SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd. and Fujitsu Limited today announced that they
have developed technology standards for a system called keitai de myujikku ("Music on
Your Mobile") to deliver music to mobile phones. The standards are based on UDAC-
MB, a general content protection technology developed by the three companies, and
comprise security guidelines and the following three technology standards:
- Protocol standard - System interconnection protocol specifications
- Secure MultiMediaCard standard - Content protection command extension
specifications, etc. (proposal made to MultiMediaCard Association.
- Download/playback system standards - Mobile handset specifications
Sanyo, Hitachi and Fujitsu, which support the Secure MultiMediaCard standard, will
begin actively appealing to mobile phone operators, developers of related devices and
content holders to adopt these technology standards and introduce new services based
on them. Such services would enable mobile phone customers to use handsets
developed according to the standards to access their favorite music through a simple
procedure (recording it on a Secure MultiMediaCard) and enjoy listening to it at any
time.
Infineon Technologies AG, which invented the MultiMediaCard, will support the
worldwide standardization of the Secure MultiMediaCard standard. Together with
European partners, such as content providers, device manufacturers, service providers
and card manufacturers, Infineon will promote the standardization of security concepts
for the download of content.
Infineon Technologies and Hitachi will jointly develop, manufacture and promote
comercialization of the Secure MultiMediaCard. Infineon Technologies will also offer
secure solutions for ROM cards to fit the UDAC-MB standard.
Mobile phones developed according to the new standards would be the first in the
industry to offer three functions on one handset: voice telephony, music download, and
portable audio player. This infrastructure would give users ready access to everything
from the latest popular hits to their favorite old melodies -- all available anytime and
anywhere with compact disk-quality sound.
These standards were developed with full consideration for the requirements of content
holders, the convenience of users and the wishes of mobile phone operators. As a result,
they comply with legal requirements for distribution, copying and playback of digital
content and accommodate a variety of content distribution formats.
The use of these standards makes it possible to offer a new kind of music delivery
service with the mobile phone as its core. For example, content holders can distribute
encrypted music on CDs or other formats at no charge, and by marketing just the
playback license keys through mobile phone operators, they can acquire new sales
channels and expand their business. In addition to benefiting the mobile phone
industry, application of the standards opens up the possibility of linkages with music
retailers, who could use the system to offer music delivery to mobile phones from in-
store kiosk terminals.
Social Background
At present, mobile phones and portable audio players have achieved broad market
penetration in Japan, especially among the younger generation, which drives the music
business. According to a survey conducted by Sanyo, approximately 90% of young people
in their twenties own mobile phones, and about 80% of them also own portable audio
players. Mobile phone operators all offer their own unique services, and it is expected
that companies will increasingly compete on the basis of their different services. At
the same time, the data communication speed of mobile phones is also increasing.
Under the circumstances, the "Music on Your Mobile" music delivery service is seen as
an ideal application for the next generation of mobile phones. It is also expected that
the availability of a new type of mobile handset that also incorporates a download
terminal and portable audio player will cause the market for such a service to grow
rapidly.
Technology Background
Amidst growing calls for network-delivered digital music service, there remains
considerable anxiety about how to prevent illegal copying and distribution, and content
holders have not yet implemented such a full-fledged digital music delivery system. At
present, specifications for copyright protection technology to counteract such illegal
activities as downloading music onto a personal computer via the Internet are being
promoted through the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI).
Sanyo, Hitachi and Fujitsu have developed UDAC-MB, a general content protection
technology that offers greater security than conformity to the SDMI specifications can
provide. And based on UDAC-MB, they have also cooperated in developing "Music on
Your Mobile," a content delivery formula optimized for mobile phone sets and the mobile
phone networks that are rapidly realizing high-speed data delivery services. Based on
this formula, they have devised new technological standards for mobile phone handsets,
content protection Secure MultiMediaCards, music delivery servers, and technology for
preventing illegal acts.
Technical Features
(1) Secure and flexible UDAC-MB content protection technology
UDAC-MB is a technology that securely manages the exchange of the license key
between the delivery server system, Secure MultiMediaCard and internal decoder chip
(music playback chip) in the mobile phone handset, thereby effectively preventing
illegal content use while offering flexible service for the user. Content is distributed to
the Secure MultiMediaCard after being encrypted by means of a symmetrical key
encryption method, and the license key is encrypted using the same method as well as a
public key encryption method. Use of special tamper-resistant technology for only the
Secure MultiMediaCard and the decoder chip ensures a highly secure structure whose
internal mechanisms are extremely difficult to analyze or modify.
[1] User-friendly content protection formula
- Encrypted content can not only be downloaded but can also be rapidly copied from
one user's Secure MultiMediaCard to another's without having to pay any
communications or distribution fees. And since one buys with the mobile phone set
only the playback license key for the copied encrypted content, one is able to listen
to the musical content as decrypted in the decoder chip.
- Since both the content and playback license key are transferable, users can make a
present of the music to give to friends who have compatible mobile phone sets.
[2] Illegal copying and playback prevention functions give content holders peace of
mind.
- It is possible to enforce limitations on the number of times music can be copied or
played back on the mobile phone sets.
- It is possible to block the download or transfer to illegally modified or manufactured
Secure MultiMediaCards, as well as to prevent playback using illegally modified or
manufactured decoder chips.
- In order to reduce server network burden and responsibility for the mobile phone
operator, it is possible to place previously encrypted content on a delivery server
close to the user while positioning the server that issues the license keys near the
content manager. Thus, content holders can closely manage the all-important
content decoder key, while at the same time providing the above-mentioned
convenience for mobile phone operators.
[3] High-level security together with openness
- Since in the public key encryption method each Secure MultiMediaCard and
decoder chip manufacturer independently creates the secret key information and
embeds it in the chip, they are each able to provide stringent security measures.
- Furthermore, thanks to the adoption of a method where the encryption algorithm
can be open, specifications can likewise be completely open, thereby allowing easy
interconnection with other companies' content management systems, servers,
Secure MultiMediaCards and decoders.
(2) Secure MultiMediaCard with content protection functionality
As recording media for the "Music on Your Mobile" music delivery system, the three
companies have developed technical standards for a content protection-capable Secure
MultiMediaCard.
[1] Equipped with high-level security functions
In order to use a Secure MultiMediaCard as the recording media for music delivery, the
card itself must not only have encryption/decryption functionality but the license key
used for encryption-decryption must be located in a secure sector of the card. The new
Secure MultiMediaCard developed by the three companies realizes the level of security
required for a music delivery system (SDMI compatible) by introducing these technical
features into an existing MultiMediaCard and also adding a content protection
command set.
[2] Maintains compatibility with existing MultiMediaCards
In order to preserve upward compatibility with MultiMediaCards, the exterior form,
including thickness, has been kept identical to them. As a result, the new card can be
used not only in new types of equipment that require content protection capability but
also as a conventional MultiMediaCard.
[3] Realizes high-speed input
In the scenario of high-speed download at record store kiosk terminals, the companies
foresee rapid download rates of 2Mb/sec. in 2000 and 20Mb/sec. in 2001. At the latter
speed, one hour of music (approximately 60Mb) could be downloaded in about 3 seconds.
[4] Promotion of international standardization
Hitachi, Infineon and Sanyo have proposed to the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA)
that secure media cards based on the new Secure MultiMediaCard's standards be
adopted as an open standard for content protection-capable Secure MultiMediaCards.
This technology is suitable for use not only for music delivery but also is readily
adaptable for delivery of written work, images and other types of digital material where
content protection is necessary.
The 16Mb version of the new Secure MultiMediaCard will be commercially available in
the second quarter of 2000. Following this, 32/64Mb products will be available in the
second half of 2000, and a 128Mb product in 2001.
(3) Mobile telephones that record and play back music
Sanyo, Hitachi and Fujitsu have set specifications for a mobile telephone that is able to
download music and record it onto a Secure MultiMediaCard as well as play it back.
In addition to the functions of a conventional mobile telephone, this totally new type of
mobile telephone can be used as a portable audio player, enabling users to enjoy a
never-before kind of music delivery service.
[1] Can be used as mobile phone, portable audio player or a home stereo
When used with a headphone, the handset becomes a portable audio player. Speakers
can be plugged into the headphone jack, enabling the device to be used as a home stereo
player. And recorded music can even be played back during a phone conversation as
background music.
[2] Calls get through even while listening to the music
If a phone call comes through while the user is listening to music, the ringer is activated
so no important messages will be missed.
[3] Can display lyrics music is playing
While listening to music, users can display the song lyrics and other information on the
performer, song titles, etc. on the phone's display.
[4] Download resumes from the point at which it was cut off in case of severed
connection
If the user is cut off by a bad connection during a download, he can continue the
download from where it was cut off without having to start over again from the
beginning.
Explanation of Terminology
UDAC-MB (Universal Distribution with Access Control - Media Base)
A content protection technology which delivers content to a Secure MultiMediaCard or other
media, providing a convenient and legal way for users to create and replay copies with each
other. Realization of this technology is based on a method for independent delivery of
license key and encrypted content.
SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative)
An organization established in February 1999 to set technical standards for the prevention
of illegal copying of digital music. Has over 110 members, including content holders such
as RIAA (the Recording Industry Association of America) as well as hardware, software and
systems companies.
Playback license key
Information encrypted by a public key that is unique in each Secure MultiMediaCard, a
portion of which is used as secret key to decrypt encrypted content. Accessed over the
network or other means through purchase or legal transfer, the information is recorded on a
Secure MultiMediaCard. Encrypted content can be decoded at playback only if the license
key is safely transferred to the proper decoding chip.
Symmetrical key encryption method
An encryption method that uses the same key for both encryption and decoding of data.
Another example is the DES (Data Encryption Standard), a de facto international standard
developed by IBM.
Public key encryption method
An encryption method that uses different keys when encrypting and decoding. A complex
algorithm is utilized to search from one key to the other. When concealing data, the key
used for encryption is publicly distributed. RSA, an international de facto standard
named for its developers (Rivest, Shamir, Adleman) is an example of this method.
Tamper Resistant Technology
Technology which physically and logically impedes the analysis or alteration of
semiconductor chips or other devices or software. For example, the interior of the chip can
be secured in a sticky coating, such that any attempt to scrape it off will destroy the internal
circuits; or "dummy" circuitry can be installed. For example, this technology has recently
been used for a smart card charge system.
Content Protection Command Set
A dedicated encoding command set used for content protection in Secure MultiMediaCards.
Includes commands such as ENCRYPT and DECRYPT.
MultiMediaCard Association
A standards association for the world's smallest, lightest multimedia Secure
MultiMediaCards. Currently has about 60 corporate members. Further information at:
http://www.mmca.org.
Note: Company/product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holders and are used for identification purpose only.
Company Information
About SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is one of the major global consumer electronics giants while also
leading the way in the innovation that is expanding mobile communications technology.
SANYO's mobile phone systems are recognized worldwide for their high capability,
performance and reliability in featuring the latest in cutting-edge technology. This has led
SANYO to further growth in the development & manufacture of mobile phone components,
ranging from semiconductors to batteries. One example of this technology is the
development of the market's leading rechargeable batteries such as lithium ion, which holds
the number one position in the market, for mobile phones. These technologies provide the
user with more capable communication possibilities across a mobile phone. This has spurred
on related development of ultra-thin, lightweight CDMA mobile phones in targeting the next
generation of mobile terminal devices. SANYO has continued to advance business enterprise
development, supplying world-class electronic products to satisfy a rapidly evolving market
in these ever-changing times. SANYO's businesses cover a broad range of multimedia &
information systems, home appliances, commercial equipment, electronic devices, batteries
and other products. SANYO's net sales in fiscal 1999, concluded in March 31, 1999,
amounted to 1,818.2 billion yen(US$15,151 million). The SANYO group is truly an
international organization, consisting of 145 affiliates employing over 110,000 persons
globally. (URL http://www.sanyo.co.jp)
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global
electronics companies, with fiscal 1998 (ended March 31, 1999) consolidated sales of 7,977
billion yen ($65.9 billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of
products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and
industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site
at http://www.hitachi.co.jp
*At an exchange rate of 121 yen to the dollar
About Fujitsu Limited
Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) is a leading provider of comprehensive information technology
and network solutions for the global marketplace. Comprising over 500 group companies
and affiliates worldwide -- including ICL, Amdahl and DMR Consulting Group -- the Fujitsu
Group had consolidated revenues of 5.24 trillion yen ($43.3 billion) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1999. With world-class hardware and software technology in computers,
telecommunications and microelectronics, and a corps of 55,000 systems and services
experts around the world, Fujitsu is uniquely positioned to harness the power of the network
to help its customers succeed. Altogether, the Fujitsu Group has 188,000 employees and
operations in over 100 countries.
Homepage: http://www.fujitsu.co.jp/index-e.html
About Infineon Technologies AG
Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, Germany, formerly Siemens' Semiconductor Group, is
the 8th largest semiconductor manufacturer world-wide according to Dataquest. Infineon
provides semiconductor solutions for the telecommunications, automotive, data networking,
consumer electronics, and industrial automation markets. The company's comprehensive
product portfolio includes integrated system ICs, memory and high frequency components,
security and chip card ICs, discrete semiconductors and power ICs, sensors and fiber optic
components. Further information at http://www.infineon.com
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