Abstract: A communication installation for communal reception of digital television and/or of multimedia data, which receives a plurality of signals emanating from separate sources. The installation of the invention comprises a network linking a multiplicity of descrambler/decoder devices, available to the users of the community, to a local server capable of demodulating the signals received so as to despatch them over the network in the form of a stream of packets of common modulation, with software applications allowing the descrambling/decoding of the signals. Thus, off-the-shelf descrambler/decoder devices of similar designs can process the various signals received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a signal processor including a serial-to-parallel converter inputting serial digital video signals for n channels and converting the serial digital video signals for respective channels into parallel digital video signals. The signal processor further includes a frame-synchronization scrambler scrambling predetermined bits of the parallel digital video signals and storing the initial values in the auxiliary data section as auxiliary data; and a self-synchronization scrambler scrambling the parallel digital data for respective channels; and a multiplexer multiplexing the parallel digital data for respective channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an encrypted data stream representing an audio and/or video signal comprises an encoder for encoding an input signal to generate a data stream with a predefined data stream syntax as output signal. The apparatus further comprises an encryption means coupled with the decoder in order to influence encoder internal data and/or the output signal of the encoder in a uniquely reversible manner based on a key such that the generated encrypted data stream comprises payload information differing from payload information of a data stream that would be generated by the apparatus without the presence of an encryption means and that the generated encrypted data stream comprises the predefined data stream syntax.

Abstract: In a subscriber television system with a host terminal, the present invention allows the identification of the individual packets from two separate MPEG transport streams that have been multiplexed together for decoding by a single external conditional access or point-of-deployment (POD) module. The decoding of individual packets from two separate MPEG transport streams supports the use of multiple tuner host terminals for such functions as picture-in-picture (PIP) program viewing and the viewing of one program while recording a second program.

Abstract: A system for decrypting multiple transport streams is disclosed. The system includes: a Multiple Transport stream Multiplexer (M-Mux), for receiving at least a first transport stream and a second transport stream, and outputting a resultant transport stream; a multiple transport stream decryption card for decrypting the resultant transport stream to output a decrypted transport stream; a Source Multiplexer (S-Mux) for receiving the decrypted transport stream from the multiple transport stream decryption card and the resultant transport stream, and outputting a final resultant transport stream; and a Multiple Transport Stream Processor (M-Processor) for receiving the final resultant transport stream, and sending the final resultant transport stream to a corresponding framer.

Abstract: A selective encryption encoder and method of dual selective encryption and detection of intra-coded slices in video content. The selective encryption encoder has a packet identifier that identifies packets of at least one specified packet type, the at least one specified packet type being packets in a set of N consecutive slices in a frame wherein the a second byte after a slice start code is identical in all N consecutive slices. A packet duplicator duplicates the identified packets to produce first and second sets of the identified packets. The packets are sent to and from a primary encryption encoder to encrypt the first set of identified packets under a first encryption method. A secondary encrypter encrypts the second set of identified packets under a second encryption method.

Abstract: An encryption arrangement for television programs or other digital programming consistent with certain embodiments sends content completely in-the-clear and also encrypts only a portion of the content required for full presentation of a television program. The arrangement allows interoperability between new TVs that can handle encryption and older TVs that cannot. Regulations prevent new TVs from receiving only the clear content. New TVs are made to descramble the encrypted portions of the content. Older legacy TVs can receive all the content in the clear. The encrypted portions are chosen so that dramatically less bandwidth is required as compared to full dual carriage of the content. Licensing provisions relating to the encryption technology can be used to control unauthorized use of content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of protecting copyright of a digital video work by using a digital password technology and a digital watermark technology to prevent the unauthorized use of a digital video work. Such method adds password protection of two chrominance arrays of such video work in advance, so that when such video work is published on the Internet, it can only be played in color by a specified player. As long as a user enters the correct password into the specified player, a full color visual effect of such video work can be obtained. If other players are used to play such video work, only a partial gray-scale visual effect can be obtained. Users must request or buy a specific player and a password from the distributor of such video work to play the complete information to prevent piracy.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus 1 for safely transmitting information data 11 and additional information 14 is provided. In a data transmitting apparatus 101, a random number sequence generating part 111 generates a random number sequence 12 from key information 11. A diffusing part 112 generates diffused additional information 14 by time-diffusing additional information 14. A multi-level signal generating part 113 generates a multi-level signal 16 the signal level of which varies substantially like a random number, based on information data 13, the random number sequence 12, and the diffused additional information 14. In a data receiving apparatus 201, a random number sequence generating part 211 generates a random number sequence 22 from key information 21. An information data decoding part 213 decodes information data 23 and additional information 24 based on the random number sequence 22.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards providing a partial dual-encrypted stream in a conditional access overlay system. The headend equipment includes an aligner, identifier, and remapper (AIR) device (615) that receives a clear stream and one or two encrypted streams, where the two encrypted streams have been encrypted by two different encryption schemes. The AIR device (615) identifies critical packets associated with the clear stream and subsequently allows two encrypted streams to pass and drops the critical packets of the clear stream. A multiplexer (640) then combines a percentage of the non-critical packets of the clear stream and the critical packets of the two encrypted streams to provide the partial dual-encrypted stream.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus reproduces one type of information (for example, video information) in synchronous with a plurality of channels of other type of information (for example, audio information) with high copyright protection, and includes a decryption section that decrypts multiplexed stream reproduced from a recording medium, a stream analyzer that analyzes the multiplexed stream which is decrypted to detect first information (video information) contained in the multiplexed stream, a stream conversion section that alters the first information contained in the multiplexed stream which is decrypted, based on an analysis result by the analyzer. The multiplexed stream with altered video information is distributed to second to n-th stream decoders (for example, for achieving a multilingual system).

Abstract: Techniques for performing multistage processing with feedback include a multi-stage feedback processor comprising a first plurality of processing stages connected in series. A feedback channel connects a last stage to one of the other stages. Each processing stage is configured to process one block of data from a data stream during one processing cycle. A parallel input queue includes a second plurality of input queues connected in parallel to the first stage. The parallel input queue directs a block to the first stage alternately from each of a third plurality of data streams. In an embodiment, the number of data streams is no greater than the number of input queues. This arrangement significantly improves throughput for multistage processing with feedback. The arrangement is suitable for encryption and decryption of network traffic using block-based symmetric ciphers.

Abstract: A system for receiving and processing digital video information such as a digital television broadcast, includes a modular platform which receives a plurality of hot pluggable cards. The platform is coupled by a high data rate graphics bus to a digital television display. The bus may provide encrypted information to prevent piracy of the video. Because the platform is modular in design, upgrades to the digital video system may be easily implemented using hot pluggable technology without changing the display. Thus, advances in electronics may be incorporated into the platform without necessitating that the owner replace the display.

Abstract: Information communication terminals for transmitting/receiving information that includes a plurality of elements are connected to each other via a network. A information communication terminal at a transmitting side sets security-coupling levels to a plurality of elements, sets a dividing rule for dividing the information into a plurality of pieces of loosely coupled information based on the set security-coupling levels, divides the information into a plurality of pieces of loosely coupled XML data based on the set dividing rule, and transmits the divided plurality of pieces of loosely coupled XML data and the set dividing rule.

Abstract: A system for protecting audio/video content during storage and playback on systems with open buses receives a multiplexed signal, including a plurality of A/V signals and decryption keys. Following a request for a channel, a single scrambled A/V signal and its associated decryption keys are extracted from the multiplexed signal. The decryption keys are PCX-encrypted while the scrambled signal remains untouched. Both the encrypted decryption keys and the scrambled signal are stored on the system. During storage, the surreptitious piracy of the signals may be avoided.

Abstract: A content data distribution system uses a single key and multiple program authorization to transmit a plurality of programs in multiplexed data packets such as those used in Digital Video Broadcasting. A receiver has a memory, a descrambler and a processor. Authorization indicators are transmitted among said data packets and stored in the memory. The authorization indicators identify a plurality of authorized data packets corresponding to at least one authorized program and further identifies a plurality of unauthorized data packets corresponding to at least one unauthorized program. Only authorized data packets are output from a receiver in decrypted form. Null sets are substituted for unauthorized data packets. Data packet tables may be rebuilt as necessary to replace tables lost in null set substitution. One key is used to encrypt all programs. Alternatively, a number of keys fewer than the number of authorized programs may be used for encryption. The keys may themselves be encrypted for transmission.

Abstract: A method is described comprising: receiving a broadcast signal containing a plurality of encrypted multimedia channels; storing the encrypted multimedia channels in a first hard drive partition; and decrypting one or more of the encrypted multimedia channels to generate one or more decrypted multimedia channels; and storing the decrypted multimedia channels to a second hard drive partition.

Abstract: In a data multiplexing device which multiplexes and transmits the transport stream packets of program data consisting of a plurality of data elements constructed in the form of transport stream packets, a program distribution system, a program transmission system, a pay broadcast system, a program transmission method, a conditional access system, and a data reception device according to the present invention, by generating a scramble key Ks corresponding to one or more data elements among the plurality of data elements constituting a program and by scrambling each data element, an audience can subscribe for each data element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using biometric information to control access to digital media that is obtained over a network such as the Internet. Encryption, techniques are used in combination with biometric verification technology to control and monitor access to online or locally held media. Biometrics such as keystroke dynamics are measured at a user's computer to confirm the identity of a user for the purpose of allowing the user to audit music files to which the user has authorized access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting copyrighted information, e.g., video signals, from unauthorized use are described. Encrypted video signals are transmitted from a source device, e.g., display adapter, to a display device, e.g., monitor, over analog signal lines after the identity of the destination device is confirmed by receipt of a certificate assigned to the destination device. A session key, used for encrypting the analog signals, is generated and exchanged between the source and destination devices. The source and destination devices each include a pseudo-random number generator driven by the session key. As part of the encryption process a false video signal is generated. The false video signal and R, G, B video signals are transmitted to the display device over four lines. The lines used to transmit the R, G, B and false video signals are periodically swapped as a function of the output of the pseudo random number generator to encrypt, e.g., scramble, the video signals.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing digital information is disclosed. Preferably, a user acquires a tangible object which contain a code authorizing access to the digital information. The user reads the tangible object through a reader, which sends the code to a server on which the digital information is stored. The server then authorizes access to the digital information to one or more access devices listed in registries belonging to the user. The user may use the digital information on the terms he agrees to, and, while in use by the user, access to the digital information to other users or other playback devices is disabled. Once the user no longer is using the digital information, the access device erases the digital information, and signals the server that the digital information is no longer in use, thereby re-enabling access to the digital information by the other playback devices listed in the registry.

Abstract: A receiver which receives a multichannel signal and which detects and outputs an unscrambled desired signal to a video display and speaker unit includes a first unit, a second unit and a controller. The first unit comprises a frequency agile tuner for receiving said multichannel signal and for outputting a selected CATV signal. The a second unit includes a unit means for receiving the selected CATV channel signal; a unit for detecting whether the selected CATV channel signal is scrambled; and a descrambler for descrambling a scrambled CATV channel signal and for outputting a descrambled CATV channel signal. The controller controls the output of the receiver such that a signal is output from the first unit to said video display and speaker unit when the selected CATV signal is unscrambled and a signal is output from the second unit to the video display and speaker unit only when a scrambled signal is detected. The content of the selected CATV channel signal controls the operation of the second unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting copyrighted information, e.g., video signals, from unauthorized coping. Analog red (R), green (G) and blue (B) video signals are transmitted from a source device, e.g., a display adapter, to a display device, e.g., a monitor, over corresponding analog signal lines after the identify of the destination device is confirmed by receipt of a certificate assigned to the destination device. A session key, used for encrypting the analog signals, is generated and exchanged between the source and destination devices after the identification of the destination device is confirmed. The source and destination devices each includes a pseudo-random number generator driven by the session key. The lines that carry the R, G and S video signals are changed, e.g., swapped, on a periodic basis as a function of the output of the pseudo-random number generator in the source device.

Abstract: A method and system for storing data streamed over a network. Scalably encoded and progressively encrypted data are received by a second device from a first device. The scalably encoded and progressively encrypted data are stored by the second device. The scalably encoded and progressively encrypted data can be subsequently streamed to a device in the network for additional processing.

Abstract: A digital video communication system includes, at a source site, an embedding circuit for embedding a digital watermark in a digital video stream to produce a watermarked digital video stream, and a multiplexer for multiplexing a text data stream with the watermarked digital video stream to produce a multiplexed signal. At a sink site, the system includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the multiplexed signal for recovering a watermarked digital video stream and a text data stream. A digital watermark detector is provided for detecting the digital watermark embedded in the recovered digital video stream. A synchronizer responds to the detected digital watermark for synchronizing the recovered text data stream to the recovered video stream.

Abstract: A method of protecting a digital work uses a format preserving encryption scheme to encrypt the digital work. This enables any native replay application or rendering application to transform an encrypted digital work into encrypted presentation data. The originator's digital content is protected in its original form by not being decrypted. This method enables the rendering or replay application to process the encrypted document into encrypted presentation data without decrypting it first. Encrypted presentation data is then decrypted just before it is displayed to the user. An additive encryption scheme is a particular type of encryption scheme which preserves formatting of a digital work.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing only authorized mobile subscribers with a specified commercial broadcasting service in a cellular mobile communication network. A base station transmits a control signal including a common traffic ciphered key having a specified validation period through a dedicated secure signal channel assigned to a respective authorized subscriber terminal. The base station then enciphers broadcasting data from a broadcasting system with the common traffic ciphered key, for broadcasting through a common traffic broadcasting channel. The base station periodically updates the common traffic ciphered key according to the corresponding validation period. A subscriber terminal obtains the common traffic ciphered key from the control signal received through the dedicated secure signal channel, and deciphers the broadcasting signal with the obtained common traffic ciphered key to obtain therefrom the broadcasting data.

Abstract: A CATV conditional access system equipped with a digital head end which transmits picture signals of digital programs in a batch mode to terminals provided within a plurality of areas. This digital head end transmits area codes for the respective areas and data about a list table to the terminals employed in the plural areas. In this list table, digital programs of not-yet-provided services for the respective areas are indicated. The area codes are used to recognize such areas belonging to the own terminals. Each of the terminals excludes the picture signal of the digital program of the not-yet-provided service in the related area by identifying the area code with the list table of the not-yet-service digital channel.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for digitally generating a broadband signal comprising a plurality of CW or quadrature modulated signals having incrementally related frequencies wherein said plurality of signals are centered about a center RF frequency is disclosed. The invention provides for generating a first and second composite baseband signal each comprising a linear combination of N sinusoids, or N modulated signals each modulated in quadrature so as to achieve a desired instantaneous phasor value for each of the RF signals. The invention further provides for modulating in quadrature the first and second composite baseband signals on a local oscillator signal having a frequency equal to the center RF frequency.

Abstract: In a stream demultiplexing device, a synchronous clock signal is supplied to a header processing unit only when a header is being inputted and processed in the header processing unit, and supplied to a payload processing unit only when a payload is being inputted and processed in the payload processing unit. By such cutting off the synchronous clock signal supply to the header processing unit and the payload processing unit while they are not active, power consumption in the stream demultiplexing device is reduced.

Abstract: A multichannel television access control system is disclosed wherein processing of the broadband signal is performed by gated coherent RF injection on a plurality of channels, thereby effecting selective descrambling of an arbitrary subset of channels in a channel group. The system provides for a closed loop injection signal phasor control so as to maintain substantially constant relationship between the television signals and the injected signals. The combined signals are supplied to subscribers enabling the use of their cable ready equipment.

Abstract: The descrambling device comprises hardware resources (1) and first memory zones (CA1, CA2, . . . , CAn) to store at least two different access control codes for controlling the hardware resources. The device also contains an arbitration code for selecting one access control code to control the hardware resources in order to share access to the hardware resources from the access control codes. Access control codes can be downloaded in the first memory zones by means of a loader contained in the device.

Abstract: A key delivery method for use in an encoded communications system in which at least one encoded item including a first item encoded with a first item control word is sent in a communication stream from a sender to a receiver, the method including transmitting an item entitlement control message (IECM) including item control information, transmitting a stream entitlement control message (SECM) including stream control information, and combining at least part of the item control information and at least part of the stream control information to produce the first item control word. Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital broadcast system is used to provide real-time news, entertainment and informational programs to aircraft passengers in flight. Transmissions from the satellite occur on a time division multiplex (TDM) downlink with different broadcast programs being transmitted on different TDM channels. A broadcast receiver is carried on board the aircraft, and includes a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the TDM channels to reproduce the original broadcast programs. The broadcast receiver may be adapted to receive and reproduce both audio and video broadcasts, as well as to provide other types of information delivery services. Encryption of the broadcast programs may be used to restrict their use to a specific aircraft or airline company.

Abstract: In a subscriber television system with a host terminal, the present invention allows the identification of the individual packets from two separate MPEG transport streams that have been multiplexed together for decoding by a single external conditional access or point-of-deployment (POD) module. The decoding of individual packets from two separate MPEG transport streams supports the use of multiple tuner host terminals for such functions as picture-in-picture (PIP) program viewing and the viewing of one program while recording a second program.

Abstract: There is provided a computer system including a first operating process operating in a non-modified operating environment and having at least one user operating command which is normally employed only in a given mode in the first operating process, and at least one second operating process which does not include encryption, the improvement comprising: a trigger for enabling a user operating the first operating process to initiate the second operating process, the trigger comprising said at least one operating command used in a mode other than said given mode.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a new cryptographic method which is fast and ideally suited for secure, high volume data communication and storage. The data is encrypted at the source using a private key and then transmitted to a destination over a secure or insecure channel. The destination can either be a local storage device or a non-local station. At the destination the data is decrypted using the same private key. The disclosed invention is a new method and apparatus for data encryption. The mathematical robustness and simplicity of this method brings a great improvement in security and speed as compared to previous block ciphers. The data block length or the key length can also be changed very easily and such changes do not require any significant redesigns in the components of the cipher. This is a significant advantage over previous block ciphers, where extensive modifications are needed if the key or the data block length is to be altered, if this is even feasible.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus comprising an input unit for inputting image data, a generation unit for generating security data for protecting the image data, a division unit for dividing the image data into blocks, an encoding unit for encoding the image data in the unit of the block, adaptively utilizing an intrapicture encoding mode and an interpicture encoding mode, a selection unit for selecting the encoding mode, and an output unit for outputting security data generated by the generation unit, image data encoded by the encoding unit, and encoding mode data indicating the encoding mode selected by said selection unit, wherein the selection unit selects the encoding mode in such a manner that the image data of an arbitrary block in a picture are subjected to intrapicture encoding at least once within n pictures according to the security data.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station for transmission of the video programming, the remote server decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then transmits the video programming to the subscriber station. In accordance with a second aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form, decrypts the video programming, re-encrypts the video programming into a second encrypted form, and then stores the video programming. After the remote server receives a request from a subscriber station, the remote server simply transmits the video programming. In accordance with a third aspect, a remote server receives video programming in a first encrypted form and stores the video programming.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information transmission apparatus and method for an information transmission system where encrypted information comprised of a plurality of information units each hierarchically encrypted and multiplexed to each other is communicated between at least two parties, wherein the information is being encrypted for transmission. The information transmission system is constructed by a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

Abstract: An enhanced scrambled video signal, method for making an enhanced scrambled video signal and apparatus for enhanced scrambling of a video signal are all characterized by a pattern added to a video signal. The pattern is formed from a pair of segments, including a black segment and a white segment which forms a high contrast transition therebetween. The transitions vary in horizontal location from one horizontal line to the next. The pattern causes an unauthorized television receiver to mistakenly lock onto the transitions in the pattern, as if the transitions represented horizontal sync signals, thus scrambling the video display. The apparatus for inserting the pattern may be formed by a sync detector, a video amplifier, a multiplexor and a control logic device. The video amplifier sets the video signal to a DC reference level. The sync detector detects the horizontal sync of the video signal which is sent from the video amplifier.

Abstract: A system and method for selectable encryption of documents employing a document generator and a user-controlled document encryptor operative to encrypt user-selector portions of a document generated on document generator.

Abstract: Scrambling is performed without deteriorating the quality of an image encoded by an MPEG method and in which the MPEG standard is used as it is. When a digital image signal formed of a luminance signal and color-difference signals is formed into an encoded signal by an MPEG encoding method, this signal is scrambled by giving a predetermined phase angle to the color-difference signals, the scrambled image signal is MPEG-encoded, a signal for identifying the phase angle is generated, and the at least MPEG-encoded image signal and the signal for identifying the phase angle are multiplexed and output. Thus, scrambling can be performed without changing the MPEG method.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for remultiplexing program bearing data. The remultiplexing method and system are applicable to MPEG-2 compliant transport streams carrying video programs. A descriptor based system is used for scheduling the timely output of transport packets wherein each descriptor records a dispatch time as well as a receipt time for each transport packet. The receipt time is used for estimating program clock reference adjustments, but final program clock reference adjustment is performed in hardware in relation to the precise output timing of each transport packets. A descriptor and transport packet caching technique is used for decoupling the synchronous receipt and transmission of transport packets from any asynchronous processing performed thereon. The descriptors can also be used for managing scrambling and descrambling control words (encryption and decryption keys). Remultiplexing functions may be distributed across a network.

Abstract: The invention is a multiple mode transmission system that interconnects the computer of a user with the Internet. The system has a first link that is a relatively low bandwidth telephone system. The system also has a second link that is a relatively high bandwidth television system. The television link can be either terrestrial or cable. The user would send an information request to the Internet across the telephone system. The actual information would be sent to the user via the television system. Scheduling data that informs the user of the time, channel, and exact location of the information in the television signal is sent to the user across the telephone system. The scheduling data is used by the inventive system to program the TV tuner that is used by the computer to receive the TV signal. The information can be encrypted, and the key would be included with the scheduling data. The channels can be dedicated data channels.

Abstract: In a communication network in which data for transmission to a receiver terminal is multiplexed on a time-division basis and scrambled, a communication control apparatus and method for allowing the data to be descrambled at the receiver without fail. A scrambler of the sender apparatus includes a time-division frame monitoring circuit for receiving an unscrambled data stream generated by multiplexing time-division frames for application data and relevant information for transmission to thereby extract information concerning a scramble key, a scramble key manager for managing information concerning the scramble keys, an application data encryption processor for acquiring a scramble key corresponding to the information concerning the scramble key as received from the time-division frame monitoring circuit to thereby scramble the desired time-division frames of the data for transmission by using the scramble key as acquired.

Abstract: A pseudorandom number sequence generator comprises a bidirectional shift register arranged to be loaded with a multi-bit sequence. The shift register is responsive to an ith clock pulse and an ith direction control bit for shifting the multi-bit sequence in one of two directions, delivering an ith output bit and receiving an ith input bit. The multi-bit sequence successively defines one of nodes of an Eulerian graph connected by branches. A feedback circuit is connected to the shift register for converting a set of input data to a set of output data. The input data comprises a multi-bit sequence stored in the shift register in response to an (i+1)th clock pulse, the ith output bit and the ith direction control bit and the output data comprises an (i+1)th input bit and an (i+1)th direction control bit.