Abstract: A moving image watermarking method, which forms a global masking map by combining frequency masking, spatial masking and motion masking values together and inserts a watermark according to the formed global masking map through the use of a human visual system is provided. In the moving image watermarking method, a watermark value is obtained by exclusive-ORing a random key value and a binary value of a logo image. A plurality of masking operations are separately performed. A global masking value is obtained through the separate masking operations. A watermarked frame value is obtained by adding a watermark value weighted by the global masking value and a control variable to an original frame value.

Abstract: A method of restricting client interaction of deliverable electronic media. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of detecting a media player application operable within a computer system. The media player application enables the computer system to present contents of a media file. The present method is further comprised of governing within said media player application a function that enables non-compliance with a usage restriction applicable to the media file. The present method is further comprised of controlling output of the media file. The controlling is performed by a compliance mechanism coupled to the computer system. The compliance mechanism is for enabling compliance with the usage restriction applicable to the media file.

Abstract: A system and method for granting and transmitting access rights to data, the method includes steps of: receiving a request for information relating to a specified individual, wherein the request identifies a person requesting the information; determining the degree of relationship between the person requesting the information and the individual to whom the information relates; retrieving access rights for the requesting person from a repository; determining the owner of the rights as well as the rights that owner has granted to secondary parties; and determining, managing and transmitting to second parties said access rights modified to permit or deny the second party to further transmit, modify, change or delete owner's information to third parties.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding additional information into a stream of digitized samples in an integral manner. The information is encoded using special keys. The information is contained in the samples, not prepended or appended to the sample stream. The method makes it extremely difficult to find the information in the samples if the proper keys are not possessed by the decoder. The method does not cause a significant degradation to the sample stream. The method is used to establish ownership of copyrighted digital multimedia content and provide a disincentive to piracy of such material.

Abstract: Distributing information, including the steps of watermarking the digital content, distributing the digital content using a multi-source system, and partially fingerprinting digital content at each stage of moving information from a point of origin to the viewer. “Adaptation” of the digital content to the recipient includes maintaining the digital content in encrypted form at each such intermediate device, including decrypting the digital content with a key unique to both the device and the specific movie, selecting a portion of the watermark locations into which to embed information, embedding fingerprinting information into those locations sufficient to identify the recipient, and encrypting the fingerprinted digital content with a new such key.

Abstract: A system for analyzing similarities between a first and second corpus or between a set of concepts and a corpus uses natural language processing and machine intelligence methods to replace terms or phrases in the corpus with concepts, determine the frequency of each concept in the corpus, and convert the corpus into a concept frequency file to enable easy comparison of the two corpuses or easy retrieval of items from the corpus that contain concept. Difference analysis and a combination of content and spectral analysis may be employed.

Abstract: An information image utilization system and so forth by which it is possible to particularly set the access right and so forth relating to utilization of an apparatus information image and utilization of an apparatus through the apparatus information image to perform authentication. A client (108) issues a request for provision of ownership information of an apparatus information image (indicating an apparatus possessed by a user of the client (108)) to an information image management server (104). The information image management server (104) extracts user IDs of owners of the apparatus information image and attribute information of copy information image data corresponding to the owners from an apparatus information image management table, and transmits the user IDs and the attribute information to the client (108).

Abstract: Anti-pirate circuitry is provided for combating the theft of intellectual property contained with semiconductor integrated circuits. The anti-pirate circuit includes a unique number generator that provides a multi-bit die ID data string that is unique to the integrated circuit associated with the anti-pirate circuit. One time programmable (OTP) EPROM circuitry reads the die ID data string at wafer sort and writes the data content to nonvolatile memory. During a subsequent verification cycle, ID comparator circuitry compares the data string provided by the unique number generator to the stored contents of the nonvolatile memory. If the comparison results in a mismatch between more than a predefined number of bits, then the integrated circuit associated with the anti-pirate circuit is not enabled for operation.

Abstract: A computing device is configured to receive media content and determine if the received media content includes a stego message. If the media content includes a stego message, then the computing device is further configured to decode at least a portion of the stego message, and perform a task based in part on the decoded portion of the stego message.

Abstract: Data processing apparatus distributes a public key certificate and information about a private key to a user terminal as activation information separately from a terminal module. In the case where the public key certification is vulnerable, it transmits only the activation information again.

Abstract: In a CD-DA, encoded content in which audio information is encoded using a content key, the content key, and two usage right files are recorded in predetermined regions. The usage right files are a CD-DA usage right file having CD-DA usage rights, and a CD-R usage right file having CD-R usage rights. The usage rights recorded in the CD-DA usage right file regulate the usage on a CD-DA.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating codes includes a quantization unit which generates quantization coefficients by performing discrete wavelet transform with respect to each of tiles into which an image is divided, a block division unit which divides the quantization coefficients into blocks, a Hash conversion unit which performs Hash conversion based on the quantization coefficients of each of the blocks so as to produce a Hash value for each of the blocks, a digital watermark embedding unit which adjusts a parity of a quantization coefficient of interest equal to a parity of the Hash value of a block to which the quantization coefficient of interest belongs, and a coding unit which generates code sequence data by coding the quantization coefficients including the quantization coefficient whose parity is adjusted.

Abstract: Two data units are selected from main information, such as MIDI data, into which additional information is to be incorporated, to calculate a difference between respective values of the two data units. A particular data segment to be incorporated into one of the MIDI data units is selected from a group of data of additional information. The size of the data segment to be incorporated into one of the data units may be either one bit or two or more bits. Substitute data to replace the content of one MIDI data unit is generated on the basis of a predetermined function using, as variables, the data-related value and a value of the particular data segment, and the content of the data unit corresponding to a predetermined one of the two MIDI data units is replaced by the generated substitute data. Thus, through such an electronic watermarking technique, any desired additional information can be incorporated into the MIDI data without changing the MIDI data format.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for compensating for time offset in a received signal, so as to correctly align the frame sequence of a received signal to a sequence of transmitted symbols. Each symbol extends over Ts signal samples. The received signal is first divided into a sequence of frames of length Ts, and then each framedivided into a multiplicity of Nb sub-frames. Subsequently, Nb sequences of values are formed, where every successive value in each sequence is derived from the corresponding sub-frame within each successive frame. Each of the Nb sequences is an estimate for the correctly aligned sequence of transmitted symbols.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for adjusting the number of devices allowed to use a digital product (e.g., software) under a license. In one embodiment, the technique may involve setting the allowed number of devices to a first upper/lower limit for a first time period, and, after the first time period has expired, increasing/lowering the allowed number of devices to a second upper/lower limit for a second time period. The technique may involve, readjusting the allowed number for a third time period, thereby allowing for a changing number of device installations of the digital product.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to digital watermarking and steganographic embedding and decoding. One claim recites a method of decoding auxiliary data that has been embedded in an audio signal through modifications to the audio signal that are substantially imperceptible. The auxiliary data comprises bits of digital data and the bits being carried in a plurality of embedded code signals embedded in the audio signal, each of the plurality of embedded code signals corresponding to one or more bits in the auxiliary data.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a client is attempting to copy an application or use the application without authorization. First, data for at least one prediction log file for the application is created. Then, based on the at least one prediction log file, prediction knowledge is determined for the application, where the prediction knowledge is stored in a prediction file. The prediction file is then forwarded to the client executing the application. It is then determined by using the predication file whether the client is attempting to copy the application or use the application without authorization. If the client is attempting to copy the application or use the application without authorization, then the client's access to the application is terminated. In an offline mode, usage information is bound to user saved data such that modification of usage information renders user saved data unusable. This prevents unauthorized access to an offline delivered application.

Abstract: In response to a sign request including a digital document from a document-creating device 10, a digital-signed-document exchange supporting server 30 canonicalizes the digital document, calculates a digest value thereof, and returns the digest value to the document creating device. When the document-creating device transmits a digital sign created by encrypting the digest value to the digital-signed-digital document exchange-supporting server 30, the server 30 creates a digital-signed document from the digital sign and the digital document, and returns the document to the document-creating device. On the other hand, in response to a validation request including a digital-signed-digital document and a public key from a sign validating device 20, the server 30 compares a value resulting from the decryption of the digital sign with the public key and a digest value of the digital document canonicalized and returns the result to the sign validating device.

Abstract: A server transmits, to clients, display data for displaying a plurality of input areas for pieces of identification information which identify apparatuses in which software is to be installed. The server receives the plurality of pieces of identification information input to the input areas. The server then issues, to the clients, license information for permitting installation of the software to the apparatuses corresponding to the pieces of received identification information. This makes it possible to efficiently issue license information of software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a licensed end user to record digital data as described is particularly useful to the music industry as it enables them to make audio data available over the internet but to retain control of the uses to which that audio data can be put. Thus, upon completing a financial transaction to pay for the required audio tracks, the end user is enabled to download and decrypt encrypted music tracks and to play them on the end user's personal computer. The end user can also be allowed to burn a CD including the downloaded music tracks. However, the end user is only enabled to decrypt and record the music tracks onto the CD if the music tracks are recorded together with copy protection.

Abstract: Documents can be created to include metadata associated with rights management information that applies to the entire document and/or to one or more applicable sub-portions of the document. When a user places such a document to be scanned on a multi-function device (MFD) in a rights management environment, the MFD recognizes metadata associated with user rights management regarding the document and/or applicable sub-portions. The MFD automatically commences a rights management scheme to authenticate the user to a rights management system, query such system for information and permissions related to the document and/or applicable sub-portions, including deciphering the metadata read from the document, and determine if the user-requested function, such as scanning or copying, is permitted to be undertaken on this document and/or applicable sub-portions by this user on this device at this time. The system automatically executes or aborts the user-requested function based on the imposed rights management scheme.

Abstract: A media file content provider 30 sends a non-permanent copy of a media file, such as a music or video file, to a second mobile station MS 34 in response to a request from a first MS 22. The copy may be rendered non-permanent by streaming it, by encrypting it, and by appending a first instruction to automatically delete it after playing. The first MS 22 may be given an option of delivery pathways, such as cellular 76, 78, WLAN 80, or DVB-H 84. After playing, an offer is made to the second MS 34 to purchase a permanent copy of the media file. If accepted, the content provider may provide another copy of the media file, or preferably a permanent decryption key or a second instruction that defeats the first instruction prior to its deletion of the media file.

Abstract: Property information of image data sets managed in an image data management apparatus can be dealt with according to a characteristic thereof, while efficiency of use can be improved. Image ID is issued for each of the image data sets uploaded by a user. Property information A and B is respectively obtained by analysis of the image data sets and by an input from the user. The user can set a security processing method and a storage method for each of items of the property information. The items of the property information whose storage method has been set to image data attachment are attached to the image data sets while the remaining items whose storage method has been set to database storage are separately stored together with the image ID, after the security processing according to the security processing method.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for identification of manipulations on an arrangement which includes a sensor which emits pulses and a recording unit. As is the case with a tachograph, any possibility of manipulation must be overcome. For this purpose, the sensor transmits real time pulses to the recording unit and, cyclically in response to first request instructions, transmits higher data signals for a measurement, and receives a number of real time pulses in response to second request instructions which are offset in time with respect to the first request instructions. A data signal evaluation module compares the number of real time pulses with the number of data signal pulses and thus achieves a very high level of security against manipulation.

Abstract: Copy protection techniques that utilize a watermark and a permission key are disclosed. The copy protection techniques can provide single-copy copy protection in addition to different levels of copy protection. The permission key and the watermark can also permit the invention to yield variable levels of copy protection. In one embodiment, content including a watermark is transmitted to a recipient. The recipient is allowed to read the content but not record the content unless the recipient possesses a permission key.

Abstract: Federated systems for issuing playback certifications granting access to technically protected content are described. One embodiment of the system includes a registration server connected to a network, a content server connected to the network and to a trusted system, a first device including a non-volatile memory that is connected to the network and a second device including a non-volatile memory that is connected to the network. In addition, the registration server is configured to provide the first device with a first set of activation information in a first format, the first device is configured to store the first set of activation information in non-volatile memory, the registration server is configured to provide the second device with a second set of activation information in a second format, and the second device is configured to store the second set of activation information in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging users of computer readable content to register. The method involves embedding in the computer readable content, instruction codes operable to direct a processor circuit to automatically establish a connection to a server, when the content is in use by the processor circuit, to transmit registration information to the server and operable to control further use of the content by the processor circuit in response to a key received from the server.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information storage medium and a method and apparatus for processing information, which manage information storage media so as to prevent unauthorized copies of contents from being distributed or used. On an information storage medium on which an encrypted content is stored, an information storage medium ID which is an identifier uniquely assigned to an information storage medium, and an information storage medium ID revocation list, which is a list of information storage medium IDs determined as invalid, are further stored. In an information processing apparatus configured to read and play back the content stored on the information storage medium, playback of the content is allowed only when the information storage medium ID stored on the information storage medium is not identical to any of revoked information storage medium IDs described in the information storage medium ID revocation list. This prevents an unauthorized copy of a content from being distributed or used.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying the source of an unauthorized copy of content. The method includes embedding a unique user fingerprint code to into each of a plurality of authorized copies of content and identifying an unknown fingerprint code in an unauthorized copy of the content. Each member of the unknown fingerprint code is compared to each corresponding member in each of the user fingerprint codes. A score is assigned to each of the user fingerprint codes based on the comparison and users associated with scores exceeding a threshold are identified as a source of the unauthorized copy.

Abstract: Even though data transmitted between a data processing apparatus and disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus is monitored, copying the data is effectively prevented and the data can be protected. A write ID generator 20 of a disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 10 generates independent write ID for each recording of data, and transmits the write ID to an encryptor 102 of a data processing apparatus 100. The encryptor 102 encrypts contents ID to be used for key information for encrypted contents data and data control information to restrict or prohibit copy by the use of an encrypting key based on the write ID. The encrypted data are transmitted to an encryptor 24 of the disc recording and/or reproducing apparatus 10 via an I/F 101 and I/F 19, and encrypted along with the write ID by the use of an encrypting key based on disc ID, and recorded to a disc 30.

Abstract: A picked-up image editing apparatus comprises a memory which stores a mixture of multimedia data with processing disable information and multimedia data without processing disable information, an image pick-up device which picks-up an image of an object as one of a still picture and a motion picture, an image data producing unit which produces image data based on an image picked-up by the image pick-up device, a combining instruction issuing unit which issues a combining instruction to combine the produced image data with the multimedia data stored in the memory, and an output content storing unit which, when the multimedia data targeted to be combined has processing disable information, stores only output contents based on a processing result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage medium, such as an optically readable medium. Light sensitive or other materials that are adapted to change state and affect reading of a storage medium are used to control access to data that may be stored on optical medium and/or to control use of the medium.

Abstract: A contents processing device permitting, when contents are to be stored in a recording medium, only a specified device to read out the stored contents is to be provided, and a contents processing device capable, where it is a mobile telephone, of flexibly adapting to a change of a unique telephone number or a type of the mobile telephone. For the purpose, the contents processing device for inputting and outputting contents to and from a recording medium is provided with contents storage means (RAM) for storing contents, an ID storage unit (ROM) for storing an ID capable of identifying the contents processing device, a recording medium input/output unit (memory card I/F) for inputting to and outputting from the recording medium, and a ciphering unit (ciphering program) for enciphering contents within the contents storage unit by use of a ciphering key generated from the ID within the ID storage unit and storing it from the recording medium input/output unit into the recording medium.

Abstract: An optical writing apparatus has a part configured to superpose an unauthorized copy protection pattern on image data; a control part configured to recognize the unauthorized copy protection pattern, correct image data of the unauthorized copy protection pattern in pixel unit, and control a size of an isolated dot included in the unauthorized copy protection pattern; and a writing part configured to write a corresponding image on a photosensitive body based on the thus-corrected image data.

Abstract: A play list of audio recordings made in the past is searched for, and is displayed in the event that it exists. The contents that have already been recorded in the past are displayed with the word “recorded” affixed thereto in a manner corresponding with the track Nos. of the CD, and are further displayed with a number such as “2” affixed thereto in the event that the contents have been recorded twice in the past, for example. Further, in the event that play lists exist, a dialog box prompting selection of a play list is displayed, so the user can select between audio recording by adding the new contents to an already-existing play list or audio recording by creating a new play list. Thus, the contents recorded in the past are automatically searched, and the user is presented with a display thereof.

Abstract: A method for processing media files includes receiving a request to download a first media file and, in response to receiving the request, generating a first signature that describes a first characteristic of the first media file. The method also includes determining whether the first signature matches any of a first plurality of stored signatures. The method also includes generating a second signature that describes a second characteristic of the first media file in response to determining that the first signature matches one of the first plurality of stored signatures. Additionally the method includes determining whether the second signature matches any of a second plurality of stored signatures and, in response to determining that the second signature matches one or more of the second plurality of stored signatures, denying the request to download the first media file.

Abstract: With content management apparatus 110 serving as a copy origin and storage medium 120 as a copy target, the copy origin retains allowed copy count control information on content, and when the content is copied from the copy origin to the copy target, the allowed copy count control information retained at the copy origin before copy processing is updated in accordance with a predetermined rule to generate allowed copy count control information to be retained at the copy origin and allowed copy count control information to be retained at the copy target, and subsequent copy processing at the copy origin is done based on the allowed copy count control information retained at the copy origin, whereas subsequent copy processing on the content stored in storage medium 120 is done based on the allowed copy count control information stored in storage medium 120. In this way, it is possible to achieve content management which is easily understandable for users.

Abstract: Media content is streamed from a server computer to a client computer. A media file format is used to store data for multiple timeline-altered streams that provides support for switching between the different timeline-altered streams during their presentation. In one aspect, a user can switch between different timeline-altered streams. Upon receiving a user request to switch to a particular timeline-altered stream (the target stream), the client computer accesses a time code stream data object corresponding to the current data unit being presented. The time code stream data object identifies a primary stream presentation time corresponding to the data unit. The client then uses the primary stream presentation time to index into a table of mappings to byte offsets. The table provides a mapping of the primary stream presentation time to a corresponding byte offset of the target stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for discouraging the recording of a video image on a video recorder of a movie projected onto a display surface of a translucent movie screen. The system includes a plurality of IR projector lamps mounted behind the movie screen and adjacent to a back surface of the screen opposite the display surface. Each of the projector lamps is adapted and configured to generate an IR beam sufficient strong to transmit through the movie screen with sufficient intensity to create a bright spot of IR light on the display surface corresponding to the position of the IR projectors. The IR projectors are further adapted and configured such that the bright spots of IR light are sufficiently bright to appear clearly on the recorded video image. The IR projectors are releasably coupled to a control module contained in a housing via a plurality of connector elements and electrical lines.

Abstract: Method for embedding a unique and different digital watermark in digital contents for each access without increasing the overhead or load at the contents server. The contents server has a digital watermark-embedded contents storage unit for storing a plurality of digital contents where a different digital watermark is embedded, and a fingerprint performing unit for, adding to the digital contents the information specified using a bit row that is formed by a digital watermark being embedded into each part of the digital contents.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus comprises a drive key register to which one or more disk drives are connected, the drive register storing a specific drive key for use in encoding with respect to each of the disk drives. When storing content, a specific drive key corresponding to a specified disk drive is generated, and the generated drive key is stored in the drive key register. A title key corresponding to input content is generated, and the title key is encoded by using the drive key. In addition, input content is encoded by using the title key, and the encoded content is stored in a specified storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing the owners of audio and/or audiovisual files to resell or purchased used content. The system provides for access via the internet and allows a user to upload or download content. To ensure against illicit copying of content, the system preferably includes a verification software package that must be downloaded onto the audio and/or audiovisual file player from which the user is attempted to resell content. The files uploaded to system are then made available for repurchase by another user. When the file is resold to another user, the file is removed from the available content list so that only the original audio and/or audiovisual file is ever transferred from one user to another user.

Abstract: A security memory device includes a memory cell array that stores a plurality of contents, including a mine, which is stored as a portion of the plurality of contents. The mine is triggered when it is accessed, typically such that the mine erases the memory contents. Also, control logic is included that controls access to the plurality of contents. In one aspect, the memory cell array can include a protected-cell zone and a free-cell zone. In this aspect, the security memory device can further include a lock that provides protection for contents stored in the protected-cell zone from access and a key that is capable of unlocking the lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for tracing illegally copied contents on the basis of fingerprint. Purchaser information is inserted into digital contents that include image, audio or video data using a fingerprinting system when the digital contents are sold in the distribution process of the digital contents. If the contents purchaser has illegally copied and distributed the contents through the Internet or a P2P (Peer to Peer) server that is a file sharing server, the corresponding contents are searched for using a searcher and the corresponding purchaser is traced on the basis of fingerprint information inserted into the contents.

Abstract: A document accessible over a network can be registered. A registered document, and the content contained therein, cannot be transmitted undetected over and off of the network. In one embodiment, the invention includes maintaining a plurality of stored signatures over a registered document. In one embodiment, the plurality of stored signatures are generated by extracting content from the document, normalizing the extracted content, and generating the plurality of signatures using the normalized content.

Abstract: A method of preventing reduction of sales amount of records due to a digital music file illegally distributed through a communication network is disclosed. The method comprises a)collecting an illegally produced digital music file, which is derived from a record of a cooperating record corporation by searching the network, b)encrypting the collected digital music file with a predetermined key; and c)redistributing the encrypted digital music file through the network. According to present invention, the method collects the illegally produced(or reproduced) digital music file that is shared and distributed through the network, encrypts the collected music file, and enables only users having a private key to use the digital music files, thus inducing the users habitually using the digital music files to use them after paying a justifiable fee and being assigned the encryption key, and to purchase the formal record.

Abstract: A content player can detect pirated content by storing a list of highly compressed content pieces that correspond to different pieces of content (e.g., audio content, video content, audio/video content, etc.). A piece of content to be played back by the content player is compared to the highly compressed content pieces stored at the content player. If the piece of content to be played back matches one of the highly compressed content pieces, then appropriate responsive action is taken. This repsponsive action can vary, and can include, for example, checking for a valid license, giving the user the option to notify the publisher if he or she has unknowingly acquired a pirated copy of the content, etc.

Abstract: A signal processing system includes a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium having unique information and an information processing apparatus for mutually authenticating and connecting the reproducing apparatus. The reproducing apparatus includes a final encryption key generating portion that generates a content information encryption key in accordance with intermediate key information. A first transmitting portion transmits the intermediate key information to the information processing apparatus. A second transmitting portion transmits the content information encryption key to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a content information encrypting portion that encrypts content information using the content information encryption key, and an intermediate key information encrypting portion that encrypts the intermediate key information using key information unique to the recording medium.

Abstract: A multiplexed secure counter is provided, in which a multiplicity of child secure counters are secured by a parent secure counter. Child counters are stored with a parent secure counter value and a signature. Before a child counter is read, the signature is verified and value stored is checked against the current value of the parent secure value. If the verifications are successful, the child secure counter can be used. To increment a child counter, the signature is verified and the value stored checked against the current value of the parent secure value. If the verifications are successful, the parent counter and the child counter are incremented, and the data is signed again.

Abstract: Based on the detailed reproduction control information defining the reproduction control state of data to be transmitted, the CPU 12 of the data transmission apparatus creates a simplified reproduction control information roughly defining the reproduction control state of the data, stores the simplified reproduction control information of the data in the packet header of a data packet carrying the data, stores the detailed reproduction control information in the data, and transmits the simplified reproduction control information and the detailed reproduction control information as well as the data to the data receiving apparatus 20 through the transmission channel 30 from the input-output interface 16.