Secure digital download storage device

Abstract

A secure USB flash drive employing digital rights management to implement secure digital media storage such as that provided by encrypted storage utilizing content protection for recordable media (CPRM) or the like. Unlike a secure digital card which provides such protection, it does not need an SD card port which is CPRM enabled, or alternatively a reader adapted for use therewith. The form factor can be that of a standard USB flash drive and a standard USB connector is employed making the device and its use familiar and comfortable to the average consumer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A secure universal serial bus (USB) drive adapted for storing digital media comprising:
 a USB connector for receiving digital media to be downloaded;   a memory including a block of secure storage;   a USB memory controller for storing digital media and digital rights received through the USB connector in the secure storage utilizing digital rights management software, and for retrieving stored digital media from the secure storage for output on the USB connector, the USB memory controller, the memory including the block of secure storage, and the USB connector all packaged as the USB drive that acts like a secure digital (SD) card.   
     
     
         2 . The secure USB drive of  claim 1  wherein the block of secure storage comprises a custom partitioned secure area within the memory. 
     
     
         3 . The secure USB drive of  claim 1  having an overall outer footprint like that of a USB drive. 
     
     
         4 . The secure USB drive of  claim 1  wherein the USB memory controller detects signals being applied to the USB connector and recognizes digital media requiring secure storage. 
     
     
         5 . The secure USB drive of  claim 4  wherein the USB memory controller encrypts the digital media utilizing content protection for recordable media (CPRM), stores the encrypted material in memory, and stores digital rights management credentials in secure memory. 
     
     
         6 . The secure USB drive of  claim 5  wherein the digital media comprises a movie, music, book, or computer game. 
     
     
         7 . A method of storing digital media requiring secure storage in a secure universal serial bus (USB) drive, the method comprising:
 applying signals to a USB connector connected to the secure USB drive;   utilizing a USB memory controller to detect signals applied to the USB connector and determine that digital media requiring secure storage is to be stored;   encrypting the digital media by the USB memory controller and operating the USB drive as a secure digital (SD) card; and   writing the encrypted digital media to memory and digital rights management (DRM) credentials and encryption keys to secure memory.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the step of encrypting further comprises implementing content protection for recordable media (CPRM). 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the USB connector is part of a digital download kiosk, and DRM rights are established by the digital download kiosk.