Abstract: An image commercial transactions system and method, an image transfer system and method, an image distribution system and method, and a display device and method are disclosed. A reception dealer accepts the transfer of an image recorded on a recording medium in a predetermined format with a handling condition intrinsic to the image, and transfers the image with the handling condition, and an advertisement, in digital data format, and a charge accounting dealer effects an electronic charge accounting transaction for the transfer of data of the image with the handling condition and the advertisement. Accordingly, a forwarding request user is helpful in making public the advertisement by having the data of the advertisement along with the data of the image forwarded, instead of the reception dealer, whereby a transfer fee for the data of image can be made lower. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the usability for the transfer significantly.

Abstract: A system for providing a copy permission indicator in a video signal. The copy permission indicator is generated on the basis of copy management information that has been appended to the video signal and detected by the system. The indicator is in the form of a multiple of coded bits which are arrayed at a pre-set position in the video signal and are operable to indicate a generation limitation on copying of the video signal.

Abstract: An image commercial transactions system and method, an image transfer system and method, an image distribution system and method, and a display device and method are disclosed. A reception dealer accepts the transfer of an image recorded on a recording medium in a predetermined format with a handling condition intrinsic to the image, and transfers the image with the handling condition, and an advertisement, in digital data format, and a charge accounting dealer effects an electronic charge accounting transaction for the transfer of data of the image with the handling condition and the advertisement. Accordingly, a forwarding request user is helpful in making public the advertisement by having the data of the advertisement along with the data of the image forwarded, instead of the reception dealer, whereby a transfer fee for the data of image can be made lower. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the usability for the transfer significantly.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus for prohibiting copying or unauthorized use. The apparatus includes a copying management information decision circuit 19 for discriminating the state of the copying management information read out from each header of a data sector and within the TOC, a protect signal generating circuit 20 for generating a protect signal based on the discrimination signal and a mixing circuit 24 for mixing a protect signal in a vertical blanking period of an analog video signal D/A converted from digital video data reproduced from an optical disc D. The apparatus also includes a descrambling circuit 31 for descrambling the digital data based on the copying management information and a scrambling circuit 32 for descrambling the digital data. The apparatus enables prohibition of unauthorized analog copying and digital copying, inhibition of serial generational copying and prohibition of unauthorized analog and digital copying simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: One network system according to the invention allows a party potentially disadvantaged by a third party's right globally to solicit information for contesting the right in question and to pay a reward to individuals or organizations for offering the information for invalidation. The system ensures that legitimate rights are protected while corporations are defended against unfair accusations and frivolous lawsuits. Another network system according to the invention allows a party potentially disadvantaged by a third party's right globally to recruit experts willing to take over proceedings on behalf of the disadvantaged party for invalidating the right in question, and to pay a contingent fee to those who successfully invalidated the right. The inventive system also ensures that legitimate rights are protected while corporations are defended against unfair accusations and frivolous lawsuits.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: An image commercial transactions system and method, an image transfer system and method, an image distribution system and method, and a display device and method are disclosed. A reception dealer accepts the transfer of an image recorded on a recording medium in a predetermined format with a handling condition intrinsic to the image, and transfers the image with the handling condition, and an advertisement, in digital data format, and a charge accounting dealer effects an electronic charge accounting transaction for the transfer of data of the image with the handling condition and the advertisement. Accordingly, a forwarding request user is helpful in making public the advertisement by having the data of the advertisement along with the data of the image forwarded, instead of the reception dealer, whereby a transfer fee for the data of image can be made lower. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the usability for the transfer significantly.

Abstract: Charging in a reasonable manner for a fee regarding an information recording apparatus recording information into a recording medium.

Abstract: One network system according to the invention allows a party potentially disadvantaged by a third party's right globally to solicit information for contesting the right in question and to pay a reward to individuals or organizations for offering the information for invalidation. The system ensures that legitimate rights are protected while corporations are defended against unfair accusations and frivolous lawsuits. Another network system according to the invention allows a party potentially disadvantaged by a third party's right globally to recruit experts willing to take over proceedings on behalf of the disadvantaged party for invalidating the right in question, and to pay a contingent fee to those who successfully invalidated the right. The inventive system also ensures that legitimate rights are protected while corporations are defended against unfair accusations and frivolous lawsuits.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: A video signal reproduction system for receiving a video signal transmitted via a satellite communication link at a receiving device. A copy permission indicator is inserted in the received video signal. The copy permission indicator is generated on the basis of copy management information that has been appended to the video signal and detected by the system. The indicator is in the form of a multiple of coded bits which are arrayed at a pre-set position in the video signal and are operable to indicate a generation limitation on copying of the video signal.

Abstract: A video signal reproduction system for receiving a video signal transmitted via a satellite communication link at a receiving device. A copy permission indicator is inserted in the received video signal. The copy permission indicator is generated on the basis of copy management information that has been appended to the video signal and detected by the system. The indicator is in the form of a multiple of coded bits which are arrayed at a pre-set position in the video signal and are operable to indicate a generation limitation on copying of the video signal.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus for prohibiting copying or unauthorized use. The apparatus includes a copying management information decision circuit 19 for discriminating the state of the copying management information read out from each header of a data sector and within the TOC, a protect signal generating circuit 20 for generating a protect signal based on the discrimination signal and a mixing circuit 24 for mixing a protect signal in a vertical blanking period of an analog video signal D/A converted from digital video data reproduced from an optical disc D. The apparatus also includes a descrambling circuit 31 for descrambling the digital data based on the copying management information and a scrambling circuit 32 for descrambling the digital data. The apparatus enables prohibition of unauthorized analog copying and digital copying, inhibition of serial generational copying and prohibition of unauthorized analog and digital copying simultaneously.

Abstract: An image commercial transactions system and method that are able to implement the sales to the purpose of the seller. An e-commerce system for selling a picture and a handling condition specific to the picture, both being recorded on a predetermined recording medium in a predetermined format. The picture to be sold and the handling condition are accepted by an acceptor in a digital format. When a transaction is established, an accounting company carries out an accounting electronically for a purchaser of the data of the picture and the e-commerce condition, thereby both of the picture to be sold and the handling condition are sold as digital data so that the purchased picture is used in a handling manner as intended by the seller. Consequently, the selling of the picture can be made so as to satisfy the intention of the seller.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus for prohibiting copying or unauthorized use. The apparatus includes a copying management information decision circuit 19 for discriminating the state of the copying management information read out from each header of a data sector and within the TOC, a protect signal generating circuit 20 for generating a protect signal based on the discrimination signal and a mixing circuit 24 for mixing a protect signal in a vertical blanking period of an analog video signal D/A converted from digital video data reproduced from an optical disc D. The apparatus also includes a descrambling circuit 31 for descrambling the digital data based on the copying management information and a scrambling circuit 32 for descrambling the digital data. The apparatus enables prohibition of unauthorized analog copying and digital copying inhibition of serial generational copying and prohibition of unauthorized analog and digital copying simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus for prohibiting copying or unauthorized use. The apparatus includes a copying management information decision circuit 19 for discriminating the state of the copying management information read out from each header of a data sector and within the TOC, a protect signal generating circuit 20 for generating a protect signal based on the discrimination signal and a mixing circuit 24 for mixing a protect signal in a vertical blanking period of an analog video signal D/A converted from digital video data reproduced from an optical disc D. The apparatus also includes a descrambling circuit 31 for descrambling the digital data based on the copying management information and a scrambling circuit 32 for descrambling the digital data. The apparatus enables prohibition of unauthorized analog copying and digital copying, inhibition of serial generational copying and prohibition of unauthorized analog and digital copying simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus for prohibiting copying or unauthorized use. The apparatus includes a copying management information decision circuit 19 for discriminating the state of the copying management information read out from each header of a data sector and within the TOC, a protect signal generating circuit 20 for generating a protect signal based on the discrimination signal and a mixing circuit 24 for mixing a protect signal in a vertical blanking period of an analog video signal D/A converted from digital video data reproduced from an optical disc D. The apparatus also includes a descrambling circuit 31 for descrambling the digital data based on the copying management information and a scrambling circuit 32 for descrambling the digital data. The apparatus enables prohibition of unauthorized analog copying and digital copying, inhibition of serial generational copying and prohibition of unauthorized analog and digital copying simultaneously.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.