Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling viewing of video programs. The apparatus includes a signal unit for receiving and processing a video signal, a decoding unit for decoding a grade code of a video program contained in the video signal, a key input unit for receiving control data from a user wherein the control data includes a secret number, a storage unit for prestoring a grade code and a secret number, and a control unit for comparing the decoded grade code with the prestored grade code, comparing the secret number inputted to the key input unit with the prestored secret number if the decoded grade code matches the prestored grade code, and outputting the video signal to the user if the secret numbers match.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for addressing terminals for receiving television programs that are subject to charges, whereby the terminals are divided into groups each having a group address, and an identifier within the group is assigned to each of the terminals of each group. According to the invention, said identifier is a binary vector. The group address and a data item are sent in order to address terminals of group. The data item is formed by logically linking the binary vectors with another binary vector that describes which of the terminals of the group should be addressed. The linking is preferably carried out by forming a binary matrix consisting of the binary vectors and by multiplying the binary matrix with the other vector.

Abstract: A program distribution system is disclosed for the simultaneous release of a program at a plurality of locations. The locations may include local broadcasters, or even individual devices. A program is modified so that it cannot be played without a release control signal and is then copied and distributed .either fixed in a media or electronically, i.e. via private network, the Internet, etc.) At the receiver the receiver first detects the release control signal and then replays the program at will. The program may include a time stamp in which case the receiver cannot replay the program until a control indicative of a current time/date corresponding to the date stamp. Alternative the program can be encrypted in which case the release control signal includes the decryption key. The release control can be broadcast over a tv channel, a radio channel and so on and is preferably imbedded into the signals of the standard tv or radio signals.

Abstract: A signal reproducing method and apparatus in which the generation limitation information, such as a token or a ticket, contained in digital data, is recorded in analog signals. A reproducing device 20 reproduces, from a source disc S, picture data etc having the superimposed copyright control information for copying limitation and a ticket representing the generation limitation information specifying the number of times of possible copying or reproduction. The reproducing device 20 converts the picture data etc into analog baseband signals and detects the ticket. The reproducing device 20 superimposes the detected ticket on audio signals by watermark processing to output the resulting analog baseband signals.

Abstract: A combined computer and decoder system for receiving broadcast digital data transmissions, characterized in that the decoder (2020) comprises a routing means (2032), broadcast digital data received at the decoder (2020) and destined for the computer (2027) being identified and routed to applications within the computer by said routing means. The computer (2027) may further include control means (2038) for controlling the configuration of the decoder, such as the selected channel frequency of the decoder.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting stored-program control systems, in particular in motor vehicles, which offers a software protection system for programming. A programming routine for programming by an external device is subdivided into segments in such a way that queries for programming authorization can be accomplished between the individual segments.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting data signals in a secure manner comprises means for encrypting the data signals using a first key, means for broadcasting the encrypted data signals to subscribers, means for decrypting the encrypted data signals at each of the subscribers using the first key, and means for encrypting the first key using a second key. The second key is different for each group of subscribers having a common interest in a type of programs. The system further comprises means for broadcasting the encrypted first key to all subscribers and means for decrypting the encrypted first key at each of the subscribers using the second key. The second key is a combination of a key common to all subscribers and a difference key which is unique per type of programs. Means are provided for encrypting the common key and for broadcasting the encrypted common key to all subscribers, the subscribers having means for decrypting the encrypted common key at each of the subscribers.

Abstract: A data receiving-processing apparatus including a receiver for receiving an extended function program or data transmitted thereto, a processor for processing the received data, a first storage such as a read-only memory for storing a basic program used to execute the data processing and an ID code to identify the apparatus and having a branch for the extended function program, a second storage such as a nonvolatile memory for storing the extended function program in a compressed state, a third storage such as a volatile memory for storing the extended function program in an decompressed state, and a decision maker for making a decision as to whether the ID code has predetermined content. The received data is processed in accordance with the basic program stored in the first storage and, after the extended function program stored in the second storage is read out at the branch in the basic program, the data is processed in accordance with the extended function program.

Abstract: A method for providing authentication, authorization and access control of software object residing in digital set-top terminals creates a fingerprint (“signature”) for each software object, associates each fingerprint with a service tier, encodes each association and creates an association table containing the information and downloads the association table to the digital set-top terminal. In addition, the method utilizes an entitlement management message, sent to each set-top terminal, indicating what software objects the set-top terminal may utilize, and provides a system routine at the digital set-top terminal that is invoked whenever software object is about to be utilized. The entitlement management message contains the access rights given to a particular set-top terminal, which must match the software object's access requirements for the software object to be utilized.

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: A video signal receiver has a first output terminal, at which only a chroma, video, blanking, sync signal or a video, blanking, syncs signal with a chrominance signal is output. A second output terminal carries the RGB color signals and the associated sync signals. Video recorders normally evaluate only a video, blanking, sync signal with the corresponding chrominance information and can be connected to the first output terminal. Television displays normally evaluate RGB signals as well and can be connected to the second output terminal. The signal output at the first output terminal for the video recorder can be selectively blocked by a control device which is controlled by an identifier produced at the transmitter end. As a result, it is possible to display an encrypted transmission on the television set, but not to record the transmission on the video recorder.

Abstract: A client receives a remote installation service (RIS) activated by a browser through the Internet, and notifies an RIS server of a software number corresponding to an icon pointed to and clicked by a pointing device on a home page. The RIS server provides various services such as software distribution, online shopping, communications service, transaction service, etc. according to the information.

Abstract: A scrambling system for a cable television system in which a group of channel frequencies are reused over a plurality of service areas includes an access controller, an encoder and a plurality of simplified scrambling units. Each service area receives different television signals on the group of channel frequencies. The access controller provides signal authorization information for a given channel frequency to a plurality of receiver/decoders located in the different services areas. The access controller also provides descrambling information corresponding to the signal authorization information to the encoder for the given channel frequency. The encoder produces a conditional access code by placing the descrambling information into a scrambled reference signal. An extracting unit removes the conditional access code from the scrambled reference signal and distributes the conditional access code to each of the simplified scrambling units operating at the given channel frequency.

Abstract: A video data communication system and method are disclosed which provides for the secure transmission of video data among devices connected to a video data bus. The video data is transmitted with address information corresponding to a particular device or, alternatively, video data is encrypted and transmitted on the data bus without address information.