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 Set Top Box (STB) or client computer includes a communication interface operable to receive digital messages and digital content, memory operable, and processing circuitry coupled to the communication interface and to the memory. The STB is operable to receive a digital message, extract a key portion from the digital message, decrypt the key portion, descramble the digital content using the decrypted key portion, extract a rights portion from the digital message, decrypt the rights portion, determine protected and unprotected digital content based upon the rights portion, write the unprotected digital content to an unprotected portion of the memory, and write the protected digital content to a protected portion of the memory. The decrypted key portion may include a plurality of Program IDs (PIDs) and the decrypted rights portion may include protection data for each PID. A security processor may prevent a central processing unit from accessing the protected portion of the memory.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed which enable flexible insertion of forensic watermarks into a digital content signal using a common customization function. The common customization function flexibly employs a range of different marking techniques that are applicable to a wide range of forensic marking schemes. These customization functions are also applicable to pre-processing and post-processing operations that may be necessary for enhancing the security and transparency of the embedded marks, as well as improving the computational efficiency of the marking process. The common customization function supports a well-defined set of operations specific to the task of forensic mark customization that can be carried out with a modest and preferably bounded effort on a wide range of devices. This is accomplished through the use of a generic transformation technique for use as a “customization” step for producing versions of content forensically marked with any of a multiplicity of mark messages.

Abstract: A system for encoding a video stream into a processed video signal that includes at least one image, includes a pattern detection module for detecting a pattern of interest in the at least one image and identifying a region that contains the pattern of interest when the pattern of interest is detected. An encoder section, generates the processed video signal and wherein, when the pattern of interest is detected, a higher quantization is assigned to the region than to portions of the at least one image outside the region.

Abstract: Multiple transform utilization and applications for secure digital watermarking. In one embodiment of the present invention, digital blocks in digital information to be protected are transformed into the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform. A plurality of frequencies and associated amplitudes are identified for each of the transformed digital blocks and a subset of the identified amplitudes is selected for each of the digital blocks using a primary mask from a key. Message information is selected from a message using a transformation table generated with a convolution mask. The chosen message information is encoded into each of the transformed digital blocks by altering the selected amplitudes based on the selected message information.

Abstract: The usability while performing copy control can be enhanced in the case of recording a digital broadcast program for which recording of one generation is permitted (“Copy One Generation”). When an output route in the case of copying digital contents from a first recording apparatus to a second recording apparatus is via LAN, authentication is executed between the first recording apparatus and the second recording apparatus. The capability of a move process with a predetermined copy number of multiple copies being kept is confirmed, and dedicated key information is shared to be used for encryption and decryption of the digital contents moved with the predetermined copy number of multiple copies being kept. Then, the digital contents recorded and managed in the first recording apparatus is added with the information about the predetermined copy number of multiple copies, and transmitted.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one traitor computer system among a plurality of receiver computer systems including: assigning a version of protected content to each of the plurality of receiver computer systems that are currently identified as innocent by a content protection system that monitors distribution of protected content to the plurality of receiver computer systems; recovering at least one unauthorized rebroadcast of the content; generating a score for each of the plurality of receiver computer systems with respect to the recovered unauthorized rebroadcast; calculating a threshold independent of an estimation of maximum traitor computer systems; checking a highest score against the threshold; incriminating a receiver computer system having the highest score above the threshold as a traitor computer system; and removing any unauthorized rebroadcasts overlapping with the traitor computer system. The process may be repeated from generating scores until all traitors are identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for restricting recording of contents using a device key of a content reproduction device. A content recording device includes a content recording unit for encrypting contents using a Content Encryption Key (CEK) and recording the encrypted contents in a recording medium; a CEK transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting the CEK to at least one content reproduction device, and receiving, from the at least one content reproduction device, an encrypted CEK being encrypted using a device key of each of the at least one content reproduction device; and a CEK recording unit for recording the encrypted CEK in the recording medium.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for protection of streamed media content is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes control means for governance of content streams or content objects, decryption means for decrypting content streams or content objects under control of the control means, and feedback means for tracking actual use of content streams or content objects. The control means may operate in accordance with rules received as part of the streamed content, or through a side-band channel. The rules may specify allowed uses of the content, including whether or not the content can be copied or transferred, and whether and under what circumstances received content may be “checked out” of one device and used in a second device. The rules may also include or specify budgets, and a requirement that audit information be collected and/or transmitted to an external server. In a different aspect, the apparatus may include a media player designed to call plugins to assist in rendering content.

Abstract: Playability of a copy protected video signal is improved by reducing the darkening and or venetian blind effects which tend to cause artifacts in a video signal display. To this end, the copy protection signal includes automatic gain control (AGC) signals or pulses in video lines in a portion of the active or viewable video field or frame, wherein the AGC pulses comprise non similar AGC signals from one video line to another video line. The dis-similar AGC pulses may include pulses which are deleted, blanked, attenuated, pulse width modified, modulated, etc. In addition, selected sync pulses may be pulse width, amplitude and or position modified.

Abstract: A supplier PC transmits a print job together with information on the recipient of the print job and print setting to a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus receives the print job, transmits a notification that print preparation is completed to the recipient PC to accomplish notification. The recipient PC displays pre-print notification, based on the notification contents. The user of the recipient PC views the notification contents, and comes to know that a document addressed to him/her has been transmitted and about to be printed. The recipient PC accepts a change in print setting and the like, and starts printing. Thus, the user of the supplier PC can pass a print to the recipient.

Abstract: Provided is a method of downloading, by a digital broadcast receiver, a software for upgrade through broadcast signals. According to the method, existence of a receiver software to be downloaded is checked, and a reservation time for downloading of the software is set. After that, a download and upgrade of the software are performed at the set reservation time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: A system and method for managing use of items having usage rights associated therewith. The system includes an activation device adapted to issue a software package having a public and private key pair, the public key being associated with a user, a license device adapted to issue a license, a usage device adapted to receive the software package, receive the license and allow the user to access the item in accordance with the license, and a subscription managing device adapted to maintain a subscription list including the public key associated with the user. License's is issued by the license device upon verifying presence of the public key in the subscription list corresponding to requested content.

Abstract: In an apparatus of reproducing contents in which an encryption key is to be changed at predetermined intervals for copyright protection purpose, the contents can be reproduced or specially reproduced with no problem such as fast forward, and fast rewind. For special reproduction, data and key information needed therefor are made ready in advance, and using the data and the key information, the contents are specially reproduced. Alternatively, an encryption key generation rule is defined in advance for use in generation of an encryption key. By making any needed key information ready in advance from this rule, the contents can be reproduced and specially reproduced with no problem.

Abstract: Exchange of Digital Rights Management protected content between two devices without the need for a third party. Each user marks a license as unusable and the devices the trade licenses. A user then instructs the device to import the received license. The device verifies that a license has been rendered unusable and only then erases the unusable license and enables the device to use the new license. The content associated with a license may be traded before or after the license exchange, and may also be downloaded from a third party. Also provided is a device for exchanging licenses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating or providing any of various types of modifications purposely made to generally known signals, waveforms, conditions, functions, etc. The modifications are sensed, read, detected or interpreted to provide a content control command indicative of the difference between the original signal, waveform, condition, functions, etc., and the modified signal, waveform, condition, function, etc. The content control command may be used to provide content control for a content control system, which in turn may provide control of a selected compliant device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for securely delivering media data. A requestor is directed to a secure streaming portal after being authenticated. A requesting application contacts the secure streaming portal and requests media data. A configuration header having a key for decrypting the media data is sent to the requesting application using secure communications. The media data is dynamically encrypted using the key and streamed to the requesting application. The requesting application uses the key and decrypts the encrypted media data for consumption.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for preventing content received from non-trusted sources from accessing protected data. A sequence of instructions and multiple permission indicators associated with the sequence of instructions are received. One or more of permission indicators are associated with a protected activity. An instruction within the sequence of instructions associated with the protected activity is identified. A determination is made whether execution of the identified instruction is permitted based, at least in part, on the one or more permission indicators, and the protected activity is performed if execution of the identified instruction is permitted.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an additional image formation unit configured to form an additional image having a first predetermined density. At least a part of the additional image is overlaid with a main image having a second predetermined density, the main image being formed on an image formation medium. A boundary image formation unit is configured to form a boundary image which is formed in an area defined in the vicinity of an overlaid area where the additional image is overlaid with the main image. A density of the boundary image is lower than both the first predetermined density and the second predetermined density. A synthesized image formation unit is configured to synthesize the main image, additional image and the boundary image to form a synthesized image.

Abstract: A method for providing protected content, wherein content usage rights information and/or usage state information is embedded into obtained primary data that serves as a basis for a content item to be provided thereby providing the primary data with the embedded content usage rights information and/or usage state information as the content item.

Abstract: A method for processing video content is disclosed. The method comprises: receiving, in a hardware device connected in operation to a computer, encrypted, encoded video content; decrypting the encrypted, encoded video content to form decrypted, encoded video content; decoding a first portion of the decrypted, encoded video content to form a decrypted, decoded video content portion; re-encrypting the decrypted, decoded video content portion to form a re-encrypted, decoded video content portion; re-encrypting a second portion of the decrypted, encoded video content to form a re-encrypted, encoded video content portion; and outputting the re-encrypted, decoded video content portion and the re-encrypted, encoded video content portion to the computer.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method configured to access multiple external storage medium. The apparatus and method detect theft or loss (or otherwise unauthorized use) of the information processing apparatus with respect to data stored in multiple storage areas, back up the data to the storage medium, and record, in association with each of the storage medium, an easiness degree indicating how easily a user accesses the storage medium. The apparatus and method calculate erasure priority rankings of the data stored in a manner that an erasure priority ranking is higher as an easiness degree is higher, record the calculated erasure priority rankings in association with each of the multiple storage areas, and erases the data stored in the multiple storage areas in accordance with the erasure priority rankings when detecting theft or loss of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products enable the embedding of forensic marks in a host content that is in compressed domain. These and other features are achieved by preprocessing of a host content to provide a plurality of host content versions with different embedded watermarks that are subsequently compressed. A host content may then be efficiently marked with forensic marks in response to a request for such content. The marking process is conducted in compressed domain, thus reducing the computational burden of decompressing and re-compressing the content, and avoiding further perceptual degradation of the host content. In addition, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed that obstruct differential analysis of such forensically marked content.

Abstract: Advanced solutions for encrypting multi-layer audio data are required, ie. audio data that comprise a base layer and one or more enhancement layers. A method for encrypting such an encoded audio signal comprises separating the base layer into two sections, encrypting the side information within frames of the second section of the base layer, and encrypting at least a part of the data of the enhancement layer, wherein the encrypted section of the base layer and the encrypted enhancement layer require different decryption keys for decryption. Thus, free preview zones are possible to implement.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. Upon a failure, the system determines which of the remote devices to challenge next based upon the failure type and the number of retries remaining.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for image processing are disclosed, each of which obtains a mark from image data, detects additional information in the mark, determines whether the mark is detected in the mark to generate a determination result, and controls processing performed by an image processing apparatus with respect to the image data based on the determination result.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are arranged to enable loading of an application, such as a game application, prior to a formal release date of the application. An end-user is provided components of the application either over a network, CD, DVD, or the like. At least one component of the application is encrypted. The end-user may register with an application provider. At a pre-defined time, such as a release date for the application, a decryption key is made available to the end-user. The decryption key may be employed to decrypt the encrypted component(s) of the application, such that the application may be readied for execution. In addition, bug fixes, additions, or the like, may also be pre-loaded to release of the application, thereby ensuring that the end-user has the most current application configuration.

Abstract: A test pattern containing plurality of patches recorded using small dot patterns and large dot patterns is printed. The dot sizes arranged in the patches are different between patches. Then the test patterns are read. The detection rate and average density of additional information embedded in each large dot pattern are obtained. A large dot pattern whose detection rate and average density fall within a reference range and are closest to ideal values is determined. The average density of each small dot pattern is obtained. A small dot pattern whose average density falls within a reference range and is closest to the average density of the determined large dot pattern is determined. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using these dot patterns and combined with a print target image.

Abstract: A product mark including a public key certificate issued with respect to an information-recording-medium manufacturing entity or information-recording-medium manufacturing equipment, and an encrypted volume ID calculated by computation based on a product-mark-associated value such as a hash value generated on the basis of the product mark, and a volume ID as an identifier set with respect to a given set of discs to be manufactured, are generated. The product mark and the encrypted volume ID are set as information for generating a key used for decryption of encrypted content, and recorded onto a disc by a reflective-film-removal recording method. Due to this configuration, the product mark and the encrypted volume ID as key generating information cannot be read from a pirated disc produced by physically copying a pit pattern on the basis of a legitimate commercial disc, thereby making it possible to prevent unauthorized reproduction or use of content.

Abstract: Computer readable media, apparatuses, and methods to control copying of AV data are provided. The data structure includes the AV data having a format according to a protocol for a digital channel between a transmission device and a reception device, and copy control information to control copying of the AV data. Accordingly, copy control can be performed for a digital signal received and decoded according to a DVI or HDMI protocol. In addition, when the digital signal is converted to an analog signal, a CGMS and Macrovision signal can be inserted into the analog signal.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. The controller can determine whether a remote device is located in an authorization zone, out of an authorization zone, or whether the remote device's location is indeterminate.

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: A first information recorder comprises a limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit for setting information on the limited number-of-times of copying electronic data, a first limited number-of-times of copying information updating unit for reading out the electronic data from a first information recording medium containing electronic data set with limited number of times of copying information by the limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit and updating the limited number-of-times of copying information set with respect to the electronic data, and a first transmitter for transmitting electronic data whose limited number-of-times of copying information is updated by the first limited number of times of copying information updating unit.

Abstract: A method of packaging broadcast contents are provided. The method includes: extracting a copy control bit from input broadcast contents and determining whether the broadcast contents will be stored after being encrypted based on the extracted copy control bit; creating usage rule information which includes an encryption method of the broadcast contents if it is determined that the broadcast contents will be stored after being encrypted; extracting the copy control bit from each new broadcast content sequentially input and detecting broadcast contents which include copy control bits indicating that the broadcast contents will be stored without being encrypted; and encrypting the input broadcast contents through the broadcast contents before the detected broadcast contents using the encryption method and packaging and storing the encrypted broadcast contents and the usage rule information.

Abstract: A variable guilloche includes at least two guilloche curves, printed in a common space and having at least one point of overlap. The at least two curves are plotted from equations having variables corresponding to a specified data string of steganographic information.

Abstract: A data placement configuration which ensures seamless playback of contents having segment portions including multiple different variations of encrypted data is provided. With regard to contents having segment portions configured of multiple different variations of encrypted data to which individual segment keys have been applied, and non-segment portions serving as encrypted data to which a unit key has been applied, the placement of segment data and non-segment portion configuration data is determined such that the maximum jump distance executed at the time of playback processing is equal to or less than a maximum jump distance set beforehand. Data placement has been determined based on seek time, ECC block processing time, sequence key usage time which is key switchover time, and so forth.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for remotely defining security data for authorizing access to data on a client device. Permission indicators are associated with a sequence of instructions, and a protected activity is associated with one or more of the permission indicators and with an instruction within the sequence of instructions. The one or more permission indicators and the sequence of instructions are provided to a remote device. The remote device determines whether execution of the instruction is permitted based, at least in part, on the one or more permission indicators, and the remote device performs the protected activity if execution of the instruction is permitted.

Abstract: A new copy protection signal includes resistance to certain circumvention devices and includes improved playability. The new copy protection signal causes the certain circumvention devices to pass substantially the copy protection effects to a video recorder or to allow for content control effectiveness on a compliant device. The new copy protection signal also causes the circumvention device to add or enhance copy protection effectiveness, which is contrary to the circumvention device's original intent of removing or reducing copy protection effectiveness. The new copy protection signal is provided by inserting or adding one or more pseudo sync pulses or one or more pseudo sync/AGC pulse pairs immediately after, or one line after, a vertical sync signal in at least one television line.

Abstract: An image commercial transactions system and method, an image transfersystem 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 Set Top Box (STB) or client computer includes a communication interface operable to receive digital messages and digital content, memory operable, and processing circuitry coupled to the communication interface and to the memory. The STB is operable to receive a digital message, extract a key portion from the digital message, decrypt the key portion, descramble the digital content using the decrypted key portion, extract a rights portion from the digital message, decrypt the rights portion, determine protected and unprotected digital content based upon the rights portion, write the unprotected digital content to an unprotected portion of the memory, and write the protected digital content to a protected portion of the memory. The decrypted key portion may include a plurality of Program IDs (PIDs) and the decrypted rights portion may include protection data for each PID. A security processor may prevent a central processing unit from accessing the protected portion of the memory.

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 content signal via a WiFi communications channel, the content signal including a control signal; and using a modifying circuit coupled with the WiFi communications channel to generate an analog copy protection signal based on the control signal, the control signal causing the modifying circuit to add or delete the analog copy protection signal to or from the content signal.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products enable the embedding of forensic marks in a host content that is in compressed domain. These and other features are achieved by preprocessing of a host content to provide a plurality of host content versions with different embedded watermarks that are subsequently compressed. A host content may then be efficiently marked with forensic marks in response to a request for such content. The marking process is conducted in compressed domain, thus reducing the computational burden of decompressing and re-compressing the content, and avoiding further perceptual degradation of the host content. In addition, methods, devices and computer program products are disclosed that obstruct differential analysis of such forensically marked content.

Abstract: A “lock-and-key” consumer billing data protection capability is provided to telemarketing and electronic marketing systems which are based upon previously-acquired consumer lists. The lists contain encrypted partial billing information for each consumer, which is insufficient to access the consumer's account. Thus, at the time a consumer is offered a product or service, the telemarketer, the electronic marketer, and any entity hired to perform billing operations for such consumer purchases all remain “locked” out from accessing the consumer's account. When the consumer wishes to authorize the purchase of an offered product or service, the consumer must provide the “key” to the consumer's account, which is the key necessary to decrypt the encrypted partial billing information and also the missing billing information not acquired from the list provider.

Abstract: A video signal is processed to selectively permit copying by superposing in that portion of the video signal which does not contain useful picture information a copyright information signal indicative of whether the viewable picture that is displayed from the video signal is subject to copyright and a copy generation signal indicative of the number of successive generations of copies that can be made from the video signal.

Abstract: A copy prevention method and apparatus of a digital magnetic recording/reproducing system performs the copy prevention function by encoding to insert a marker involving copy prevention function information and executing the function and allows a program supplier to realize a desired copy prevention function of various patterns, in which the marker formed by a control word for scrambling audio and video bit straps and copy prevention information for preventing an illegal copy is encrypted by an encoded key to be multiplexed with the audio and video bit strips scrambled by the control word. The marker transmitted is detected from the bit strips to be decrypted and analyzed by the encoded key to determine whether the copy is permitted or not, so that the detected marker is updated to be recorded on a video tape and the control word is produced from the marker to perform the descrambling to supply the result to a monitor to be displayed.

Abstract: A copy prevention method and apparatus of a digital magnetic recording/reproducing system performs the copy prevention function by encoding to insert a marker involving copy prevention function information and executing the function and allows a program supplier to realize a desired copy prevention function of various patterns, in which the marker formed by a control word for scrambling audio and video bit straps and copy prevention information for preventing an illegal copy is encrypted by an encoded key to be multiplexed with the audio and video bit strips scrambled by the control word. The marker transmitted is detected from the bit strips to be decrypted and analyzed by the encoded key to determine whether the copy is permitted or not, so that the detected marker is updated to be recorded on a video tape and the control word is produced from the marker to perform the descrambling to supply the result to a monitor to be displayed.

Abstract: A copy prevention method and apparatus of a digital magnetic recording/reproducing system performs the copy prevention function by encoding to insert a marker involving copy prevention function information and executing the function and allows a program supplier to realize a desired copy prevention function of various patterns, in which the marker formed by a control word for scrambling audio and video bit straps and copy prevention information for preventing an illegal copy is encrypted by an encoded key to be multiplexed with the audio and video bit strips scrambled by the control word. The marker transmitted is detected from the bit strips to be decrypted and analyzed by the encoded key to determine whether the copy is permitted or not, so that the detected marker is updated to be recorded on a video tape and the control word is produced from the marker to perform the descrambling to supply the result to a monitor to be displayed.

Abstract: A copy prevention method and apparatus of a digital magnetic recording/reproducing system performs the copy prevention function by encoding to insert a marker involving copy prevention function information and executing the function and allows a program supplier to realize a desired copy prevention function of various patterns, in which the marker formed by a control word for scrambling audio and video bit straps and copy prevention information for preventing an illegal copy is encrypted by an encoded key to be multiplexed with the audio and video bit strips scrambled by the control word. The marker transmitted is detected from the bit strips to be decrypted and analyzed by the encoded key to determine whether the copy is permitted or not, so that the detected marker is updated to be recorded on a video tape and the control word is produced from the marker to perform the descrambling to supply the result to a monitor to be displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting access to audio and/or video data is accomplished when data is received, where the data may be audio data and/or video data. Having received the data, it is interpreted to determine whether an embedded data access parameter is active. If so, an indication of the particular type of data access is generated. The data access parameter may control access to the data as at least one of: copy restrictions, viewing restrictions, and/or use restrictions. The indication is subsequently provided to a computer system such that unauthorized accessing, including unauthorized copying, of the video and/or audio data is prohibited.