Abstract: Object management in a distributed system includes at least one attribute information management server for managing attribute information of the object in correspondence with identification information given to the object, at least one identification information management server for managing the attribute information management server in correspondence with the identification information, and at least one supporting server for supporting handling of the object in accordance with the attribute information is connected to a user terminal over a network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of copy protection for use in digital data recorders such as DVD-RAM recorders, which includes embedding transmission time information into a digital data stream by digital watermarking and comparing the transmission time with the current time at the data recorder (30, 50). If the time difference is less than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is for time-shifting purposes, namely recording a programme to watch later, which is generally allowed by copyright laws. If the time difference is greater than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is an attempted unauthorized recording such as from a pre-recorded copy, and further recording is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of copy protection for use in digital data recorders such as DVD-RAM recorders (30), which includes using DVD disks (1) with unique serial numbers stored in a read only part (2) of the disk for recording data. The serial number of each disk together with other copy control information is digitally signed. The digital signature is verified at the DVD player/recorder (13, 30) to check whether the disk being played is an original disk or an authorized copy. If not, play back and recording of the data on the disk is prevented. The use of copy control information also allows the implementation of a copy generation management system.

Abstract: A recording device which is capable of preventing alteration of a generated digital picture data and suitable for improving the reliability of the digital picture data as an evidence. The recording device includes a related information embedding unit for embedding a related information on the digital picture data stored in a related information storing unit in the digital picture data obtained by a picture receiving unit by means of the digital watermarking technique, a digital signature generating unit for generating a digital signature of the digital picture data in which the related information has been embedded, and a recording unit for adding the digital signature to the digital picture data in which the related information has been embedded and storing it in a memory unit.

Abstract: In a handling support method for supporting handling of an object, a distributed system including at least one attribute information management server for managing attribute information of an object in correspondence with identification information given to the object, at least one identification information management server for managing the attribute information management server in correspondence with the identification information, and at least one supporting server for supporting handling of the object in accordance with the attribute information is connected to a user terminal over a network. Then, based on identification information obtained by the user terminal, the identification information management server specifies an address of the attribute information management server for managing attribute information of the object to which the identification information is given.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of copy protection for use in digital data recorders such as DVD-RAM recorders, which includes embedding transmission time information into a digital data stream by digital watermarking and comparing the transmission time with the current time at the data recorder (30, 50). If the time difference is less than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is for time-shifting purposes, namely recording a programme to watch later, which is generally allowed by copyright laws. If the time difference is greater than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is an attempted unauthorised recording such as from a pre-recorded copy, and further recording is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of copy protection for use in digital data recorders such as DVD-RAM recorders, which includes embedding transmission time information into a digital data stream by digital watermarking and comparing the transmission time with the current time at the data recorder (30, 50). If the time difference is less than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is for time-shifting purposes, namely recording a programme to watch later, which is generally allowed by copyright laws. If the time difference is greater than a threshold value it is presumed that the recording is an attempted unauthorised recording such as from a pre-recorded copy, and further recording is prevented.