Abstract: A method and system for managing agricultural product information, and for facilitating the controlled sale, distribution, and use of agricultural products provides a single data entry process for submitting agricultural product registration applications and renewals for a plurality of jurisdictions (states). A single username and password can be used to access a plurality of state databases. State data can be easily cross-referenced and indexed against federal product registration data. Also provided is a system and process of field inspection and enforcement of registration requirements for agricultural products, wherein universal product codes (UPCs) may be scanned into a portable data terminal and be used to check the approval status of a product found in a retailer's store.

Abstract: A rendering system adapted for use in a system for managing use of content and operative to rendering content in accordance with usage rights associated with the content. The system includes a rendering device configured to render the content and a repository coupled to the rendering device and operative to enforce usage rights associated with the content and permit the rendering device to render the content in accordance with a manner of use specified by the usage rights.

Abstract: A data processing device uses a portion of a random access memory as an input buffer for holding a portion of a stream of data which is being processed by a processing unit within the processing device. Various break-point source tasks 801a–n determine discontinuities in the portion of data stored in the input buffer and a sorted list of the addresses of the discontinuities is maintained in breakpoint queue 800. Since the buffer is managed in a FIFO manner, a single breakpoint register 810 is sufficient to monitor addresses as they are provided by an address register 820 for accessing the random access memory. When a breakpoint is detected, the breakpoint queue and the breakpoint register is updated by an update task 802.

Abstract: A recording device for digital data streams, such as digital TV broadcasts or digitized music, stores copies of program content encrypted by a key unique to the recording device. Distribution of program content is thus discouraged, since intelligible playback of program content would not be obtained on another recording device, which would have a different key. To reduce manufacturing complexity which would result from requiring all bits of a key to inhere in hardware, a first portion of the key inheres in hardware and a second portion is selected from among several candidates residing in a memory device, the key being determined by combining the first and second portions according to predetermined rules. The second portion is reselected at predetermined intervals from among the candidates. Only payload portions of packets are encrypted while header portions are left in the clear in order to facilitate ancillary functions of recorder such as fast forward, fast rewind, and program search.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling use of digital works in accordance with usage rights associated with the digital works. The method includes the steps of receiving a request to use a digital work, and determining whether the request should be granted based on usage rights associated with the digital work. The usage rights include a manner of use for the digital work, conditions that must be satisfied in order to exercise the manner of use, and status information relating to the state of the usage. Use of the digital work is granted in accordance with the manner of use if the result of the determining step is that the request should be granted.

Abstract: A method for providing limited printing of a digital work having one or more rights associated therewith within a system having at least one repository configured to enforce use of the digital work in accordance with the rights. A limited printing right, or other rights, can be associated with a digital work. The limited printing right specifies a type of printer and type of ticket required for exercising the limited printing right of the digital work for a limited printing fee. A copy of the digital work is distributed along with the ticket to a consumer. The limited printing fee is reported as a transaction in response to the consumer exercising the limited printing right.

Abstract: Improved techniques for implementing Network Copy Protection for database programs are disclosed. The techniques can provide Network Copy Protection across various platforms and/or connection protocols. Accordingly, the database programs can detect unlicensed use of the software even when different platforms and/or connection protocols are used by two instances (software copies) of the same database program. When unlicensed use of software is detected, access to data can be denied. As will be appreciated, in addition to supporting more conventional communication protocols, more prevalent connection protocols can be supported.

Abstract: An authorized client communication system seeking access to a host communication system may be identified by locating a memory segment within the client communication system that stores client software used to access the host computer system. The memory segment then is examined to determine whether the client software stored in the memory segment corresponds to client software for an official client communication system. Communications from the client communication system are terminated when the client software in the memory segment is determined to diverge from software for an official client communication system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention includes a method to bit scramble a digital video signal. The method includes receiving blocks of the digital video signal and scrambling the blocks of the digital video signal responsive to a remote computer number. The remote computer number may be a processor number of a remote computer that may descramble the bit scrambled video signal. In other embodiments, the invention includes a method to descramble a bit scrambled video signal in a computer. The method includes receiving blocks of the bit scrambled video signal and descrambling the blocks of the bit scrambled video signal responsive to a remote computer number of the computer in which the descrambling is occurring. Additional embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A TV music broadcasting program is distributed from a distribution apparatus through a ground station and a satellite, and a musical-piece program is also distributed through a plurality of audio channels. A subscriber looks for the desired musical piece from a musical-piece list displayed on the screen of a TV receiver and downloads it into a storage device. A pay-per-view method is employed in which accounting is performed in units of musical pieces. At downloading, a purchase record is stored in an IC card placed in a receiving apparatus and it is periodically sent to a customer management center. The customer management center calculates the viewing fee and issues a bill to the subscriber. A copyright management apparatus in the distribution apparatus obtains the purchase record of a musical piece from the customer management center to calculate a copyright fee to be paid to the copyright holder.

Abstract: A digital work recorded on a computer readable media for use within a system having at least one repository for enforcing use of digital content in accordance with usage rights associated with the digital content. The digital work includes digital content electronically recorded on a first media portion and being capable of being rendered by a rendering engine, and usage rights electronically recorded on a second media portion and being associated with the digital content. The usage rights specify a manner of use by which a repository will permit use of the digital content. The usage rights can be constructed of a grammar including symbols selected from a set of predetermined symbols which define a valid sequence of symbols that are interpreted by the repository to indicate the manner of use.

Abstract: A digital work for use within a rights management system for controlling use of the digital work in accordance with usage rights. The work is organized into an acyclic structure and includes a contents file including information related to content that can be interpreted by an interpreter, and a description tree file including descriptor blocks organized in a hierarchical manner. At least some of the descriptor blocks contain usage rights associated with the content. The usage rights specify a manner of use for the content.

Abstract: To automatically manage payment of charge produced between an apparatus manufacturer and an information provider, and to promote sales of an information processing apparatus and information contents.

Abstract: A system for associating usage rights with digital content. Usage rights are created from a grammar. The usage rights specify a manner of use indicating one or more stated purposes for which the digital content can be at least one of used and distributed by an authorized party. The usage rights are associated with the digital content. Information is exchanged with a first repository for storing the digital content and the associated usage rights and for processing a usage transaction specifying the usage rights to determine if access to the digital content can be granted. Information is exchanged with a second repository for generating the usage transaction specifying the usage rights for requesting access to the digital content.

Abstract: A secure real time voice communication system 70 is provided that allows for the secure transmission of voice communications between a sending device 72 and a receiving device 78 through the public switch telephone network 76. The device 72 uses an encryption decryption engine 30 which is capable of executing a number of encryption algorithms which are selected using an encryption selection table 80. An encryption key can be calculated from a periodic key value and a public variable key value. Further, the encryption algorithm used can be periodically changed during a voice communication session so that multiple encryption techniques can be used within the same communication session.

Abstract: A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets. In the present invention, a “digital ticket” is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce a digital works usage rights. Each repository has a “generic ticket agent” which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a “special ticket agent” residing on another repository may be needed.

Abstract: A computer network having a requesting node and a providing node permits data transfer therebetween when permitted by an authorizing node. Reports generated in response to authorizations and reports generated in response to data transfers are reconciled at a reconciliation node to improve the accuracy of payments collected and paid for use of the data. Such payments include copyright royalties for audio, video, and other works recorded in digital format.

Abstract: In a contents sale system, original contents data are encrypted into encryption-resultant contents data in response to original playback key data. The original playback key data are encrypted into first encryption-resultant playback key data. The first encryption-resultant playback key data are encrypted into second encryption-resultant playback key data in response to an ID of a sale destination terminal apparatus. The encryption-resultant contents data and the second encryption-resultant playback key data are transmitted to the sale destination terminal apparatus. The sale destination terminal apparatus is enabled to decrypt the second encryption-resultant playback key data into the first encryption-resultant playback key data in response to the ID of the sale destination terminal apparatus. The sale destination terminal apparatus is enabled to decrypt the first encryption-resultant playback key data into the original playback key data.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus capable of preventing easily copying of information is disclosed with which, even if information is copied, the copied information cannot be reproduced, the data recording apparatus having a terminal to which encoder ID specific for the data recording apparatus is input, a recording unit for recording at least the encoder ID on an optical disk, and an encoding circuit for, in accordance with the encoder ID, encoding data supplied through a terminal and required to be recorded so that encoded data is, together with the encoder ID, recorded on the optical disk.

Abstract: In each digital content utilize session, a memory card generates conversion key information for specifying a data conversion, while a player generates inverse conversion key information for specifying an inverse data conversion. The memory card then performs the data conversion specified by the conversion key information on management information stored therein, and sends the converted management information and digital content stored therein to the player. The player performs the inverse data conversion specified by the inverse conversion key information on the converted management information to restore the management information, and utilizes the digital content in accordance with restrictions set in the restored management information to limit the use of the digital content.

Abstract: A computer implemented online music distribution system provides for the secure delivery of audio data and related media, including text and images, over a public communications network. The online music distribution system provides security through multiple layers of encryption, and the cryptographic binding of purchased audio data to each specific purchaser. The online music distribution system also provides for previewing of audio data prior to purchase. In one embodiment, the online music distribution system is a client-server system including a content manager, a delivery server, and an HTTP server, communicating with a client system including a Web browser and a media player. The content manager provides for management of media and audio content, and processing of purchase requests. The delivery server provides delivery of the purchased media data. The Web browser and HTTP server provide a communications interface over the public network between the content manager and media players.

Abstract: An electronic book reader has a processor, a display surface, and access to a memory card upon which is stored a digitally-formatted creative work such as a book. In addition, the reader has access to a plurality of precompiled condensed content descriptions of respective books that are subject to copy restrictions. Before reading a given book, the reader creates a condensed content description of the book and compares it to the stored descriptions to determine whether the book is subject to copy restrictions. If it is, the reader checks for a valid license before allowing the user to read the book.

Abstract: A data copying system of the present invention includes a data copying apparatus for copying data recorded on a first recording medium to a second recording medium. The data copying apparatus includes: a data read section for reading out the data from the first recording medium; a data modification control section for controlling modification of the data in accordance with modification control information, the modification control information being provided for controlling the modification of the data; and a data write section for writing an output of the data modification control section to the second recording medium. The modification control information includes a copying permission flag indicating whether the copying of the data permitted, a quality control flag for controlling a quality of modified data which is obtained by modifying the data, and a billing control flag for controlling billing for the copying of the data.

Abstract: The distribution in controlled by means of central certificates acting as a link between the authorization granted to various users and the right-of-access code allocated to the software products in connection with a special separated control program. The certificates are issued to users on request and intended for calling the wanted software products. Such certificates can be supplemented with distinct control functions. Said functions are executed by the control program, which is supplemented accordingly, especially for recording data on the utilization volume. The invention also relates to the following items: key safety, use of a chip card, integrated copy protection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for preventing an unauthorized computer system from using copied software or data. An identification code provided by a client computer is combined with a pre-determined number provided by the source of software or data to be copied to generate at least one unique encryption key. Prior to each use the encrypted program re-derives the original encryption key, which includes the identification code of the client computer, to decrypt the critical files prior to use. The identification code may be a unique identifier associated with the client computer such as a network identifier or a processor ID provided by the client computer.

Abstract: An electronic ticket comprises a ticket ID 233, an issuer ID 237, right information 239 of the electronic ticket, and issue, transfer and redeem conditions 240, 241 and 242, the entire block of these pieces of information being attached with an issuer's signature 235. In each of the issue, transfer and redeem conditions there are recorded ticket schema ID's which specify the types of tickets that the ticket sender and receiver are required to possess, and in each phase of the issue, transfer and redeem transactions it is verified whether these conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A key update system uses information in an update message from a communications system to generate a new key and perform a bidirectional validation of the new key. After a unit validates the new key, at least a portion of information from the update message is used by the communications system to validate the new key. As a result, the communications system is not required to generate and transmit a separate authentication challenge to validate the new key. For example, a wireless communications system can send an update message with a sequence RANDSSD to the wireless unit. The wireless unit generates a new SSD using at least a portion of the sequence RANDSSD, and the wireless unit uses at least a portion of the new SSD to generate a signature value AUTHBS to validate the new key and thereby the home authentication center that initiated the update of the SSD.

Abstract: A software-generated purchase verification key is generated and stored on a computer at the factory where the make-to-order computer is assembled. The purchase verification key is provided by the computer to an ISP's host server. The host server attempts to verify the key. If the key is verified, the ISP establishes a pre-paid account for the owner of the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of authenticating copyrighted works of PDA using a unique ID based on a personal computer for preventing illegal copy and transformation in order to protect copyright of the application performed in PDA and system using thereof.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for facilitating the purchase of a license for a downloaded file of a copyrighted work. In one embodiment, a method for licensing a digital copy of a copyrighted work includes determining an identity of the digital copy by using at least one computer program, calculating a fee for a license for the digital copy by the at least one computer program. The step of calculating includes the step of measuring at least one metric of the digital copy. A license is then provided for the copy after receiving payment of the fee.

Abstract: Digital rights for content downloaded to a subscriber computer from a provider are specified in an access predicate. The access predicate is compared with a rights manager certificate associated with an entity, such as an application, that wants access to the content. If the rights manager certificate satisfies the access predicate, the entity is allowed access to the content. A license that specifies limitations on the use of the content can also be associated with the content and provided to the entity. The use the entity makes of the content is monitored and terminated if the entity violates the license limitations. In one aspect of the invention, the access predicate and the license are protected from tampering through cryptographic techniques.

Abstract: XML elements and related processes for validation of XML data files is disclosed. These elements are used to specify validation rules that are used by a real-time validation tool to validate data in a node of an XML data file. These elements also are used to specify error messages to be displayed when a node is found to be invalid. Further, they are used to associate executable code with a node that can be executed when the node is modified.

Abstract: A method of restricting access to recorded digital data on a digital support medium (2) using an integrated circuit e.g. on a smart card (4) containing a first decryption key (Kf) characterized in encrypting with a corresponding encryption key (Kf) one or more elements of the volume descripter (V) of the support medium (2), recording the encrypted elements of the volume descripter together with non-encrypted data on the support medium and, when accessing the support medium (2), using the integrated circuit decryption key (Kf) to decrypt the encrypted elements of the volume descripter (V) and to supply a reader (5) with these elements so as to permit the reading and/or writing of non-encrypted data on the support medium (2).

Abstract: The operating and other procedures of an optical disk application system of the type for which a network is used are simplified. Optical disks have auxiliary data recording areas, where different IDs for individual disks, and/or cipher keys and/or decoding keys for ciphers are recorded in advance in a factory. By using the IDs to release the soft ciphers, using the cipher keys when sending the ciphers, and using the decoding keys when receiving the ciphers, user authorization procedures are simplified.

Abstract: The operating and other procedures of an optical disk application system of the type for which a network is used are simplified. Optical disks have auxiliary data recording areas, where different IDs for individual disks, and/or cipher keys and/or decoding keys for ciphers are recorded in advance in a factory. By using the IDs to release the soft ciphers, using the cipher keys when sending the ciphers, and using the decoding keys when receiving the ciphers, user authorization procedures are simplified.

Abstract: A digital rights management (DRM) system operates on a computing device when a user requests that an encrypted piece of digital content be rendered by the computer device. The computing device has an identifier. A black box performs decryption and encryption functions in the DRM system. The black box includes a key file and an executable. The key file includes at least one black box public key and is expected to include the identifier of the computing device, the black box thus being tied to the computing device by inclusion of such first identifier. A digital license corresponding to the digital content is resident in the DRM system and includes a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted digital content. The decryption key is expected to be encrypted according to a black box public key of the key file of the black box, the license thus being tied to the black box and by extension the computing device.

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 person-to-person electronic commerce system that protects the anonymity of buyers and sellers. Embodiments of the present invention interpose a trusted intermediary between the buyer and seller during the transaction fulfillment process. Buyer and seller may disclose their personal information to the trusted intermediary. The trusted intermediary then arranges payment and shipping on behalf of the parties. In this way, neither buyer nor seller need know anything about the other in order to fulfill the transaction.

Abstract: A method secures software in a computer system that has one or more fixed disk drives. Each fixed disk drive is configured with a predetermined system serial number, such that each fixed disk drive has the same system serial number. Software is received with an associated target serial number. The associated target serial number is compared to the system serial number on every fixed disk drive. The file is installed when the system serial number on every fixed disk drive is the same as the associated target serial number. A computer program product embodies the method described above.

Abstract: A method and system to activate or deactivate modifiable features, the system comprising a protected device having a plurality of modifiable features and an identification means, a protective device for modifying the modifiable features of the protected device, wherein the protective device is adapted to be in selective in communication with the protected device and the protective device comprises a processor, a first memory in communication with the processor for storing a plurality of activation codes, a second memory in communication with the processor for storing a plurality of release programs corresponding to the activation codes.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to allow secure identification of an image forming apparatus from an image on a recording medium on which the black image has been formed, thereby preventing leakage of secret information on the black image securely. A driving roller, a tensioning roller and a supporting member are supported to a frame so as to be movable in upward and downward directions, and a portion spacing mechanism moving an elevating rod in upward and downward directions by rotation of a motor is provided. At a time of the black-image forming process, the driving roller, the tensioning roller and the supporting member are moved downward by the portion spacing mechanism, a transfer conveying belt and transferring devices are spaced from photosensitive drums included in image forming stations for forming magenta and cyan images, and only the image forming process regarding a black image and an image of identification information obtained at image forming stations are made effective.

Abstract: A digital content file distribution, transmission, and protection system comprises a digital content provider having stored therein a digital content file such as an audio file, video file, literature, program file, etc. The digital content provider includes an authentication interface and a USB port from which the digital content file may be downloaded. The system also contemplates a portable device to which the digital content file will be transferred. This portable device includes an authentication interface and a USB port, and conforms to the USB storage device class. The portable device communicates with the digital content provider via the USB interface and, pending the establishment of a trusted relationship, downloads the digital content file therefrom. The establishment of the trusted relationship with the portable device is accomplished through communications between the authentication interfaces over the USB.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to verify the authenticity of the recording is provided. An authentication code is calculated based on the contents of the recording and information describing the context of the recording. The authentication code provides assurance to a user of the recording that no elements of the recording have been altered. Recordings that are made for legal evidence purposes may include, but are not limited to audio and visual (image) information including motion pictures. Context information includes, but is not limited to date, time, longitude, latitude, camera or recorder serial number, camera orientation, camera optical parameters, and information about the recorder operator. When using such recordings for legal evidence, the authenticity of the recorded information is crucial, and also the authenticity of the parameters surrounding the recording is crucial.

Abstract: A sale destination terminal apparatus is designed for a contents sale system including a host apparatus for feeding contents data. In the terminal apparatus, a first device operates for storing a signal representing an electronic purse having electronic money. A second device operates for, in cases where contents data are copied and transferred from the terminal apparatus to a copy destination apparatus, storing a signal representing a transfer generation number corresponding to a number of times of transfer of the contents data. A third device operates for, in cases where copied contents data are transferred to the terminal apparatus from a copy source apparatus, storing a signal representing a history of transfer of at least one of a copy source ID and sale contents. A fourth device operates for, in cases where the copied contents data are transferred to the terminal apparatus, receiving the copied contents data.

Abstract: A method for preventing unauthorized installation of computer software stored on an install storage medium, comprising the steps of initiating communication between a key storage medium and a computer onto which the software is to be installed, verifying that file attributes of files stored on the key storage medium correspond to file attributes defined by the software contained on the install storage medium, and authorizing installation of the computer software from the install storage medium onto the computer. The method can include the step of verifying that disk attributes of the key storage medium correspond to disk attributes defined by the software.

Abstract: When data are to be recorded on a recording medium having imparted thereto a medium ID that is identification information unique to the recording medium, an additional ID related to the medium ID is generated on the basis of the medium ID. Then, the data are encrypted and recorded on the medium along with the additional ID. In reproduction, the medium ID and the additional ID attached to the data are read out from the medium, and then compared to determine whether both of the medium ID and additional ID meet a predetermined matching condition. When the additional ID attached to the data has been determined as meeting the predetermined matching condition, the data is judged to be reproducible data. In this manner, it is possible to promptly determined whether or not the data recorded on the medium are fairly-recorded data, which can effectively prevent unfair use of the data.

Abstract: A method for tracing the distribution of physical digital media and reporting feedback to a content provider regarding whether the profile of the user of the physical digital media corresponds to known profile. Identifying data is gathered from a user's computer and transmitted to a host. The host performs pattern matching to determine whether the identifying data matches stored profile information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using cryptographic techniques to configure data processing systems. A configuration manager cryptographically controls the configuration of a system by ensuring that only authorized users or applications can change the configuration. For example, requests to change configuration information may include authenticated and/or encrypted data. These cryptographic techniques are employed to enable and/or disable functions, features and capabilities of a system. For example, a system may be reconfigured to provide strong or weak encryption based on parameters in the configuration information.

Abstract: A device for recording information on an optical disk having first and second recording areas, which device can record information into the first recording area, using a first modulation method; read disk identification information recorded by a second modulation method in the second recording area; detect auxiliary information indicating the presence of disk identification information; encrypt information using both a cipher key and the disk identification information unique to the optical disk; and permit recording of encrypted information after confirming the presence of the disk identification information.

Abstract: The operating and other procedures of a disk or recording medium application system of the type for which a network is used are simplified. Disks or recording media have auxiliary data recording areas, where different IDs for individual disks, and/or cipher keys and/or decoding keys for ciphers are recorded in advance in a factory. By using the IDs to release the soft ciphers, using the cipher keys when sending the ciphers, and using the decoding keys when receiving the ciphers, user authorization procedures are simplified.