DE102010053727A1 - Arrangement and method for playing media data on board a means of transport - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for playing back media data on board a means of transport (4) and a corresponding method. Media data are transmitted in encrypted form via a broadband first communication device such as the transfer of a BlueRay disc (20). An associated decoding key is transmitted to registered customers via a second communication path (13, 14, 33) such as a cellular connection. It enables the decryption and playback of the media data on board the means of transport without the need for a new data connection to a stationary database.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for playing media data on board a means of transport. On board means of transport, in particular aircraft, passengers are regularly provided with media, in particular videos, which can be played on an on-board playback system. Since a broadband data connection is regularly not available during flight operations or is associated with high costs, the media data to be played must be locally stored on board the means of transport.

The contents of, for example, a video database aboard an aircraft must be regularly renewed or updated. For example, various companies offer suitable media subscriptions commercially. Since the media data are on board the means of transport in copy, there is a risk of misuse or non-contractual use.

The invention is based on the object to provide an arrangement and a method of the type mentioned, which allows or on board the means of transport media use and ensures the contractual use of the media.

• a) stationär:
• b.1) eine Inhaltedatenbank, die Mediendaten enthält,
• b.2) eine Schlüsseldatenbank, die Codierungsschlüssel und zugehörige Decodierungsschlüssel enthält,
• b.3) eine Kundendatenbank, die Informationen über registrierte Kunden enthält,
• b.4) eine Einrichtung zum Verschlüsseln aus der Inhaltedatenbank ausgewählter Mediendaten unter Verwendung von Codierungsschlüsseln aus der Schlüsseldatenbank,
• b.5) eine erste Kommunikationseinrichtung zur Übermittlung verschlüsselter Mediendaten an registrierte Kunden,
• b.6) eine zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung zur Übermittlung von Decodierungsschlüsseln an registrierte Kunden,
• b) an Bord des Verkehrsmittels:
• b.1) eine erste Kommunikationseinrichtung zum Empfang verschlüsselter Mediendaten,
• b.2) eine zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung zum Empfang von Decodierungsschlüsseln,
• b.3) einen Speicher für über die erste Kommunikationseinrichtung übermittelte verschlüsselte Mediendaten,
• b.4) eine Einrichtung zum Entschlüsseln verschlüsselter Mediendaten unter Verwendung von über die zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung empfangenen Decodierungsschlüsseln,
• b.5) eine Einrichtung zur Wiedergabe der entschlüsselten Mediendaten.

The invention solves this problem in an arrangement according to the invention by the following features:

• a) stationary:
• b.1) a content database containing media data,
• b.2) a key database containing coding keys and associated decoding keys,
• b.3) a customer database containing information about registered customers,
• b.4) means for encrypting from the content database selected media data using encryption keys from the key database,
• b.5) a first communication device for transmitting encrypted media data to registered customers,
• b.6) a second communication device for transmitting decoding keys to registered customers,
• b) on board the means of transport:
• b.1) a first communication device for receiving encrypted media data,
• b.2) a second communication device for receiving decoding keys,
• b.3) a memory for encrypted media data transmitted via the first communication device,
• b.4) a device for decrypting encrypted media data using decoding keys received via the second communication device,
• b.5) a device for reproducing the decrypted media data.

First, some terms used in the invention are explained. Means of transport according to the invention operate on water, on land or in the air. Preferably, these are airplanes.

According to the invention, media data are in particular video and / or audio data. This media data is stationary, d. H. preferably stored at a content provider, in a content database located outside the means of transport (eg, stationary on the ground). This content database preferably contains the media data in a form provided by the manufacturer of the media data (for example, the film or video producer). Typically, these will be unencrypted digital files in a common video or audio format.

The content provider, hereinafter also referred to as the operator, would like to make the media content available to him available only to registered customers for a fee. According to the invention, it is therefore provided that media contents are encrypted before their transmission to registered customers by means of suitable techniques known in the art and transmitted in this encrypted form. This makes use of unauthorized persons impossible or at least difficult. Additionally, the media data may be compressed prior to its transmission by suitable methods known in the art.

The first communication device is used to transmit encrypted media data to registered customers. Stationary, so operator side, this first communication device is designed to transmit the corresponding data, on board the means of transport is designed to receive this data. The transmission of media data such as movies or videos regularly requires the transfer of large amounts of data. A movie recorded in HD quality requires up to 50 GB when stored in BlueRay format, and about 10 GB after compression. Such amounts of data can not be transmitted via communication channels available on board, for example, airplanes (for example mobile radio or satellite connection) or only with unreasonable expenditure of time and high costs.

The invention therefore provides that the media data in encrypted form via a first communication path (the first communication device) are transmitted on board the means of transport and stored there (preferably in still encrypted form) in a memory. The first communication path is selected to allow fast and cost-effective data transmission. It does not have to be available in every operating state of the means of transport. It may, for example, be a broadband wired data connection, which is only available in the case of an aircraft parked at the gate. Alternatively, it may be a broadband wireless connection that bridges only short distances on the ground, such as WLAN.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the first communication path involves the transfer of a physical data carrier (preferably a BlueRay disk, a magnetic data medium or a suitable flash memory medium) onto which the encrypted media data is loaded. This data carrier can be prepared stationarily by the operator individually for each registered customer and, for example, be transmitted by post or courier. The first communication device on board the means of transport then contains a suitable reading device for this data carrier. The advantage of this approach is that it allows the transmission of very large amounts of data (for example, about 50 GB on a BlueRay disk or several terabytes on a magnetic disk), without having to provide a special infrastructure for data transmission between the operator and registered customers.

The first communication path may be unidirectional in one embodiment of the invention, so that it allows only the data transmission from the operator (stationary) to the means of transport. Such a unidirectional first communication path is, for example, the transmission of a physical data carrier.

On board the means of transport, the media data transmitted on the first communication path can be stored in a suitable memory (for example flash memory, magnetic data carrier or optical data carrier). If the first communication path includes the transfer of a physical data carrier, this data carrier which has been transferred and possibly remaining on board the means of transport itself can also be this memory within the meaning of the present invention.

After handing over and storing the media data on board the means of transport they must be decrypted to be accessible for use (playback). According to the invention, the required decoding key is transmitted by the operator to registered customers via a second communication path. This second communication path includes in each case a second communication device stationary (at the operator) and on board the means of transport. Preferably, this second communication path includes a wireless telecommunication device and may comprise, for example, data connections via satellites, mobile radio links or optionally also short-range wireless radio links such as WLAN. Preferably, the second communication path is also accessible during the operation of the means of transport (for example in flight operation) and therefore preferably comprises mobile radio connections or data connections via satellites.

For the transmission of a decoding key usually only small amounts of data are needed. The second communication path can therefore be narrowband and / or cause higher costs per transmitted amount of data than the first communication path. For example, data transmissions from and on board an aircraft in flight operation are regularly associated with higher costs, as consuming technology (such as satellite connections) are needed. These higher costs are not significant in the present invention, since regularly only small amounts of data must be transmitted via the second communication path.

The transmission of the decoding keys via a separate second communication path (and not together with the media data via the first communication path) has the advantage that the operator receives better control over the contractual use of the media data. For example, it is possible to provide over the first communication path a larger number of films that are initially stored encrypted on board the means of transport. The transmission of the decoding key via the second communication path can then take place, for example, depending on the usage request and the payment by the registered customer and be staggered over time. For example, certain films can be activated for a contractually agreed and paid period of use at weekly or monthly intervals and then be locked again for further use.

The second communication path preferably allows bidirectional communication and can therefore be used for the transmission of information both from the operator on board the means of transport and vice versa.

According to the invention, it is possible for the operator to use this second communication path in addition to the described decoding keys transmitted further information to the customer or control data for the storage, decryption and playback device on board the means of transport. Corresponding information for the customer is, for example, so-called metadata about media files available in the content database. In this way, the customer can be informed continuously about new films or the like.

The operator may also transmit activation and / or deactivation codes via the second communication path on board the means of transport. For example, an activation code may unlock the on-board device for decryption or the playback device. It is possible to limit the activation to a predetermined period of, for example, a week or a month, so that activation codes must be transmitted at regular intervals. Prior to submitting an activation code for the next period of use, the operator may review the customer's registration and payment status and, in the event of problems, refuse activation for the next period of use. The requirement for regular transmission of activation codes via the second communication path also ensures that the system of a registered customer aboard a means of transport has regular data contact (via the second communication path) with the operator. This allows the operator, for example, to check the actual usage behavior of the customer.

Alternatively and / or additionally, deactivation codes can also be transmitted via the second communication path. These may disable or disable the decryption and / or replay facilities on board the means of transport for a predetermined period of time or indefinitely. The transmission of such a deactivation code can be displayed, for example, if the operator determines a late payment by the customer or a non-contractual use of the media data.

The preferred bidirectional design of the second communication path allows an information transfer from the transport to the operator. For example, data about the extent of media usage on board the means of transport may be communicated to the operator. This information can be used for billing, statistical evaluation of user behavior or the like.

The customer can also send the operator order data for commissioning the transmission of encrypted media data via the first communication device. For example, as described above, when the customer receives metadata about upcoming movies, he or she may select a collection of desired movies and submit the appropriate information to the operator. The operator can burn the desired composition, for example on a BlueRay disc and send it to the customer.

The transmission of the media data in encrypted form over the first communication path as well as the separate transmission of decoding keys via the second communication path also makes it possible for the customer to first only make a preselection of films which are all made available to him on the first communication path without that he can play them immediately (because they are encrypted). He thus only acquires the option to watch these films and has already stored them in coded form on board the means of transport. Only after a final decision (and payment) on the media data to be reproduced does the customer receive the corresponding decryption code via the second communication path, which enables him to replay the film.

• a) Auswahl von Mediendaten aus der Inhaltedatenbank durch den Kunden,
• b) Verschlüsseln der aus der Inhaltedatenbank ausgewählten Mediendaten unter Verwendung von Codierungsschlüsseln aus der Schlüsseldatenbank,
• c) Übermittlung der verschlüsselten Medieninhalte an den Kunden über die erste Kommunikationseinrichtung,
• d) Übermittlung eines Decodierungsschlüssels an den Kunden über die zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung,
• e) Entschlüsseln der verschlüsselter Mediendaten an Bord des Verkehrsmittels unter Verwendung von über die zweite Kommunikationseinrichtung empfangenen Decodierungsschlüssels,
• f) Wiedergabe der entschlüsselten Mediendaten.

The invention further provides a method for playing back or playing back media data on board a means of transport using an arrangement according to the invention. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• a) selection of media data from the content database by the customer,
• b) encrypting the media data selected from the content database using encryption keys from the key database,
• c) transmission of the encrypted media content to the customer via the first communication device,
• d) transmission of a decoding key to the customer via the second communication device,
• e) decrypting the encrypted media data on board the means of transport using decoding keys received via the second communication means,
• f) playback of the decrypted media data.

According to the invention, it is preferred if the media data are decrypted only immediately before the reproduction and are not stored in this decrypted form or alternatively only for a predetermined, limited period of use. For each replay (possibly a replay after expiry of the predetermined period of use) must thus a be re-decrypted. This complicates the non-contractual use of the media data.

Prior to decrypting the media data, an authorization is preferably carried out via the second communication device using data from the customer database. According to the invention, it may be provided that renewed authorization must take place at predetermined time intervals, as already described above in the context of the arrangement according to the invention. In a preferred variant of the method according to the invention, data about the extent of media usage on board the means of transport are transmitted back to the operator via the second communication path.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawing. Show:

1 FIG. 2 schematically shows an arrangement according to the invention,

2 A device for reproducing media on board a means of transport as part of the arrangement according to the invention.

In 1 is a media center 1 , a customer data center 2 and an encryption center 3 shown. These three centers together form the stationary or operator-side part of the arrangement according to the invention. They can be spatially combined and organized and operated by a single company or operator. Alternatively, it is possible that these three centers are spatially separated and / or operated by different companies that act together as the operator to the customer.

The media center 1 has a media library 5 in the form of a corresponding database. This includes, for example, a variety of films or the like. A metadata bank 6 contains metadata about those in the media library 5 saved movies. These may be, for example, titles, contents, possibly even trailers or the like. A key database 7 contains encoding keys and corresponding decoding keys for encrypting or decrypting media data from the media library 5 ,

The customer data center 2 has a customer database 8th on which the required data of registered customers are stored. A customer portal 9 , for example, an on 10 indicated Internet connection is available, allows customers to register, update customer data and possibly also the ordering and / or paying for movies. About the customer portal 9 Metadata can be made available from films that use the customer portal 9 over a connection 15 from the metadatabase 6 receives. About one at 11 indicated connection can be payment data such as invoices or payment requests to the customer 12 be transmitted.

The customer data center 2 has an RMU unit (Remote Maintenance Unit) that can be accessed via the 14 indicated second communication path with the means of transport (in the embodiment, an aircraft 4 ) communicates. The second communication way 14 is a cellular or satellite data connection. The RMU unit receives over the connection 16 Decoding key from the key database 7 ,

In the encryption center 3 is in the encryption unit 19 an encryption of the over the connection 17 from the media library 5 supplied media data performed. The key will be over the connection 18 from the key database 7 taken. The selection of the encryption unit 19 Media content to be compiled is based on an order list 22 that from the customer portal 9 about the connection 21 is made available. The encrypted media data collection will be on a BlueRay disk 20 burned. If at the same time with the encryption a compression of the media data is made, can on each BlueRay disk 20 about 5-6 encrypted and compressed movies are stored in HD quality.

The BlueRay disc 20 is shipped to the customer, who aboard the plane 4 in the playback unit 23 inserts. The content of the BlueRay disc 20 is read out and stored on a hard disk or flash memory. The flash memory may be, for example, a 320 GB SSD (Solid State Disk). The playback unit 23 on board the plane 4 is designed as LRU (Line Replaceable Unit). She will join 24 inserted into a slot for receiving an LRU. A BlueRay drive 25 can transfer media data from the BlueRay disk 20 read. Read data can be stored on a 320 GB SSD. The playback unit 23 also has a USB port 27 via which also media data or possibly other data (for example operating system data) can be read. The playback unit 23 has a motherboard 28 on, which in turn is a main memory 29 having. The main memory 29 can be designed as a removable data storage, for example as an SD card.

LRUs are subject to aviation regulatory approval as integral components of the aircraft. This aviation regulatory approval also applies to software controlled by software LRUs. Changes to the LRU or its control software require aviation law approval. The term main memory refers to program memory of the LRU, in which executable programs (so-called executables) can be stored. The software required for the certification of the LRU is the software or firmware that ensures the proper operation of the LRU required for aviation certification. This software is located in main memory 29 , On the main memory 29 separate SSD 26 On the other hand, only media data is saved. The contents of the main memory 29 remains unchanged by any changes in the content of the SSD 26 , The integrity of the contents of the main memory 29 with changes in the content of the SSD 26 is ensured by a physical separation or by other appropriate means.

The processor of the motherboard 28 can decrypt the encrypted media data and via HDMI connections 30 on a display 32 play. For decryption, the second communication device receives 33 on board the plane 4 over the second communication path 14 Decoding key over the network 31 in the network connection 35 the playback unit 23 be fed. A PSU (Power Supply Unit) is provided by the LRU interface 24 with tension ( 28 VDC) supplies and feeds the modules of the LRU via supply lines marked PWR (Power). It is within the scope of the invention that media data may be recoded prior to being output to the network of the aircraft, for example, video data may be encoded in a higher compression rate standard such as H.264. This can be done for example by means of a suitable encoder board, as in 2 is indicated. Such coded video data is preferably not used over the 30 indicated HDMI connections issued, but on the at 35 indicated network connection.

Via the second communication path 14 In addition to the decoding keys, metadata is transmitted in the media library 5 available movies as well as activation and / or deactivation codes to the aircraft 4 transfer. Deactivation codes can change the playback unit 23 unlock over a given period of time. After that must via the second communication path 14 an activation code will be sent again, which will only be made available if the user has fulfilled his payment obligations. Also possible is the transmission of deactivation codes representing the playback unit 23 lock, for example, if a non-contractual use of the media data is detected.

The second communication way 14 is also used for the transmission of information from the aircraft to the ground. Information about actual media usage aboard the aircraft 4 become the customer data center 2 for billing purposes and, where appropriate, for any other evaluation. Furthermore, the user can via the second communication path 14 the customer data center 2 tell you what movies he wants to receive with the next shipment of BlueRay discs.

The second communication way 14 does not have to be constantly available during movie playback. It is sufficient, if it is available only for a short time, to provide necessary deactivation codes for the playback unit 23 and decoding keys for the media content on the BlueRay disc 20 transmitted. During the actual media playback aboard the aircraft 4 is a data transmission over the second communication path 14 not mandatory. The media playback is thus possible even if, for example, during an intercontinental flight no connection to the customer data center 2 is available.

The user has two communication channels with the customer data center 2 (for example, to order new movies). For one, this may be aboard the aircraft 4 over the second communication path 14 respectively. For another, this can be done via the internet connection 10 for example, done from the ground.

Claims (9)

Arrangement for playing media data on board a means of transport ( 4 ), characterized in that it comprises: a) stationary: b.1) a content database ( 5 ) containing media data, b.2) a key database ( 7 ), which contains coding keys and associated decoding keys, b.3) a customer database ( 8th ) containing information about registered customers, b.4) an encryption facility ( 19 ) from the content database of selected media data using encryption keys from the key database ( 7 ), b.5) a first communication device for transmitting encrypted media data to registered customers, b.6) a second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) for the transmission of decoding keys to registered customers, b) on board the means of transport ( 4 ): b.1) a first communication device for receiving encrypted media data, b.2) a second communication device ( 25 . 27 ) for receiving decoding keys, b.3) a memory ( 26 ) for encrypted media data transmitted via the first communication device, b.4) a device for decrypting ( 28 ) encrypted media data using via the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 b) receiving a decoding key; 23 . 32 ) to play the decrypted media data. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first communication device is a wired or wireless broadband connection and / or a physical data carrier ( 20 ). Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) comprises a wireless telecommunication device selected from the group consisting of satellite connection, cellular connection and WLAN. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) is additionally adapted to provide one or more of the following information: a) metadata for in the content database ( 5 b) activation and / or deactivation codes for the device for decrypting encrypted media data using via the second communication device (FIG. 13 . 14 . 33 ) received decryption keys and / or the device for reproducing the decrypted media data, c) data on the extent of media use on board the means of transport ( 4 ), d) order data for commissioning the transmission of encrypted media data via the first communication device. Method for playing media data on board a means of transport ( 4 ) using an arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: a) selecting media data from the content database ( 5 ) by the customer, b) encrypting the content database ( 5 ) selected media data using encryption keys from the key database ( 7 ), c) transmission of the encrypted media content to the customer via the first communication device, d) transmission of a decoding key to the customer via the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 e) decrypting the encrypted media data on board the means of transport using via the second communication means ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) received decoding key, f) reproduction of the decrypted media data. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that before decrypting the encrypted media data on board the means of transport an authorization via the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) using data from the customer database ( 8th ) he follows. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that an authorization takes place at predetermined time intervals. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the decrypted media data have a predetermined useful life. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that data on the extent of media use on board the means of transport via the second communication device ( 13 . 14 . 33 ) to an operator of the stationary part ( 1 . 2 . 3 ) of the order.

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