Abstract: A method for distributing content in a content distribution system is disclosed which comprises the steps of: encrypting at a Content Packager a content using a content encryption key to generate an encrypted content; sending the content encryption key to a Licensing Authority; receiving from the Licensing Authority a distribution key containing an encryption of the content decryption key (Kc) for a given set of authorized devices; creating a secure link between the content encryption key (Kc) and the content protected by this content encryption key using a signature of the content; and distributing the encrypted content together with the signature of the content. A method for receiving content distributed according to the above-mentioned method in a device able to play back the content is also disclosed where the content signature is checked before any play back of the content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling digital rights of the “Play N times” type for a digital audio and/or video content, referred to as controlled content, the controlled content being consumed by a consumer on a consuming device or on another device delegating the controlling of these rights to the consuming device. According to this method, charging of one additional usage is inhibited in at least one of the following cases where: the consumer momentarily consumes another content, on the same device where the controlled content is consumed, and then returns to the controlled content; the consumer effects a pause in the usage of the controlled content; the consumer performs a fast-forward of the controlled content; or the consumer performs a rewind of the controlled content.

Abstract: Distinguishing between live and recorded content in a network comprising a rendering device, an access device, and a storage device. The rendering device broadcasts a message requesting devices in the network to respond if they diffuse a content, and sets a timer. The devices respond if they diffuse the content. The rendering device then determines that the content is: live, if it has received a response from the access device; recorded, if it has received a response from the storage device, but not from the access device; and illegal, if it has not received a response before time-out of the timer. There is further a “still live delay” after diffusion of the content during which the access device responds that it is diffusing the content, and following which it may send a content release message to the storage device that may then respond to request messages.

Abstract: A method for distributing content in a content distribution system is disclosed which comprises the steps of: encrypting at a Content Packager a content using a content encryption key to generate an encrypted content; sending the content encryption key to a Licensing Authority; receiving from the Licensing Authority a distribution key containing an encryption of the content decryption key (Kc) for a given set of authorized devices; creating a secure link between the content encryption key (Kc) and the content protected by this content encryption key using a signature of the content; and distributing the encrypted content together with the signature of the content. A method for receiving content distributed according to the above-mentioned method in a device able to play back the content is also disclosed where the content signature is checked before any play back of the content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. To do this, the invention is based on a finite-state machine, comprising connected, disconnected and standby states. The changes of state take place on receipt of messages, requests or replies from the other devices, or on expiry of timers in the absence of receipt of messages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for engraving digital data received from a remote server. The inventive method consists in acquiring an identifier of a secured disc used for receiving digital data, in transmitting the identifier and a digital data loading instruction to the remote server, in receiving digital date scrambled by at least one second encryption key and second encryption keys by a first encryption key and in engraving scrambled digital data and the second encryption keys on the secured disc. A providing and distributing methods and a distribution server are also disclosed.

Abstract: Distinguishing between live and recorded content in a network comprising a rendering device, an access device, and a storage device. The rendering device broadcasts a message requesting devices in the network to respond if they diffuse a content, and sets a timer. The devices respond if they diffuse the content. The rendering device then determines that the content is: live, if it has received a response from the access device; recorded, if it has received a response from the storage device, but not from the access device; and illegal, if it has not received a response before time-out of the timer. There is further a “still live delay” after diffusion of the content during which the access device responds that it is diffusing the content, and following which it may send a content release message to the storage device that may then respond to request messages.

Abstract: A device for presentation of a signal having an audio-visual content, comprising means for presenting said content, means for connecting to a transmission channel which is external with respect to said device for receiving a signal, and a module for transmission of a signal which is disposed in the same container together with the presentation means, comprising means for storing a first identification information, adapted to receive the signal from the connection means and to transmit said signal to the presentation means only when the first identification information corresponds to a second identification information contained in the signal. A system and method for presenting a signal comprising an audio-visual content are also disclosed.

Abstract: A game management center linked to at least one remote game terminal, sends the terminals to which it is linked, a message containing a game identifier and a question. The response from a player entered via a remote game terminal is transmitted in a form blinded with the aid of a secret to the game management center so as to guarantee the anonymity of the player. If the blinded response message is received before the instant of broadcasting of the response, the game management center sends an acknowledgement of receipt to said game terminal. The response in answer to the question is subsequently broadcast to all the remote game terminals. If the player has given the right answer, the terminal must, to claim its prize, send a message containing the acknowledgement of receipt and an item proving that it is in possession of the secret used to blind the response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for controlling digital rights of the “Play N times” type for a digital audio and/or video content (132), referred to as controlled content (132), the controlled content being consumed by a consumer on a consuming device (112) or on another device delegating the controlling of these rights to the consuming device. According to the invention, such a process is characterized in that charging of one additional usage is inhibited in at least one of the following cases where: the consumer momentarily consumes another content, on the same device (112) where the controlled content (132) is consumed, and then returns to the controlled content (132), the consumer effects a pause in the usage of the controlled content (132), the consumer performs a fast-forward of the controlled content (132), the consumer performs a rewind of the controlled content (132).

Abstract: The electronic wallet system comprises a plurality of devices interconnected through a local network and capable of conducting electronic business transaction on an open network (40). Each device contains a smart card reader. A plurality of smart cards (31–3p) represent the electronic purses of the system. One of the devices comprises an entity called the server which contains a list of purses liable to receive tokens from others purses of the system. The tokens transferred between purses are stored temporally by said server. Application to a family wallet system allowing children to participate to electronic commerce. The system makes it possible to transfer tokens from one first purse to a second purse without having in hands the smart card corresponding to the second purse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. To do this, the invention is based on a finite-state machine, comprising connected, disconnected and standby states. The changes of state take place on receipt of messages, requests or replies from the other devices, or on expiry of timers in the absence of receipt of messages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IP networks and, more particularly, local area networks, for example home networks. It concerns the manner in which devices connected to such networks obtain and update knowledge of the other compatible devices connected to the network. This method is based on the regular transmission of signalling messages by all the compatible devices. Thus, by monitoring the network, a device is able to detect the other devices in the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of real-time on-line auction processing implemented by a bid server, comprising the following steps: reception of bid orders relating to at least one good or service put up for sale by auction, each bid order being associated with an amount; selection of a bid order, from among the bid orders received whose amount is equal to the highest amount of all the bid orders received. Furthermore, in this method a timeout is triggered whenever the server receives a bid order of an amount strictly greater than the highest amount of all the bid orders received previously and relating to the said good or service; and during the selection step, a bid order is selected randomly from among those received during the timeout period. The invention applies also to two other types of auction methods in which the price of the good or service put up for sale is fixed by the server.

Abstract: This method for managing a game for betting on at least one winning combination, between a game management center (10) and at least one remote game terminal (16i) comprises a step (24) which involves choosing, from the game terminal (16i), a combination of elements from a first set of proposed elements.

Abstract: A game management center linked to at least one remote game terminal, sends the terminals to which it is linked, a message (MQ) containing a game identifier and a question. The response from a player entered via a remote game terminal is transmitted in a form blinded with the aid of a secret to the game management center so as to guarantee the anonymity of the player. If the blinded response message is received before the instant of broadcasting of the response, the game management center sends an acknowledgement of receipt to said game terminal. The response in answer to the question is subsequently broadcast to all the remote game terminals.

Abstract: The electronic wallet system comprises a plurality of devices interconnected through a local network and capable of conducting electronic business transaction on an open network (40). Each device contains a smart card reader. A plurality of smart cards (31-3p) represent the electronic purses of the system. One of the devices comprises an entity called the server which contains a list of purses liable to receive tokens from others purses of the system. The tokens transferred between purses are stored temporally by said server.