control data.

40. The method of claim 36, additionally comprising: receiving a request for authorization for usage by a user; comparing the usage for which authorization is requested with the one or more usage control elements of the general set of control data; and granting the authorization if the usage for which authorization is requested complies with the usages defined by the one or more usage control elements.

41. A method of managing a data object at a data provider computer so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: providing a variable set of control data for the data object, the variable set of control data including usage information regarding the data object; concatenating the variable set of control data with the data object; and encrypting at least the data object to create at least one secure data package that is ready for transmission to a user data processor.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the encrypting includes storing the at least one secure data package at the data provider computer.

43. A method of managing a data object at a data provider computer so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: providing a set of control data for the data object based on a variable number of control conditions for usage, the set of control data including usage information regarding the data object; combining the set of control data with the data object; and encrypting at least the data object to create at least one secure data package, so that the at least one secure data package is stored in the data provider computer.

44. The method of claim 43, additionally comprising transmitting the at least one secure data package to the user data processor.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the data object comprises digital money.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the data object comprises an empty file.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the data object is created by an author.

48. A method of managing a data object so as to comply with control conditions for usage of the data object, comprising: storing a data object in the memory of a data object provider processor; providing a variable number of control conditions for usage of the data object; and providing a set of control data for the data object based on the variable number of control conditions for usage, the set of control data comprising at least one or more usage control elements defining usages of the data object which comply with the variable number of control conditions.

49. The method of claim 48, additionally comprising: transmitting the data object and the set of control data into a data processor; and checking, in response to a request by a user for usage of the data object, whether the requested usage complies with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the set of control data; and complying with the usage defined by the at least one usage control element of the set of control data so as to enable the requested usage.

50. The method of claim 49, additionally comprising combining, after the usage of the data object, the data object and the one or more usage control elements.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the data object comprises digital data.

52. The data object of claim 49, wherein the control data comprises an object identifier.

53. The data object of claim 49, wherein the data object comprises a video file.

54. A security method comprising: (a) digitally signing a first load module with a first digital signature designating the first load module for use by a first device class; (b) digitally signing a second load module with a second digital signature different from the first digital signature, the second digital signature designating the second load module for use by a second device class having a tamper resistance and/or work factor substantially different from the tamper resistance and/or work factor of the first device class; (c) distributing the first load module for use by at least one device in the first device class; and (d) distributing the second load module for use by at least one device in the second device class.

55. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for at least one of (a) reading information from, and (b) writing information to, a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and a secure node coupled to the disk use arrangement, the secure node providing at least one rights management process.

56. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for at least one of (a) reading information from, and (b) writing information to, a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and at least one processing arrangement coupled to the disk use arrangement, the processing arrangement selecting at least some control information associated with information recorded on the storage medium based at least in part on the class of the appliance and/or the user of the appliance.

57. In an appliance capable of using digital versatile disks, a method including the following steps: at least one of (a) reading information from, and (b) writing information to, a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and selecting at least some control information associated with information recorded on the storage medium based at least in part on the class of the appliance and/or the user of the appliance.

58. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and at least one processing arrangement coupled to the disk use arrangement, the processing arrangement protecting information read from the storage medium.

59. In an electronic appliance, a method including the following steps: reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and protecting the information read from the optical storage medium.

60. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for using information stored, or to be stored, on a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and at least one rights management arrangement coupled to the disk use arrangement, the rights management arrangement treating the storage medium and/or information obtained from the storage medium differently depending on the geographical and/or jurisdictional context of the appliance.

61. In an electronic appliance, a method including the steps of: reading information from at least one digital versatile disk; and performing at least one rights management operation based at least in part on the geographical and/or jurisdictional context of the appliance.

62. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for using at least one secure container stored on a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and at least one rights management arrangement coupled to the disk use arrangement, the rights management arrangement processing the secure container.

63. In an electronic appliance, a method including the following steps: reading at least one secure container from at least one digital versatile disk; and performing at least one rights management operation on the secure container.

64. An electronic appliance including: at least one rights management arrangement for generating and/or modifying at least one secure container for storage onto a digital versatile disk optical storage medium.

65. In an electronic appliance, a method including the step of performing at least one rights management operation on at least one secure container for storage onto a digital versatile disk optical storage medium.

66. A digital versatile disk use system and/or method characterized in that the system and/or method uses at least one secure container.

67. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for writing information onto and/or reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and a secure arrangement that securely manages information on the storage medium such that at least a first portion of the information may be used on at least a first class of appliance while at least a second portion of the information may be used on at least a second class of appliance.

68. In an electronic appliance, a method including the following steps: reading information from and/or writing information to at least one digital versatile disk optical storage medium; using at least a first portion of the information on at least a first class of appliance; and using at least a second portion of the information on at least a second class of appliance.

69. A system including first and second classes of electronic appliances each including a secure processing arrangement, the first appliance class secure arrangement securely managing and/or using at least a first portion of the information, the second appliance class secure arrangement securely managing and/or using at least a second portion of the information.

70. In a system including first and second classes of electronic appliances each including a secure arrangement, a method comprising: (a) securely managing and/or using at least a first portion of the information with the first appliance class secure arrangement, and (b) securely managing and/or using at least a second portion of the information with the second appliance class secure arrangement.

71. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for writing information onto and/or reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and a secure arrangement that securely stores and/or transmits information associated with at least one of payment, auditing, controlling and/or otherwise managing content recorded on the storage medium.

72. In an electronic appliance, a method including the following steps: reading information from and/or writing information to at least one digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and securely storing and/or transmitting information associated with at least one of payment, auditing, controlling and/or otherwise managing content recorded on the storage medium.

73. An electronic appliance including: a disk use arrangement for writing information onto and/or reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; a cryptographic engine coupled to the disk use arrangement, the engine using at least one cryptographic key; and a secure arrangement that securely updates and/or replaces at least one cryptographic key used by the cryptographic engine to at least in part modify the scope of information usable by the appliance.

74. A method of operating an electronic appliance including: writing information onto and/or reading information from a digital versatile disk optical storage medium; using at least one cryptographic key in conjunction with said information; and securely updating and/or replacing at least one cryptographic key used by the cryptographic engine key used by the cryptographic engine to at least in part modify the scope of information useable by the appliance.

75. A digital versatile disk appliance characterized in that at least one cryptographic key used by the appliance is securely updated and/or replaced to at least in part modify the scope of information that can be used by the appliance.

76. An electronic appliance having a class associated therewith, characterized in that at least one cryptographic key set used by the appliance class is selected to help ensure security of information released from at least one digital versatile disk.

77. In an electronic appliance including a disk use arrangement, a method comprising: reading information from at least one digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and persistently protecting at least some of the read information through at least one subsequent editing and/or production process.

78. In an electronic appliance, a method including the following steps: reading information from and/or writing information to at least one digital versatile disk optical storage medium; and securely managing information on the storage medium, including the step of using at least a first portion of the information on at least a first class of appliance, and using at least a second portion of the information on at least a second class of appliance.

79. A method of providing copy protection and/or use rights management of at least one digital property content and/or secure container to be stored and/or distributed on a digital versatile disk medium, comprising the step(s) of: providing a set of use control(s) within a cryptographically encapsulated data structure having a predetermined format, the data structure format defining at least one secure software container for providing use rights information for digital property content to be stored on the digital versatile disk medium.

80. An arrangement for implementing a rights management system for controlling copy protection, use and/or distribution rights to multi-media digital property content stored or otherwise contained on a digital versatile disk, comprising: an encrypted data structure defining a secure information container stored on an optical disk medium, the encrypted data structure including and/or referencing at least one content object and at least one control object associated with the content object, said content object comprising digital property content and said control object comprising rules defining use rights to the digital property content.

81. A rights management system for providing copy protection, use and/or distribution rights management for multimedia digital property content stored or otherwise contained on a digital versatile disk for access by an optical disk player device that uses digital property content stored on said optical disk medium, wherein said appliance includes a microprocessor controller for decrypting and using control rules and other selected encrypted information content encapsulated in the secure container by using a prescribed cryptographic key and applying said decrypted control rules to regulate use in accordance with control information contained within said control rules, so as to facilitate management of a diverse set of use and/or distribution rights which may be specific to different users and/or optical disk appliances, the system including: an optical disk medium having stored thereon an encrypted data structure defining a secure information container, the encrypted data structure comprising and/or referencing at least one content object and at least one control object, said content object comprising digital property content, said control object comprising rules defining use rights associated with the digital property.

82. A method for providing copy protection, use and distribution rights management of multi-media digital property stored on and/or distributed via digital versatile disk, said optical disk medium having stored thereon an encrypted data structure defining a secure container for housing rights and/or copy protection information pertaining to digital property content stored on the optical disk, wherein an optical disk player appliance for using digital property content stored on an optical disk must utilize a prescribed secure cryptographic key or set of keys to use the secure container, said data structure comprising one or more content objects comprising digital property content and one or more control objects comprising a set of rules defining use right to digital property, comprising the steps of: (a) decrypting control rules and other selected encrypted information content encapsulated in the secure container using one or more cryptographic keys; and (b) applying decrypted control rules to regulate use and/or distribution of digital property content stored on the optical disk in accordance with control information contained within the control rules, so as to provide customized use and/or distribution rights that are specific to different optical disk user platforms and/or optical disk appliances.

83. A rights management system for providing copy protection, use and/or distribution rights management of digital property stored or otherwise contained on a digital versatile disk, comprising: a secure container means provided on an optical disk medium for cryptographically encapsulating digital property content stored on the optical disk, said container means comprising a content object means for containing digital property content and a control object means for containing control rules for regulating use and/or distribution of said digital property content stored on the optical disk.

84. In a system including plural electronic appliances at least temporarily connected to one another, a rights authority broker that determines what appliances are connected and specifies at least one rights management context depending on said determination.

85. An electronic appliance at least temporarily connected to a rights authority broker, the electronic appliance receiving at least one rights context from the rights authority broker when the device is connected to the rights authority broker.

86. A method of defining at least one rights management context comprising: (a) determining whether a first electronic appliance is present; and (b) defining at least one rights management control set based at least in part on the determining step (a).

87. A method of defining at least one rights management context including: (a) coupling an optical disk storing information to an electronic appliance that can be selectively connected to a rights management broker; (b) determining whether the electronic appliance is currently coupled to a rights management broker; and (c) conditioning at least one aspect of use of at least some of the information stored on the optical disk based on whether the electronic appliance is coupled to the rights management broker.

88. An electronic appliance including: an optical disk reading and/or writing arrangement; a secure node coupled to the optical disk reading and/or writing arrangement, the secure node performing at least one rights management related function with respect to at least some information read by the optical disk reading and/or writing arrangement; and at least one serial bus port coupled to the secure node, the serial bus port for providing any or all of the functions, structures, protocols and/or methods of IEEE 1394-1995.

89. A digital versatile disk appliance including: means for watermarking content; and serial bus means for communicating the watermarked content, wherein the serial bus means complies with IEEE 1394-1995.

90. An optical disk reading and/or writing device including: at least one secure node capable of watermarking content and/or processing watermarked content; and an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus port.

91. An optical disk using system and/or method including at least some of the elements shown in FIG. 1.

92. An optical disk using system and/or method using at least some of the elements shown in FIG. 17.

93. An optical disk using system and/or method using at least some of the control set elements shown in FIG. 8a.

94. An optical disk using system and/or method using at least some of the elements shown in FIG. 15.

95. In a network including at least one electronic appliance that reads information from and/or writes information to at least one digital versatile disk optical storage medium, and securely communicates information associated with at least one of payment, auditing, usage, access, controlling and/or otherwise managing content recorded on the storage medium, a method of processing said communicated information including the step of generating at least one payment request and/or order based at least in part on the information.

96. A method of authenticating a load module comprising: (a) authenticating a first digital signature associated with the load module, including the step of employing a first one-way hash algorithm, a first decryption algorithm, and a first public key; and (b) authenticating a second digital signature associated with the load module, including the step of employing at least one of: (i) a second one-way hash algorithm that is dissimilar to the first one-way hash algorithm, (ii) a second decryption algorithm that is dissimilar to the first decryption algorithm, and (iii) a second public key that is dissimilar to the first public key.

97. A protected processing environment comprising: means for providing a tamper resistant enclosure; means for maintaining at least one public verification key within the tamper resistant enclosure; and means for authenticating load modules based, at least in part, on use of the public verification key.

98. A method of distinguishing between trusted and untrusted load modules comprising: (a) receiving a load module, (b) determining whether the load module has an associated digital signature, (c) if the load module has an associated digital signature, authenticating the digital signature using at least one secret public key; and (d) conditionally executing the load module based at least in part on the results of authenticating step (c).

99. A method of increasing the security of a virtual distribution environment comprising plural interoperable protected processing environments having different work factors, the method comprising: (a) classifying the plural protected processing environments based on work factor, (b) distributing different verification public keys to different protected processing environments having different work factor classifications, and (c) using the distributed verification public keys to authenticate load modules, including the step of preventing protected processing environments having different work factor classifications from executing the same load module.

100. A protected processing environment, comprising: a tamper resistant barrier having a first work factor; and at least one arrangement within the tamper resistant barrier that prevents the protected processing environment from executing the same load module accessed by a further protected processing environment having a further tamper resistant barrier with a further work factor substantially different from the first work factor.

101. A method for protecting a computation environment surrounded by a tamper resistant barrier having a first work factor, the method including: preventing the computation environment from using the same software module accessible by a further computation environment having a further tamper resistant barrier with a further work factor substantially different from the first work factor.

102. A method of protecting computation environments comprising: (a) associating plural digital signatures with a load module; (b) authenticating a first subset of the plural digital signatures with a first tamper resistant computation environment; and (c) authenticating a second subset of the plural digital signatures with a second tamper resistant computation environment different from the first environment.

103. A computer security method comprising: digitally signing, using a first digital signing technique, a first executable designating the first executable for use by a first device class; and digitally signing, using a second digital signing technique different from the first digital signing technique, a second executable designating the second executable for use by a second device class having a tamper resistance and/or work factor substantially different from the tamper resistance and/or work factor of the first device class.

104. A method of authenticating an executable comprising: (a) authenticating a first digital signature associated with the executable, including the step of employing a first one-way hash algorithm, a first decryption algorithm, and a first public key; and (b) authenticating a second digital signature associated with the executable, including the step of employing at least one of: (i) a second one-way hash algorithm that is dissimilar to the first one-way hash algorithm, (ii) a second decryption algorithm that is dissimilar to the first decryption algorithm, and (iii) a second public key that is dissimilar to the first public key.

105. A secure execution space comprising: means for providing a tamper resistant barrier; means for maintaining at least one public verification key within the tamper resistant barrier; and means for authenticating executables based, at least in part, on use of the public verification key.

106. A method of distinguishing between trusted and untrusted executables comprising: (a) receiving an executable; (b) determining whether the executable has an associated digital signature; (c) if the executable has an associated digital signature, authenticating the digital signature using at least one secret public key; and (d) conditionally executing the executable based at least in part on the results of authenticating step (c).

107. A method of increasing the security of plural interoperable secure execution spaces having different work factors, the method comprising: (a) classifying the plural secure execution spaces based on work factor; (b) distributing different verification public keys to different secure execution spaces having different work factor classifications; and (c) using the distributed verification public keys to authenticate executables, including the step of preventing secure execution spaces having different work factor classifications from executing the same executable.

108. A protected processing environment comprising: a tamper resistant barrier having a first work factor; and at least one arrangement within the tamper resistant barrier that prevents the secure execution space from executing the same executable accessed by a further secure execution space having a further tamper resistant barrier with a further work factor substantially different from the first work factor.

109. A method for protecting a computation environment surrounded by a tamper resistant barrier having a first work factor, the method including: preventing the computation environment from using the same software module accessed by a further computation environment having a further tamper resistant barrier with a further work factor substantially different from the first work factor.

110. A method of protecting computation environments comprising: (a) associating plural digital signatures with an executable; (b) authenticating a first subset of the plural digital signatures with a first tamper resistant computation environment; and (c) authenticating a second subset of the plural digital signatures with a second tamper resistant computation environment different from the first environment.

111. A rights management appliance including: a user input device, a user display device, at least one processor, and at least one element defining a protected processing environment, characterized in that the protected processing environment stores and uses permissions, methods, keys, programs and/or other information to electronically manage rights.

112. In a rights management appliance including: a user input device, a user display device, at least one processor, and at least one element defining a protected processing environment, a method of operating the appliance characterized by the step of storing and using permissions, methods, keys, programs and/or other information to electronically manage rights.

113. A rights management appliance including at least one processor element at least in part defining a protected processing environment, characterized in that the protected processing environment stores and uses permissions, methods, keys, programs and/or other information to electronically manage rights.

114. In a rights management appliance including at least one processor element at least in part defining a protected processing environment, a method comprising storing and using permissions, methods, keys, programs and/or other information to electronically manage rights.

115. An electronic appliance arrangement containing a protected processing environment and at least one secure database operatively connected to said protected processing environment, said arrangement including means to monitor usage of at least one aspect of an amount of appliance usage and control said usage based at least in part upon protected appliance usage control information processed at least in part through use of said protected processing environment.

116. In an electronic appliance arrangement containing a protected processing environment and at least one secure database operatively connected to said protected processing environment, a method characterized by the steps of monitoring usage of at least one aspect of appliance usage and controlling said usage based at least in part upon protected appliance usage control information processed at least in part through use of said protected processing environment.

117. A secure component-based operating process including: (a) retrieving at least one component; (b) retrieving a record that specifies a component assembly; (c) checking said component and/or said record for validity; (d) using said component to form said component assembly in accordance with said record; and (e) performing a process based at least in part on said component assembly.

118. A secure component operating system process including: receiving a component; receiving directions specifying use of said component to form a component assembly; authenticating said received component and/or said directions; forming, using said component, said component assembly based at least in part on said received directions; and using said component assembly to perform at least one operation.

119. A method comprising performing the following steps within a secure operating system environment: providing code; providing directions specifying assembly of said code into an executable program; checking said received code and/or said assembly directions for validity; and in response to occurrence of an event, assembling said code in accordance with said received assembly directions to form an assembly for execution.

120. A method for managing at least one resource with a secure operating environment, said method comprising: securely receiving a first control from a first entity external to said operating environment; securely receiving a second control from a second entity external to said operating environment, said second entity being different from said first entity; securely processing, using at least one resource, a data item associated with said first and second controls; and securely applying said first and second controls to manage said resource for use with said data item.

121. A method for securely managing at least one operation on a data item performed at least in part by an electronic arrangement, said method comprising: (a) securely delivering a first procedure to said electronic arrangement; (b) securely delivering, to said electronic arrangement, a second procedure separable or separate from said first procedure; (c) performing at least one operation on said data item, including using said first and second procedures in combination to at least in part securely manage said operation; and (d) securely conditioning at least one aspect of use of said data item based on said delivering steps (a) and (b) having occurred.

122. A method for securely managing at least one operation performed at least in part by a secure electronic appliance, comprising: (a) selecting an item that is protected with respect to at least one operation; (b) securely independently delivering plural separate procedures to said electronic appliance; (c) using said plural separate procedures in combination to at least in part securely manage said operation with respect to said selected item; and (d) conditioning successful completion of said operation on said delivering step (b) having occurred.

123. A method for processing based on independent deliverables comprising: securely delivering a first piece of code defining a first part of a process; separately, securely delivering a second piece of code defining a second part of said process; ensuring the integrity of the first and second delivered pieces of code; and performing said process based at least in part on said first and second delivered code pieces.

124. A method of securely controlling at least one protected operation with respect to a data item comprising: (a) supplying at least a first control from a first party; (b) supplying at least a second control from a second party different from said first party; (c) securely combining said first and second controls to form a set of controls; (d) securely associating said control set with said data item; and (e) securely controlling at least one protected operation with respect to said data item based on said control set.

125. A secure method for combining data items into a composite data item comprising: (a) securely providing a first data item having at least a first control associated therewith; (b) securely providing a second data item having at least a second control associated therewith; (c) forming a composite of said first and second data items; (d) securely combining said first and second controls into a composite control set; and (e) performing at least one operation on said composite of said first and second data items based at least in part on said composite control set.

126. A secure method for controlling a protected operation comprising: (a) delivering at least a first control and a second control; and (b) controlling at least one protected operation based at least in part on a combination of said first and second controls, including at least one of the following steps: resolving at least one conflict between said first and second controls based on a predefined order; providing an interaction with a user to form said combination; and dynamically negotiating between said first and second controls.

127. A secure method comprising: selecting protected data; extracting said protected data from an object; identifying at least one control to manage at least one aspect of use of said extracted data; placing said extracted data into a further object; and associating said at least one control with said further object.

128. A secure method of modifying a protected object comprising: (a) providing a protected object; and (b) embedding at least one additional element into said protected object without unprotecting said object.

129. A method for managing at least one resource with a secure operating environment, said method comprising: securely receiving a first load module from a first entity external to said operating environment; securely receiving a second load module from a second entity external to said operating environment, said second entity being different from said first entity; securely processing, using at least one resource, a data item associated with said first and second load modules; and securely applying said first and second load modules to manage said resource for use with said data item.

130. A method for negotiating electronic contracts, comprising: receiving a first control set from a remote site; providing a second control set; performing, within a protected processing environment, an electronic negotiation between said first control set and said second control set, including providing interaction between said first and second control sets; and producing a negotiated control set resulting from said interaction between said first and second control sets.

131. A system for supporting electronic commerce including: means for creating a first secure control set at a first location; means for creating a second secure control set at a second location; means for securely communicating said first secure control set from said first location to said second location; and means at said second location for securely integrating said first and second control sets to produce at least a third control set comprising plural elements together comprising an electronic value chain extended agreement.

132. A system for supporting electronic commerce including: means for creating a first secure control set at a first location; means for creating a second secure control set at a second location; means for securely communicating said first secure control set from said first location to said second location; and negotiation means at said second location for negotiating an electronic contract through secure execution of at least a portion of said first and second secure control sets.

133. A secure component-based operating system including: component retrieving means for retrieving at least one component; record retrieving means for retrieving a record that specifies a component assembly; checking means, coupled to said component retrieving means and said record retrieving means, for checking said component and/or said record for validity; using means, coupled to said checking means, for using said component to form said component assembly in accordance with said record; and performing means, coupled to said using means, for performing a process based at least in part on said component assembly.

134. A secure component-based operating system including: a database manager that retrieves, from a secure database, at least one component and at least one record that specifies a component assembly; an authenticating manager that checks said component and/or said record for validity; a channel manager that uses said component to form said component assembly in accordance with said record; and an execution manager that performs a process based at least in part on said component assembly.

135. A secure component operating system including: means for receiving a component; means for receiving directions specifying use of said component to form a component assembly; means, coupled to said receiving means, for authenticating said received component and/or said directions; means, coupled to said authenticating means, for forming, using said component, said component assembly based at least in part on said received directions; and means, coupled to said forming means, for using said component assembly to perform at least one operation.

136. A secure component operating environment including: a storage device that stores a component and directions specifying use of said component to form a component assembly; an authenticating manager that authenticates said component and/or said directions; a channel manager that forms, using said component, said component assembly based at least in part on said directions; and a channel that executes said component assembly to perform at least one operation.

137. A secure operating system environment comprising: a storage device that stores code and directors specifying assembly of said code into an executable program; a validating device that checks said received code and/or said assembly directors for validity; and an event-driven channel that, in response to occurrence of an event, assembles said code in accordance with said assembly directions to form an assembly for execution.

138. A secure operating environment system for managing at least one resource comprising: a communications arrangement that securely receives a first control from a first entity external to said operating environment, and securely receives a second control from a second entity external to said operating environment, said second entity being different from said first entity; and a protected processing environment, coupled to said communications arrangement, that: (a) securely processes, using at least one resource, a data item associated with said first and second controls, and (b) securely applies said first and second controls to manage said resource for use of said data item.

139. A system for negotiating electronic contracts, comprising: a storage arrangement that stores a first control set received from a remote site, and stores a second control set; a protected processing environment, coupled to said storage arrangement, that: (a) performs an electronic negotiation between said first control set and said second control set, (b) provides interaction between said first and second control sets, and (c) produces a negotiated control set resulting from said interaction between said first and second control sets.

140. A method for supporting electronic commerce including: creating a first secure control set at a first location; creating a second secure control set at a second location; securely communicating said first secure control set from said first location to said second location; and electronically negotiating, at said second location, an electronic contract, including the step of securely executing at least a portion of said first and second secure control sets.

141. An electronic appliance comprising: a processor; and at least one memory device connected to said processor; wherein said processor includes: retrieving means for retrieving at least one component, and at least one record that specifies a component assembly, from said memory device, checking means coupled to said retrieving means for checking said component and/or said record for validity, and using means coupled to said retrieving means for using said component to form said component assembly in accordance with said record.

142. An electronic appliance comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory device connected to said processor; and at least one input/output connection coupled to said processor, wherein said processor at least in part executes a rights operating system to provide a secure operating environment within said electronic appliance.

143. A method for auditing the use of at least one resource with a secure operating environment, said method comprising: securely receiving a first control from a first entity external to said operating environment; securely receiving a second control from a second entity external to said operating environment, said second entity being different from said first entity; using at least one resource; securely sending to said first entity in accordance with said first control, first audit information concerning use of said resource; and securely sending to said second entity in accordance with said second control, second audit information concerning use of said resource, said second audit information being at least in part different from said first audit information.

144. A method for auditing the use of at least one resource with a secure operating environment, said method comprising: securely receiving first and second control alternatives from an entity external to said operating environment; selecting one of said first and second control alternatives; using at least one resource; if said first control alternative is selected by said selecting step, securely sending to said entity in accordance with said first control alternative, first audit information concerning use of said resource; and if said second control alternative is selected by said selecting step, securely sending to said second entity in accordance with said second control alternative, second audit information concerning use of said resource, said second audit information being at least in part different from said first audit information.

145. A method for automated negotiation, including the following steps: creating a first rule set at a first site, the first rule set designed to participate in an automatic negotiation with a second rule set; transmitting the first rule set from the first site to a second site, at the second site, performing an automated negotiating process including: comparing information present in or specified by the first rule set to a first requirement specified by a second rule set present at the second site; if the comparison results in a first outcome, carrying out a first action, the first action including: creating a secure container consisting of protected content and having an associated third rule set, the third rule set being created as a result of an interaction between the first rule set and the second rule set; transmitting the secure container from the second site to the first site; and using a rule from the third rule set to govern an aspect of access to or use of the protected content; and if the comparison results in a second outcome, carrying a second action, which is different in at least one respect from the first action.

146. A method for automated negotiation, including the following steps: creating a first rule set at a first site; creating a second rule set at a second site; transmitting the first rule set from the first site to a third site; transmitting the second rule set to the third site; at the third site, performing the following steps: comparing a requirement specified by the first rule set to a requirement specified by the second rule set and determining that the requirements are consistent; based at least in part on the results of the comparison, creating a third rule set, the third rule set including at least one rule specified at least in part by the first rule set and the second rule set; associating the third rule set with a secure container; encapsulating protected content into the secure container; and transmitting the secure container to the first site.

147. A method for automated negotiation including the following steps: generating a first rule set including a first rule from a first party which owns or at least in part controls governed content and a second rule from a second party which constitutes or includes a clearinghouse; incorporating the governed content into a secure container; storing the first rule set at a first site; transmitting a second rule set from a second site to the first site, the second rule set including a third rule from a third party; comparing at least a portion of the first rule set to at least a portion of the second rule set; and based on the results of the comparison, providing access to the secure container to the third party.

148. A method of automated negotiation including: creating a first rule set representing a negotiating position of a first party; incorporating the first rule set into a first secure container; creating a second rule set representing a negotiating position of a second party; incorporating the second rule set into a second secure container; selecting a negotiation site associated with a third party; transmitting the first and the second secure containers to the negotiation site; at the negotiation site, comparing an attribute of the first rule set to an attribute of the second rule set to determine whether the attributes are compatible and, depending on the results of the comparison, determining that the negotiation has succeeded, determining that the negotiation has failed, or determining that an additional comparison is required; if the negotiation has succeeded, transmitting a third secure container to the first party, the third secure container containing governed content; if the negotiation has failed, informing both parties of the failure, and not transmitting the third secure container to the first party; and if an additional comparison is required, performing that comparison, and repeating until the negotiation either succeeds or fails.

149. A method including: creating a first secure container including a first governed item and having associated a first control; creating a second secure container including a second governed item and having associated a second control; transferring the first secure container from a first location to a second location; transferring the second secure container from a third location to the second location; at the second location, obtaining access to at least a portion of the first governed item, the access being governed at least in part by the first control; at the second location, obtaining access to at least a portion of the second governed item, the access being governed at least in part by the second control; at the second location, creating a third secure container including at least a portion of the first governed item and at least a portion of the second governed item and having associated at least one control, the creation being governed at least in part by the first control and the second control.

150. A method of using a resource including the following steps: receiving the resource at a first computing environment; receiving a first control or control set at the first secure computing environment; receiving a second control or control set at the first secure computing environment; evaluating an auditing-related aspect of the first control or control set and the second control or control set, including evaluating a privacy-related aspect of the first control or control set and the second control or control set; choosing between the first control or control set and the second control or control set, the choice being based at least in part on the evaluation; and reporting auditing-related information relating to the access to or use of the resource to a second computing environment.