Abstract: A partitioning format for magnetic tape media that includes at least a first portion (e.g., a file directory) having a plurality of dynamically updateable (e.g., non-shingled) partitions and a second portion (e.g., a data portion) having a plurality of linearly or sequentially written shingled partitions. Use of both shingled and non-shingled partitions on the same length of magnetic tape allows for an increase in capacity over those applications that perform linear recording of non-shingled partitions while allowing for the dynamic updating of a local file directory free of disturbing the linearly written data of the shingled partitions.

Abstract: A method of abolishing unauthorized copying of digital data stored on an optical disc includes the steps of distributing overwrite modules of a copy protection module into a data file that is to be protected against illegal copying, so as to form a copy-protected data file; and writing the copy-protected data file into a non-rewriteable optical storage media. The overwrite modules are respectively located between any two adjacent data blocks of the data file, such that each data block and a following overwrite module together form a group and the copy-protected data file includes a plurality of sequentially arranged groups of data block and overwrite module. With the overwrite modules, data blocks read out by a readout device are repeatedly overwritten by subsequent data blocks in a specified register, so that no data file from the optical storage media will be stored in the specified register and be illegally copied or pirated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for correctly controlling content recorded on an optical disc. An apparatus 600 for using content recorded on an optical disc 601, wherein the optical disc 601 includes a control information area 602 composed of partial areas 603a-603n, each being for recording control information indicating that use of the content is not permitted, the apparatus 600 comprises: a position information holding unit 612 holding therein position information indicating one of the partial areas 603a-603n that is allocated for the apparatus 600 to record the control information; a reading unit 613 reading information within the control information area 602; a judgment unit 614 judging whether use of the content is permitted, with use of the information read by the reading unit 613 and the position information; and a usage control unit 615 using the content when use of the content is judged to be permitted.

Abstract: An information erasing device includes a recording section where recording is performed with regard to a disk-shaped recording medium, and a control section which controls the recording section so that the recording section overwrites a part of a erasing target sector so as not to overlap in a radius direction of the disk-shaped recording medium.

Abstract: A method for recording information which cannot be easily copied on a BCA is provided so as to prevent pirated copies from being made. The BCA recording device for optical discs records, on the BCA on an optical disc, identifying information unique to the optical disc. The BCA recording device is provided with: a BCA data generating section which generates BCA mark signals and BCA code signals which indicate the identifying information; a BCA mark generating section which, based on the BCA mark signals, generates BCA marks by recording marks on the recording film in the BCA on the optical disc, thereby partially changing the reflectance of the recording film; and a BCA code generating section which, based on the BCA code signals, generates BCA codes by partially removing the recording film on the BCA.

Abstract: A write-once read-many information recording medium is provided, which is capable of easily searching for a latest DDS and a latest defect list. At least one disc management working area is sequentially allocated in a predetermined direction on the write-once read-many information recording medium of the present invention. The latest defect list and the latest DDS are provided in a recorded disc management working area neighboring a border between the recorded disc management working area and an unrecorded disc management working area, where the latest defect list precedes the latest DDS in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An external compact disc drive for data encryption and decryption and the method is disclosed. The back up data is encrypted, via an encryption key generated by an encryption/decryption unit of the external compact disc drive during the recording of back up data to a compact disc. The encrypted back up data is saved to a public area of the compact disc. An authentication key is generated via an authentication password set up by a user. The encryption key is encrypted via authentication key and saved to a private area of the compact disc. The authentication password and the authentication key are not recorded in the external compact disc drive or the compact disc. Thus, encryption key can only be retrieved with a correct authentication password via a compact disc drive having the encryption/decryption unit. Following that, the back up data can be decrypted and retrieved.

Abstract: Functionality is described for reducing the unauthorized reproduction of optical media, such as optical discs of various types. The functionality operates by adding a physical descriptor to an optical medium, forming reference descriptor information based on the descriptor, signing the reference descriptor information to produce authenticity information, and adding the authenticity information to the optical medium. At a point of consumption, the functionality operates by reading the authenticity information and reading the descriptor. Based on the information that is read, the functionality performs cryptographic analysis and descriptor-based analysis to validate the optical medium. The functionality includes various provisions to reduce the impact of wear and tear on the above-summarized analysis. The functionality can be applied to stamped or recordable optical media.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a data processing unit configured to perform data processing on data read from a data recordable disc. The data processing unit performs a physical mark verification process for verifying whether or not a physical mark that is identification data unique to each of mother discs used when the disc was manufactured has been recorded on the disc, and a signature verification process for obtaining, from the disc, a token containing an electronic signature generated on the basis of a medium ID that is an identifier unique to each disc by a content providing server that provided the recorded content of the disc and for performing signature verification, and reproduces recorded content of the disc under a condition in which the recording of a physical mark in the physical mark verification process has been confirmed and signature verification in the signature verification process holds true.

Abstract: Functionality is described for reducing the unauthorized reproduction of optical media, such as optical discs of various types. The functionality operates by adding a physical descriptor to an optical medium, forming reference descriptor information based on the descriptor (by reading the descriptor Lr times), producing authenticity information based on the reference descriptor information, and providing the authenticity information to a disc use site via various modes. At the disc use site, the functionality operates by reading the authenticity information and reading the descriptor Lv times (where Lv may not equal Lr). Based on the information that is read, the functionality performs cryptographic analysis and descriptor-based analysis to validate the optical medium. The descriptor can be formed on a closed loop of the optical medium. The functionality also includes provisions for reducing the possibility that unwanted correction is performed, which may interfere with analysis of the descriptor.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a digital optical medium, such as a CD-ROM, determine whether the medium is an unauthorized copy, or the original. The original media is created, or altered, so as to contain anomalous locations from which the transfer of data is accomplished at different rates than a standard digital copy would exhibit. One implementation of the process involves timing analysis of the differences in data transfer rates. Another implementation involves the determination of digital signatures during multiple read operations performed on a data segment. The process can be employed in systems that control access to unauthorized copies, or may be used for other informative purposes.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is provided for distributing content through a portable medium which can be transported by hand from one media player to another media player. The optical recording medium includes a read-only zone and a writable area. Copy control information is stored in the read-only zone. The copy control information specifies (a) an authorized content source and (b) content which is authorized to be downloaded from the authorized content source and recorded in the writable area of the optical recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical storage medium (20) comprising a first data area (21) for storing content and a second data area (23) for storing limitation data (24) for limiting access to at least a portion of the first data area. It is desired that the period of time for which access to content stored on the storage medium is limited, such that, for instance, after said period of time unlimited access to said content is granted. To achieve this a state change means (27) is provided on the storage medium, adapted for changing its optical reflectivity and/or transmittance over time, said change directly preventing access to the second data area after a limited period of time or being indirectly used to decide whether access to the at least one portion of the first data area shall be limited according to said limitation data.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal drive capable of recording and reproducing high-image quality contents on and from various media, such as BD, HD-DVD, DVD and others according to the AACS. The drive (10) is connected to a host apparatus, and which reads from and writes onto a media M, which includes: a readout unit (11) which reads and writes information from and onto the recording medium; a media type identifying unit (12) which identifies a type of the recording medium based on the information read from the recording medium by the readout unit (11); and a data analysis unit (13) and an authentication unit (14) which performs an operation for copyright protection associated with a result of the identification by the media type identifying unit (12).

Abstract: Content data (11), handling limit data (12), and a check program (13) are provided in a data group (10) recorded on an information recording medium (1). The check program (13) causes a reproducing device to read the content data so as to make the reproducing device function as a check device for checking the data state of the handling limit data. Thus, when the handling limit data (12) is tampered, the check program (13) is executed by the reproducing device to find the tamper.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a local memory unit storing data including encrypted content; a memory storing data including key information to be used in a process of reproducing the encrypted content; and a data processing unit selectively reproducing encrypted content stored in a disk or the local memory unit, wherein the data processing unit reads a medium ID from the disk when the content to be reproduced is stored in the disk and reads a medium ID from the memory when the content to be reproduced is stored in the local memory unit.

Abstract: Protection is provided for optically readable media. Data may be scrambled, encrypted, or otherwise obscured by apportioning the data across multiple layers of a disc in a secret pattern. Pattern information may be supplied in the form of a key to authorized devices or users. The data can only be read by an optical drive with the proper hardware having access to this key. Switchable mirrored regions are provided on the optical medium to selectively block and unblock an optical reader head from reading the data. To read the data back, an authorized/licensed device may use the key to selectively switch the electrochromic regions so that the reader head may access the data while alternately focusing on different data layers, as needed, to obtain the data in the proper order.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus to prevent reproducibility of data with respect to an optical information storage medium. The method includes recording patterns with respect to the optical information storage medium using irradiated light so as prevent reproduction of the data. The patterns may cause an error or a malfunction when attempting to access the data of the optical information storage medium so as to prevent the reproduction of the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a read-once record medium, comprising: a data substrate, having control data zone and a data zone, and said having pre-record data; a sensitive layer, disposed above said data substrate; a refractive layer, disposed above said sensitive layer; an adhesive layer, disposed above said refractive layer; and a transparent substrate, disposed above said adhesive layer; thereby, the structure of said sensitive layer or said data substrate will be changed when laser beams with specified power emitted from an optical storage device pass through the data substrate and focus on the sensitive layer, and the laser beams will be reflected by the sensitive layer and can not be recognized by the optical storage device. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a system with read protecting function.

Abstract: An in-vehicle optical disc reproducing apparatus according to the present invention reads disc specific information from an optical disc, and inputs vehicle specific information from an IC card, or the like. Next, the in-vehicle optical disc reproducing apparatus creates an encryption key from the disc specific information and the vehicle specific information, and then uses the created encryption key to encrypt content stored on the optical disc before the encrypted content is stored in a HDD. During the above process, if shaking of a vehicle is detected, the processing of storing the encrypted content to the HDD is stopped. When the encrypted content is reproduced, the disc specific information is checked. Only when an original disc is inserted, the encrypted content is decrypted by use of the stored encryption key to generate the original content so that the original content can be reproduced.

Abstract: A recording medium, and a method and apparatus for reproducing data from the recording medium are disclosed. The recording medium for recording data includes: first reproduction-restriction information of the recording medium; and update information of second reproduction-restriction information of other recording medium. If the content provider (CP) desires to release reproduction-restriction of pre-introduced content data at a region or country due to the reproduction environment or other conditions associated with the data reproduction, the content provider provides reproduction-restriction release information via new recording medium including other contents. The user can buy the new recording medium and receive restriction release information from the content provider (CP) without paying the usage fee of reproduction-restricted contents, thereby freely employing desired contents having been protected from being reproduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting and authenticating data (software programs, games etc) and media (video, audio) from an optical storage media from copyright infringement via a computing system or dedicated hardware while allow said content (especially media and audio) to perform as is on multimedia capable devices (dvd-players) without alteration or modification to the above-said multimedia devices. This method involves control of the layout of the optical disk structure, controlling access to the said layout and allowing for accurate identification of protected disks. It relies on the use of the optical media's lead-in area, program area and lead-out area all for storing certain portions of the system.

Abstract: An information recording medium and an optical recording system allow target information (such as an ad) to be displayed without requiring changes in hardware or physical specifications. The recording medium comprises a recording-limited area in which recording is made possible by canceling the limit after an instruction is issued for displaying the target information.

Abstract: A file protection method is used for preventing files stored in a solid state disc array system from being reproduced unauthorizedly. After a file is produced completely, it is stored in a solid state disc array system connected to an external computer. When the external computer is to execute the files stored in the solid state disc array system, it checks the files and parameters (e.g. key password or serial number) set in the solid state disc array system step by step. Only when all of the parameters are correct and correspond to one another, the files can be executed normally. In this way, the files can be protected from being copied unauthorizedly.

Abstract: An optical disk with an embedded security device, or wafer, is presented. The security device includes security features that enable the identification of genuine optical disks versus counterfeit optical disks. Methods for creating optical disks embedded with security devices are also presented. A security device is placed on the center pin of an open mold before the optical disk is formed. Alternatively, an optical disk having a cavity formed on a surface to receive a security device is created. A special mold with a raised platform creates the cavity on the optical disk. As a further alternative, two optical platters, each having a complementary cavity to accommodate a security device are created using a special mold having a raised platform. The security device is inserted into the complementary cavities and the optical platters and security device are bonded together.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of copy protecting optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs. Instead of encoding data onto the CD-ROMs in a conventional manner which ensures balanced dc content, for copy protection the digital data is encoded and recorded onto the optical disc such that it is arranged to give some of the recorded digital data highly unbalanced dc content. Thus, for example, the DSV (digital sum value) value of the encoded data is recorded so that the DSV value changes continuously once 50 frames of data or more.

Abstract: A data managing method for an optical disc drive writing data into an optical disc having defects is provided. The optical disc has a user data area and a spare area. The optical disc drive includes a first buffering space and a second buffering space. The data managing method includes: when the first buffering space receives a data corresponding to a defect, not suspending the first buffering space from receiving the user data, and transferring the data, corresponding to the defect and in the first buffering space, to the second buffering space; and when data amount in the second buffering space reaches a predetermined value, suspending the optical disc drive from writing data in the first buffering space into the user data area, and driving the optical disc drive to write data in the second buffering space into the spare area.

Abstract: Data storage system (1) comprises: an optical disc (2) having a storage space (3) for receiving sectors of data; a disc drive (10), suitable for writing information to the disc; a host (20), capable of cooperating with the drive; the host being designed to send to said drive a write encrypted sector command WESC(EKI) for commanding said drive to write one or more bus-encrypted sectors to said disc, WESC(EKI) including an encryption key identifier EKI; the drive being designed, in response to receiving said WESC(EKI), to evaluate the value of EKI, and, if the value of EKI indicates a bus-encrypted user data portion (32E), to decrypt this user data portion, to generate a header portion (31) with bus encryption information BEI, to combine this header portion with the decrypted user sector portion (32) to make a data sector (30), and to write the data sector (30) to the disc.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and data erasing method make it possible to unrecoverably erase encrypted data recorded in an auxiliary storage device at high speed while reducing the load put on the CPU. Upon reception of a data erase request from a data utilizing process, the data requested to be erased is registered in a predetermined storage unit. The data registered in the storage is unrecoverably erased by overwriting, and an area in the auxiliary storage device in which the erased data was stored is released after the overwriting erasure process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information recording apparatus including: a storage portion configured to store information that is copy-protected; a recording portion configured to record, on a recording medium, the information stored in the storage portion; a first information extraction portion configured to extract, from the information stored in the storage portion, first information that indicates a feature of the information; a second information extraction portion configured to extract, from the information recorded on the recording medium, second information that indicates a feature of the information; a judgment portion configured to perform a comparison as to whether the first and second information match, and judge whether the information recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced based on the comparison; and a deletion portion configured to delete the information stored in the storage portion when the judgment portion judges that the information recorded on the recording medium is capable of being repro

Abstract: Present invention refers to a system for protection of data storage discs such as CD, DVD, Video CD, Photo CD, etc., containing subjects of copyright, from illegal copying. Present invention comprises a disc with security code, modified reading device and software. The disc is equipped with a security code situated outside the disc centre, which completely fills and utilizes this area. The software checks and verifies the presence of the security code read by the modified reading device.