Abstract: A method and apparatus for encrypting or decrypting digital content are provided. In the method, a binding range is selected from a plurality of binding ranges of content use based on license information of the content, and the content is encrypted based on the selected binding range so that the content can be used only within the selected binding range. Accordingly, it is possible to limit content use to a plurality of binding ranges of use of the content, using license information of the content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to watermarking of compressed audio or video files. One claim recites a method including: obtaining a copy of a compressed audio or video file; decompressing the compressed audio or video file to yield decompressed audio or video content; determining a first watermarking component for the decompressed audio or video content, the first watermarking component intended to be steganographically hidden in the audio or video content; storing the first digital watermarking component separately from the compressed audio or video file; and then providing the stored first watermarking component, a unique plural-bit watermark identifier, and the compressed audio or video file to a remote location. Other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A digital watermark detecting device includes an extracting unit to extract pixels embedded as a digital watermark from an input image and to output an extracted pixel value row, a generating unit to generate a set of orthogonal patterns, a detecting unit to calculate a correlation using an integration result of the orthogonal patterns and the extracted pixel value row, to determine detected values corresponding to the orthogonal patterns and a standard deviation for detected values excluding a maximum detected value with a maximum absolute value from the calculated detected values, to calculate a quotient by dividing the maximum detected value by the standard deviation, a discriminating unit to output information corresponding to the result of comparison between a threshold parameter and the quotient, and a unit to convert the detected value inputted from the detecting unit into predetermined information, when the reliability of the detected values satisfies a standard.

Abstract: Usage rights information indicating a license which is usage rights corresponding to contents is stored in a license storage device, and at the time of using the contents, the rights information is output from the license storage device to a contents using device and further transmitted to a contents distribution server, and legitimacy verification of the rights information is executed at the contents distribution server, such that contents corresponding to the rights information are transmitted to the contents using device. Thus, a device and method is realized whereby distribution of contents over a network and use thereof is enabled without detracting from safety and user convenience.

Abstract: A computerized intellectual property trading exchange is disclosed for facilitating the trading of license contracts relating to intellectual property rights. The exchange includes at least one intellectual property license contract relating to intellectual property rights and a computer-accessible forum configured to allow a plurality of participants to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants includes at least one seller, which may be the owner, having the license contract and desiring to trade the license contract. The plurality of participants also includes at least one buyer desiring to obtain the license contract. The buyer may be an investor, speculator, market maker, or arbitrageur, who purchases the license contract to achieve appreciation. The buyer also may be a licensee, who purchases the license contract to practice the intellectual property rights.

Abstract: When captured content is detected, the captured content is analyzed to determine whether any portion of the content is subject to digital rights management protection specified for content captured. Responsive to determining that the captured content is subject to a first digital rights management protection, a database is queried to select at least one digital rights management rule associated with a first restricted element specifying at least one first criteria for combining the first restricted element with at least one other element. A determination is made whether the first restricted element is combined with the at least one other element in the captured content. Responsive to detecting the first restricted element is combined with the at least one other element, the captured content rights controller determines a combined digital rights management protection rule reconciling the at least one first criteria for combining the first restricted element with the presence of the at least one other element.

Abstract: An information processing device that executes processing for outputting recording data to an information recording medium includes a storing unit that stores common data that includes encrypted content, key information applied to decoding of the encrypted content, and content management information and, data content of which is unchanged even if a medium as a data recording destination is changed, a media-specific-data generating unit that generates media specific data, data content of which is changed according to the medium as the data recording destination, an output-data generating unit that generates output data based on the common data and the media specific data, and a data outputting unit that outputs the data generated by the output-data generating unit.

Abstract: A conditional access control apparatus for inserting descrambling messages and impulse authorizations to enable requesting subscribers to utilize requested scrambled content. The apparatus includes a content and asset storage module for storing content and assets, and a pre-encryption module for encrypting content to be stored in said content device. A transport processor inserts stored content into a forward application transport channel (FATC), and a controller interacts with a requesting subscriber and inserts into the FATC descrambling messages and impulse authorizations enabling the requesting subscriber to utilize requested scrambled content.

Abstract: A digital rights management (DRM) system for distribution of digital content such as audio or video uses a token passing scheme to enhance security of the content from unauthorized access and use, including access by unauthorized players. The token is requested from the central content or DRM server by a host device such as a user's computer, using security related information. The token is then passed to a media player associated with the host device, the token being encrypted using a key special to that particular player. Upon receipt of the token, the player transmits back to the server certain related security information confirming receipt of the token and in return receives keys for decryption of the associated digital content. In the absence of proper passing of the token, player access to the content, or further access to other content, is denied. This also allows the player to communicate directly with the server for obtaining the keys.

Abstract: A television content delivery system consistent with certain embodiments has a receiver system that receives television content from a plurality of content suppliers. A selective multiple encrypter selectively multiple encrypts the television content, wherein the resultant selectively multiple encrypted content stream is encrypted under at least one conditional access system (CAS) and at least one digital rights management system (DRMS). A transmitter transmits the selectively multiple encrypted television content stream to multiple receivers, so that the selectively multiple encrypted television content stream can be decrypted under either a system using at least one CAS or at least one DRMS. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems to distribute content over a network. Some embodiments provide methods to distribute content within a local media network. These methods receive a request for a first content to be transferred to a sink device, request from the source an access criteria for a first content that is protected according to a first digital rights management (DRM), forward the access criteria to the sink device, receive an evaluation of the access criteria from the sink device regarding at least whether the sink device can interpret the first DRM, determine according to the evaluation received from the sink device whether the sink device can utilize the first content that is protected according to the first DRM, and initiate a transfer of the first content from the source device to the sink device when the sink device can utilize the first content.

Abstract: In response to receiving an order (e.g., including payment for one or more software licenses), a license distribution manager allocates a specified number of software licenses for distribution to a corresponding customer's clients that utilize the licenses to operate software associated with a corresponding vendor software application. The license distribution manager can allocate one or more overdraft licenses for distribution to the customer in addition to the specified number of software licenses associated with the order. Accordingly, the license distribution manager can allocate extra software licenses (e.g., the overdraft licenses) and distribute more software licenses than are actually purchased by a respective customer. This enables the customer to use one or more provisional licenses (e.g., overdraft licenses) that support restricted use of the vendor's software application such as until the customer can replace the provisional licenses with corresponding purchased licenses.

Abstract: A content playback apparatus reduces load concentration on a specific server apparatus that manages content keys of encrypted content, while protecting copyrights of the content. The content apparatus makes playback of content recorded in a recording medium sold possible after the specific server breaks down. A key acquisition control unit (204) reads a playback control information table (211) from a recording medium (102) via a reading unit (201). The key acquisition unit (204) acquires a rights key via a key acquisition intermediation unit (223) from an apparatus specified by an acquisition-destination type and a request-destination type that are stored in the playback control information table (211) and that corresponding to the content to be played. The key acquisition unit (204) generates a content key using the acquired rights key and, when required, a medium key recorded in a medium. A decryption unit (203) decrypts encrypted content using the content key.

Abstract: To provide a content playback device capable of protecting content according to DRM, when decrypting encrypted content recorded on a recording medium and playing the decrypted content. If key generation information is “00”, a key control unit 104 concatenates a decrypted media key and content information in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate a content key. If the key generation information is “10”, the key control unit 104 sets a rights key as the content key. If the key generation information is “01”, the key control unit 104 concatenates the decrypted media key and the rights key in this order, and applies a one-way function to the concatenation result to generate the content key.

Abstract: A highly configurable kernel supports a wide variety of content protection systems. The kernel may reside in a host that interacts with a secure processor maintaining content protection clients. After establishing communication with the secure processor, the host receives messages from content protection clients requesting rules for message handling operations to support client operations. This flexible configuration allows for dynamic reconfiguration of host and secure processor operation.

Abstract: An engine identifying segments or portions of one source material or source file common to or found in another source material or file. The engine may receive a first data stream in binary form as well as a second stream in binary form. The engine may include a data stream processor or pre-processor programmed to translate the first and second data streams to generate respective first and second processed data streams. The commonality between the first and second processed data streams may be greater than the commonality between the first and second data streams themselves. Also, a comparator may be programmed to compare the first and second process data streams and identify binary segments found in both the first and second processed data streams.

Abstract: A copy protection system and method for allowing copying or distribution of a copy protected signal is disclosed. One embodiment includes an apparatus and method for receiving a media signal in which a copy protection signal is embedded, receiving a control signal, generating a modified media signal by modifying or blanking at least a portion of the copy protection signal, if the control signal is configured to enable modification or blanking of the copy protection signal, and outputting the modified media signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting a version of input data content, there being a plurality of different versions of said data content, in which: said data content is arranged as two or more segments according to a segmentation pattern; and said versions of said data content are identifiable by corresponding identification data patterns by which at least some of said segments have respective identification data; said method comprising the steps of: (i) detecting said identification data in respect of said segments of said input data content; (ii) comparing said detected identification data with said identification data patterns corresponding to said different versions of said data content; and (iii) detecting that said input data content comprises at least a contribution from a certain version of said data content if a sum of matches obtained between said detected identification data and said identification data pattern for said certain version exceeds a threshold number.

Abstract: A multimedia client/server system includes a multimedia server module that is coupleable to a plurality of multimedia sources that produce at least one multimedia signal. The multimedia server module includes an encoder module that asserts a protection present signal when the at least one multimedia signal includes a copy protection signal, that generates an output signal with the copy protection signal removed when the protection present signal is asserted, and that encodes the output signal to produce an encoded signal. A server transceiver module produces a radio frequency (RF) signal that includes the encoded signal and the protection present signal, and that wirelessly transmits the RF signal.

Abstract: Leakage of information from a high-quality copy created by reading out data from a storage device is inhibited. A printing apparatus (110) and a multi-function peripheral (120) which is connected to a network (130) store images each corresponding to an identification information. These apparatuses extract an identification information from a document for which a unique identification information is formed, and search a storage device for an image containing an identification information which coincides with the unique identification information. The apparatuses acquire the found image, form copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image information on the image, and print.

Abstract: A block key to encrypt block data is generated using an ATS (arrival time stamp) appended to each of TS (transport stream) packets included in a transport stream correspondingly to the arrival time of the TS packet. The ATS is a random data depending upon an arrival time, and so a block-unique key can be generated, which enhances the protection against data cryptanalysis. A block key is generated from a combination of an ATS with a key unique to a device, recording medium or the like such as a master key, disc-unique key, title-unique key or the like. Since an ATS is used to generate a block key, any area for storage of an encryption key for each block may not be provided in a recording medium.

Abstract: A recording method including searching for at least one of a plurality of free areas on a storage medium, said storage medium including a file that is stored according to a file system; generating a track descriptor; generating a part descriptor; recording data encrypted with an encryption key in at least one free area; connecting the free area where the encrypted data is recorded to an end of the file managed by the file system; recording in the part descriptor the part pointer information that points to the free area where the encrypted data is recorded; recording in the track descriptor a decryption key so as to enable later decryption of the encrypted data, and pointer information that points to the part descriptor; and recording a track number that points to the track descriptor in a play order table having a play order of a plurality of tracks.

Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of purchased digital content. Information regarding the digital content items that are purchased by each user and the terms of use of those purchased items is maintained. Information regarding the formats of digital content items that each device is adapted to receive is maintained. Upon determining that a user wishes to download a digital content item, the requested digital content is downloaded in an appropriate format for a particular digital device provided the recorded information indicates the content item has been purchased by the user and the download is within the quantity of downloads authorized by the terms of the purchase.

Abstract: A system and method of managing external content that is used within a software product or software development process is disclosed. In some approaches, the system and method manages and tracks the use of external content, as well an approval process for determining whether the external content is to be used or incorporated. The system and method manages and tracks compliance with terms and restrictions of the external content.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling subsequent permitted use, such as storage, of video on a digital storage device such as a personal video recorder (PVR). An analog video signal is provided with at least one modification to its video characteristics, for instance in the horizontal blanking interval and vertical blanking intervals, which is of the type having the capacity to inhibit making an acceptable analog video recording of the analog video signal. Examples of these modifications are the well known pseudo-sync (automatic gain control), color stripe (color burst modifications), and added back porch pulses.

Abstract: A brokerage for digital media distribution allows initial recipients of digital media to promote and generate additional distribution of the digital media. The brokerage may involve transferring a copy of the digital media from the device of the initial recipient to a device of an entity interested in obtaining the same digital media, and the device of the entity may then complete the transfer by submitting a record of the transaction that identifies the recipient who has generated the sale such that this initial recipient is compensated by the digital media distributor. The brokerage may alternatively involve directing the device of the receiving entity to a network link that provides access to the digital media and that is associated with the initial recipient. The device of the entity may then complete the transfer that causes the initial recipient to be compensated by the digital media distributor.

Abstract: A portable media player receives encrypted audio files and an encrypted content key from a central license server on the Internet. The media player supports digital rights management (DRM) by storing the encrypted audio file in its flash memory and disabling copying or playing of the audio file after a copy limit has been reached. The copy limit is a rule that is combined with the content key in a transfer key that can be encrypted together by the license server. The license server can detect cloning of the media player by reading a unique player ID from the player and detecting when too many accounts use the same unique player ID. The content key can be generated from polar coordinates of the unique player ID, player manufacturer, and song genre. A fingerprint sensor on the player can scan and compare the user's fingerprints to further detect cloning.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing media content delivery audit and verification services are disclosed. In one example, a monitoring system analyzes messages associated with communications in a wireless communications network. The monitoring system identifies, from the messages, messages that are associated with the request for or delivery of media content to a wireless communications device via the network. Copies of the messages relating to media content delivery are generated, correlated, and analyzed in order to provide a network operator with information that may be used to verify media content delivery transactions and associated revenues.

Abstract: A server architecture for a digital rights management system that distributes and protects rights in content. The server architecture includes a retail site which sells content items to consumers, a fulfillment site which provides to consumers the content items sold by the retail site, and an activation site which enables consumer reading devices to use content items having an enhanced level of copy protection. An activation site provides an activation certificate and a secure repository executable to consumer content-rendering devices which enables those content rendering devices to render content having an enhanced level of copy-resistance. The activation site “activates” client-reading devices in a way that binds them to a persona, and limits the number of devices that may be activated for a particular persona, or the rate at which such devices may be activated for a particular persona.

Abstract: A method of managing digital rights in a network without a central license server where each instance of the program broadcasts its identification into the network, and any instance of the program detecting its own license code from another node closes down. A closing program may also generate a close down message to the conflicting program.

Abstract: A BD-ROM stores a video stream and a plurality of pieces of copy control information. The plurality of pieces of copy control information include “CCIforHD with CM”, “CCIforSD with CM”, “CCIforHD without CM”, and “CCIforSD without CM”. The video stream constitutes video composed of a plurality of video streams. Among the plurality of pieces of copy control information, “CCIforHD with CM” and “CCIforSD with CM” indicate whether recording is permitted of a video signal converted from the video stream and output with addition of supplemental information. On the other hand, “CCIforHD without CM” and “CCIforSD without CM” indicate whether recording is permitted of the video output without addition of the supplemental information.

Abstract: The number of releasable licenses is registered in a first entity, the resource to be used being attributed and/or having withdrawn from it, by a second entity, a releasable license for use which is registered in the second entity and/or a license. In a synchronization step the difference between the number of licenses allocated for use since a previous synchronization step and the licenses released again in this time is repeatedly reported from the second entities to the first entity respectively, this difference being taken as a basis for reducing or increasing the number of releasable licenses registered in the first entity, and conversely the resultant number of releasable licenses is reported from the first entity to the second entity and is registered there as the number of releasable licenses.

Abstract: Disclosure of information is controlled selectively depending on users such that a plurality of users having different roles bearing no inclusive relation with one another can access the same area. Content is divided into a plurality of areas. For each of the areas obtained by division, secret keys (encryption/decryption keys in symmetric-key cryptography) are generated. The generated keys are encrypted using public keys in public-key cryptography, which are set in advance for the users depending on their respective roles. In the case where the content is to be disclosed to a plurality of users having different roles, the encryption of secret keys is performed separately for each user. These encrypted contents and encrypted secret keys are used to generate encrypted text.

Abstract: In record or content control management systems, various selected reference, record control, copy protection or control information signals, or other signifiers, are used to identify control signals, for example, bits, to provide control of subsequent use of data, audio and video signals in the analog and digital domain. Method and apparatus are disclosed for modifying the effects of a content control system as well as for modifying an effect of a copy protection signal. To this end, the reference, record control, copy protection signals, or other control information signals, e.g., content control signals, may be modified to cause an erroneous or unintended reading subsequently of the reference or control signals which in turn correspondingly afters the control command of the record or content control system.

Abstract: The operating and other procedures of a disk or recording medium application system of the type for which a network is used are simplified. Disks or recording media have auxiliary data recording areas, where different IDs for individual disk, and/or cipher keys and/or decoding keys for ciphers are recorded in advance in a factory. By using the IDs to release the soft ciphers, and using the cipher keys when sending the ciphers, and using the decoding keys when receiving the ciphers, user authorization procedures are simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of generating a video-reproducing clock signal from a 480p signal. The apparatus generates a video-reproducing clock signal from a 480p signal that includes a vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signals, and copy guard signals. The apparatus includes a coast signal generating unit and a clock signal generating unit. The coast signal generating unit generates a plurality of coast signals with pulse widths, each of which covers the different number of copy guard signals on the basis of the present copy guard signal in one frame signal of the 480p signal. The clock signal generating unit generates horizontal synchronization signals at the same period as that of the horizontal synchronization signals generated in a previous frame, while the corresponding coast signal is being generated.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus and method and an information reproduction apparatus and method enable security information of AV data to be managed appropriately. A copy control information detection section acquires copy control information (CCI_i) of a video signal supplied from a terminal and outputs it to a controller. The controller determines the values of is_not_free and is_encrypted based on the copy control information supplied from the copy control information detection section and outputs the values to a source packetization section. Is_not_free and is_encrypted represent a limitation to copying and an encryption mode of data recorded on a recording medium, respectively, and are described in the header of a source packet produced by a source packetization section. The source packet produced by the source packetization section is encrypted in accordance with the value of is_encrypted, undergoes a predetermined process by an encryption section, and is then recorded onto the recording medium.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver includes a digital tuning section having a plurality of tuners which receive digital broadcasting and output video signals of programs as well as a copy control signal, and a controller which selects one of video signals supplied from the tuners based on the copy control signal supplied from the digital tuning section. The foregoing structure allows the receiver to output the videos of programs free from intermittence at the beginning of the program of which copy control signal is switched from the previous one.

Abstract: This invention discloses a secure recording medium having at least one of audio, video and software content, comprising a plurality of media recording disks (DVD's) with a disk security chip embedded in each the DVD, each the disk chip comprising a security key, wherein at least two of the DVD's have different disk security keys. A method for protecting access to content recorded on a media recording disk (DVD) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for examining an electronic representation of an item for a watermark, the method including examining at least a first electronic representation of an item for a watermark in accordance with a first watermark definition, receiving a signal indicating that a second watermark definition is to be used for examining electronic representations, and examining at least a second electronic representation of an item for a watermark in accordance with the second watermark definition. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for generating watermark signals to be embedded as a digital watermark in real-time contents includes: input means 12 for inputting the real-time contents; an input buffer 14 for storing the real-time contents; generation means for generating watermark signals corresponding to predicted intensities of the real-time contents from divided real-time contents; and an output buffer 18 for storing the generated watermark signals to be outputted. The generation means is configured by including prediction means 16 for predicting intensities of the watermark signals; control means 20 for controlling embedding by use of a message to be embedded as the digital watermark in the divided real-time contents; and means 22 for generating the watermark signals to be outputted.

Abstract: Systems and methods that securely buffer content are provided. In one embodiment, a system may include, for example, a processor and a memory. The memory may be coupled to the processor. Before content leaves the processor for the memory, the processor may secure the content. After the secured content enters the processor from the memory, the processor may recover the content from the secured content.

Abstract: In record or content control management systems, various selected reference, record control, copy protection or control information signals, or other signifiers, are used to identify control signals, for example, bits, to provide control of subsequent use of data, audio and video signals in the analog and digital domain. Method and apparatus are disclosed for modifying the effects of a content control system as well as for modifying an effect of a copy protection signal. To this end, the reference, record control, copy protection signals, or other control information signals, e.g., content control signals, may be modified to cause an erroneous or unintended reading subsequently of the reference or control signals which in turn correspondingly alters the control command of the record or content control system.

Abstract: Subversive DSV (SDSV) sequences of data symbols having a large absolute value of DSV are extremely valuable in the copy protection of optical discs as they can induce uncorrectable read errors. However, very few SDSV sequences of data symbols can be found in multimodal codes such as Eight-to-Sixteen Modulation (ESM) utilised in DVDs. It is required to select data symbols, for encoding using a multimodal code, which are capable of forcing an encoder to produce at least one subversive sequence of code words. A possible code word for a data symbol is selected if the code word has a large absolute value of DSV and there are no alternative code words, or all alternative code words are equivalent, or all alternatives except one are ruled out by RLL rules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the copy protection of distributed material after conditional access is applied, regardless of where the material is distributed. The solutions described provide the advantage of being sufficiently simple in implementation to qualify as “curb high” solutions. “Curb high” solutions provide a range of security from minimal security to a high level of security while requiring relatively fewer system resources to implement than prior approaches.

Abstract: A method for authorizing a computer program having a number of features for use with a product includes: receiving license data generated using a first key, the license data specifying a unique identifier associated with the product and specifying at least one feature authorized for use with the product; using a second key associated with the first key, obtaining the unique identifier from the license data; retrieving a product identifier from the product; determining whether the unique identifier corresponds to the product identifier; and based on the determination, authorizing use of the at least one feature with the product.

Abstract: An information recording medium 1 is provided with: a user data recording part 3 which records user data; a random-pattern-information recording part 4 which records random pattern information from a random physical phenomenon; and an authentication data recording part 5 which records, as authentication data, medium identification information created on the basis of the random pattern information detected from the random-pattern-information recording part 4 and a digital signature for each manufacturer with respect to the medium identification information.

Abstract: This invention discloses a secure recording medium having at least one of audio, video and software content, comprising a plurality of media recording disks (DVD's) with a disk security chip embedded in each the DVD, each the disk chip comprising a security key, wherein at least two of the DVD's have different disk security keys. A method for protecting access to content recorded on a media recording disk (DVD) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A content output apparatus of the invention comprises an encryption processing unit configured to apply an encryption processing to the content, a recording unit configured to record the content to which the encryption processing has been applied and identification information which identifies the content itself on the network in the storage device on the network so as to be related with each other, and an output unit configured to read a requested content from the storage device on the basis of a content acquisition request supplied via the network, decrypt the encryption, further apply a predetermined processing to the content, and transmit it on the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data. A signal indicating the limited reproduction right is transmitted by the broadcaster and stored by the receiver with the data. The receiver reproduces and processes the data as a function of this signal.