KR100493495B1 - A method for controlling copy protection in digital video networks - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method and system for providing copy protection, such as video analog and digital signals, signals are transmitted over a digital distribution network, for example, pay-per-view protected by copyright of respective program rights holders. PPV) program material. The rights holders authorize the video service providers 3 to apply copy protection to the program material. This copy protection process is supplied to rights holders or service providers 3 by a copy protection process licensor. Video service providers 3 supply appropriate copy protection control software through their respective control and billing (tracking) centers to generate instructions for activating, controlling and reconfiguring copy protection processes applied to the transmitted programs. . The set top box 10 is provided to each consumer and includes copy protection circuitry adapted to apply a selected anticopy waveform to a video signal corresponding to program material in response to instructions from the service provider 3. . Usage data appropriate for each consumer is returned by the set top box 10 to the service providers 3, which service providers then report the copy protection usage to their respective rights holders and process authorizers.

Description

A method for controlling copy protection in digital video networks

The present invention relates to a method for controlling copy protection in digital video networks in which one wishes to copy protect an analog or digital video output signal associated with a digital video network.

Various well-known copy protection schemes for video signals are described in John O. Dec. 23, 1986. Modifies the analog video signal disclosed in US Patent No. 4,631,603 to John O. Ryan, assigned to Macrovision Corporation, incorporated herein by reference, and forbidding the creation of acceptable video recordings. Include techniques that are intended to This discloses adding a plurality of pulse pairs to the lines of the vertical blanking interval of the video signal that are not originally used, with each pulse pair having a negative going pulse followed by a positive-going pulse. to be. The effect is to disrupt the AGC (automatic gain control circuit) of the VCR (video cassette recorder) that records such a signal, making it impossible to see the recorded signal due to the presence of an excessively dark picture when the recorded signal is reproduced. .

No. 4,914,694, issued to Leonard on April 3, 1990, assigned to Eidak Corporation, discloses another analog video protection scheme, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Aidaq system (see summary) changes the duration of each horizontal line interval in each field while maintaining a constant standard number of lines per frame, or the horizontal lines that make up a frame while maintaining the standard duration of each line interval. By varying the number of intervals, increase or decrease the length of each video field from the standard length.

These video protection systems modify the video signal to be recorded (e.g., on tape) or broadcast (e.g., protected pay-per-view television program), which is a common practice. Makes copying by VCR difficult or impossible. When a video tape on which a copy-protected video signal is recorded is played back for viewing using a VCR, the copy protection process is essentially transparent, i.e., does not disturb viewing. However, any attempt made to copy the video signal from the tape using the second VCR to record the output of the first (playback) VCR results in a somewhat degraded picture quality, depending on the effectiveness of the particular copy protection system. These current video copy protection systems only protect analog video signals, which are in the form of video signals recorded and broadcast using current consumer video technology.

Several digital and hybrid solutions to the copy protection problem have been resolved by US Pat. No. 5,315,448, issued May 24, 1994, issued to Ryan and assigned to Macrovision Corporation, and incorporated herein by reference. This patent relates to copy protection for use with digital signal recording, which is required to copy protect both analog and digital signals associated with digital VCRs and any signal material whose original source material cannot be copy protected. .

There is a fundamental transformation underway that will have a major impact on the distribution of home entertainment. Advances in digital compression technologies and the associated cost reductions associated with each advance will soon bring consumers hundreds of viewing options to choose from. Due to the increase in the number of channels, more channels will be allocated for pay-per-view (PPV). The increased number of PPV channels allows video service providers (VSPs), also known as PPV providers or system operators, to provide more movies and more launches, ultimately leading many consumers to their homes. It will change the way you buy and watch movies. Already, market research experts predict that the pay-per-view business will rival today's videocassette rental and sales business within three to five years.

Despite such a positive outlook for the future of PPV, if new digital video networks cannot protect PPV program copyrights, consumers' sufficient interests in PPV programming can be put off. Rights owners are concerned that when digital programming is supplied to homes, any digital set-top box can produce commercial quality video when recorded by a consumer VCR.

1 shows a summary of the functions of the present invention;

2 is a block diagram showing a conventional digital set-top box / decoder of the present invention;

3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit and a structure of the set top box of FIG. 2 in more detail.

In this new world of providing video programming directly to the home, video service providers will be asked to protect PPV programming against unauthorized copying. They will have to develop and manage headend (cable) or uplink (satellite) systems to monitor, control, track, and report on the application of copy protection on each pay-per-view video program. . For this purpose, the present invention provides a copy protection management configuration that satisfies these needs while supplementing technically more detailed copy protection management strategies for video service providers. This configuration contributes to integrating all the components of copy protection distribution in the digital network, satisfying the rights holder's requirements for a robust and secure environment for distributing copy protected PPV programming, while providing a variety of DBS, Telco and cable operators. Designed to meet your needs.

When the appropriate control and tracking systems are properly located in the control and billing centers of the video service provider, the utility of PPV copy protection is maximized. These control and tracking systems are best specified during the design phase of a digital signal distribution system. At a minimum, the following system components are required:

Copy-protectable set top boxes

· Ability to distribute programmable copy protection configuration

Ability to distribute real time on / off / mode commands

Transaction / billing reporting systems / programs

In order to provide copy protection for conventional digital distribution systems, the control and tracking system according to the present invention can be best understood through short case learning that begins when the consumer, ie, the subscriber, receives a new set-top box. Each set-top box contains a copy-protectable digital-analog encoder chip. When the set-top box is initially powered up, the encoder chip is remotely programmed via a video service provider with the desired copy protection configuration. The video service provider's system management software (SMS) (also referred to below as system control software (SCS)) thus has the ability to store and track a designated configuration. The configuration information applies to all copy protected programming and is only updated when the video service provider is notified of process changes or when the set-top box is initialized.

The copy protection status or option of each program is included in the video service provider's system control software database. There are several potential copy protection status options. For example, the first option is for copy protection, which allows viewing only at PPV transaction rates. The second option is for copy protection which allows writing to tape at higher transaction rates. The third option is for non-protected program material for which no copy protection is required (eg television broadcast).

When the consumer selects the viewing type via the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), an accurate menu of options is displayed. Once the PPV program is selected by the consumer, the exact copy protection status is applied as determined by the consumer's chosen options and scheduling software in the system control software database. The control software of the headend / uplink facility or software in the set-top box determines the appropriate on / off / mode commands and sends them to the copy-protectable digital-analog chip described above.

Headend / uplink software sends on / off / mode commands to the set-top box to accurately set copy protection for specific programs. Since copy protection is allowed only for PPV programming use, system scheduling software has the ability to prevent copy protection from being applied to any type of program other than PPV programming. After the PPV program is viewed by the consumer, the set-top box can deliver all relevant transaction data to the billing subsystem of the system control software. From this data, the billing subsystem can add this information to copy protection activity reports. These reports include information such as the number of purchases, retail price, and copy protection fees that must be paid to the licensor.

The copy protection process is applied to the analog video signal just before exiting the consumer set-top box. The application of the copy protection process is controlled and managed by the system control / access software of the system control software in the motion control and billing center of the video service provider.

All set top boxes in the network need to include copy protection circuitry. If the set-top box does not have copy protection, then the video service provider can identify these set-top boxes and refuse to copy-protect PPV programming.

Basic copy protection, controlled and tracked in accordance with the present invention, is the subject of numerous patents and ongoing applications. The PPV copy protection process works using the differences between television (TV) sets and the way VCRs respond to video signals. Two components of anticopy are known as Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Colorstripe ^™ processes. The purpose of these two separate components or processes is to modify the video signal in a manner that has no effect on the TV set but prohibits the recording VCR from making a viewable copy.

The combination of AGC based anti-copy process and Colorstripe ^™ technology developed especially for PPV applications has an overall effective rate of at least 95%. This means that more than 95% of unauthorized copies will be unviewable or substantially reduced entertainment value.

Security is also a major factor in the operational effectiveness of PPV copy protection. Security is a measure of difficulty in destroying or avoiding anticopy processes. Ideally, the system cannot be completely destroyed, but as a practical matter the copy protection system needs to be sufficiently safe to thwart intended infringements by ordinary consumers, including those who are fairly weak. If the majority of consumers are prevented from writing PPV programs to tape at home, the security system is successful.

When such recent movie programming is provided to the consumer at the same time or within a short time of viewing the latest movie through the videocassette, it would be advantageous for video service providers (VSPs), namely PPV providers and rights holders. will be. This plan also benefits subscribers by providing them with more choices.

In order to ensure that video PP rentals and video cassette sales businesses are not compromised, digital service providers are encouraged to use PPV programming because digital PPV programming provides rights owners with more revenue and is a viable viewing choice for prerecorded video cassettes. You will be asked for copy protection. Also for billing purposes, rights holders will require video service providers to inspect, control, track, and report on the application of copy protection for each video program.

Copy protection has emerged as a key element in the distribution of PPV programming over digital signal distribution networks. The overall system relationship of copy protection can be handled very easily, but only if it is designed as part of the overall digital distribution system architecture.

The description of the present invention is intended to apply to systems where one or more video service providers are connected to a pay-per-view (PPV) service now or in the future. The PPV service can be in video-on-demand (VOD) format or near video-on-demand (NVOD) format and digital distribution network, where set-top boxes (STBs) from multiple manufacturers can be connected to the network. Can be. In the early days, one kind of technology evolved (for example, direct broadcast satellite (DBS), multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS), telephone line or hybrid-fiber coaxial cable (HFC)), and other kinds of technology sooner or later. Will follow. Although different technologies may arise, the present invention may be applied using a number of platforms and technologies.

1 illustrates a control and tracking method and system for enabling and controlling the application of copy protection, such as video signals, over a digital video network. Station 1 is intended for application by copy protection providers to a program protected by pay-per-view (PPV) or pay-to-tape (PTT) requirements. And issuing instructions from copyrighted program rights holders to video service providers.

Station 2 supplies copy protection control software to each copy protected program that is broadcast to generate the commands required to activate, control, and reconfigure the copy protection process for providing each particular PPV / PTT program. Describes the control and billing center of licensed video service providers. Although only one service provider is shown in the figure, it is understood that in accordance with the present invention, station 2 represents any plurality of video service providers with respective proprietary control and tracking (billing) software.

Station 3 illustrates a procedure for transmitting specific copy protection command codes of respective providers through conventional broadcast networks in order to provide a PPV / PTT program. Such transmissions may be made by satellite, microwave, telephone line or cable transmission system as described.

Station 4 represents a subscriber's home or other receiving facility and includes a set top box 10 for each of a plurality of subscribers. Each set top box includes a copy protection circuit comprising a digital color encoder integrated chip (IC), which chip is adapted to apply the selected anticopy waveforms to an analog or digital video signal supplied to a television set or monitor. The receiving facility is further described in FIG.

Station 5 transmits data identifying each PPV or PTT transaction, including copy protection use, returned back through station 3's transmission networks by set-top box 10 and generally under the control of each video service provider. And a process sent to the claim (tracking) center. The center is a subset of the system control software and includes billing procedures that process return transaction data to provide a subscriber with a claim for PPV or PTT transaction usage.

Station 6 represents the process by which each licensed video service provider reports the use of copy protection to the program rights holder and pays the copy protection fee to the rights owner, ie the licensor.

FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the subscriber facility of station 4 of FIG. 1, receiving the pay-per-view transmission, typically compressed digital type, from the broadcast networks depicted as station 3 of FIG. The compressed digital video signal or the like is supplied to each set top box 10 of the plurality of set top boxes, where each set top box is used to convert and decode the digital compressed video signal into an analog (baseband) video signal. It includes conventional circuits. The set top box 10 also includes a digital color encoder IC 20 as described above, wherein the digital color encoder IC is adapted to apply selected copy protection waveforms to an analog (or digital) video signal, i.e., programs that are copy protected. Prevention circuitry. In this example, the copy-protected analog baseband video is supplied to the TV set 22 by the set top box, where the subscriber is entitled to pay-per-view copy-protected program if the subscriber has the right to watch the program. Is displayed for viewing. If the subscriber does not have the right to view a particular PPV copy protection program, the corresponding picture is modified and becomes unviewable.

If a subscriber records a PPV copy-protected program through the VCR 24 to obtain a copy 26 recorded on tape without authorization, the unauthorized copy may be watched, as shown in the TV set 28. The picture quality will be degraded to the extent that there is no. However, if the subscriber subscribes to a pay-to-tape transaction and pays the higher PTT transaction fee required, he will have copy rights and the resulting taped copy will be readily viewable.

3 illustrates the structure of the set top box (s) of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail. Upon powering up the set top box 10, the configuration bits stored in the flash memory 48 are read and written to the appropriate CP control registers 52 in the NTSC / PAL encoder 20. The compressed digital video signal, which has already been discussed and includes copy protection control commands discussed above, is shown by the input lead 30, by the distribution network (satellite, HFC, MMDS, telephone line) described above, The demodulation circuit 32 is supplied. The demodulated video / audio and control signals are supplied to a demultiplexer circuit 34 where the video / audio signals are separated into respective channels, and to an MPEG-2 decoder and digital decompression circuit 36. Copy protection control commands are supplied from the demultiplexer 34 to the conditional access system module 38. The instructions are supplied to the microprocessor of the CPU 40. The CPU processes information located in the memory associated with the electronic program guide (EPG) 46, or activates the copy protection application software 44 in the memory 42 to activate the NTSC / PAL encoder 20. command). The EPG may also have data used to determine whether copy protection should be activated. There are additional methods that can be used to activate copy protection.

In response to the control commands, the CPU 40 supplies control signals to the NTSC / PAL encoder IC 20 of FIG. 2 described above. The encoder IC 20 includes copy protection control registers 50 and 52 which receive mode bits and configuration control bits, respectively. The configuration bits 52 determine the form of copy protection (ie, where the Pseudo Sync and AGC pulses are located or the positions of the color stripe lines, etc.). The on / off / mode byte 50 determines which components of the copy protection process will be activated. See Table 1 below. Encoder IC 20 also receives decompressed video from MPEG-2 decoder and digital decompression circuit 36. The encoder IC 20 outputs an RF signal, a composite video signal and / or an S-video signal through the video leads 54. The decompressed audio signal is supplied from circuit 36 to audio processing circuit 56, which sequentially outputs left and right channel stereo signals and / or AC-3 on audio leads 58. Output the signal.

In accordance with the present invention, the set top box needs to meet certain requirements to ensure that the copy protection process is accurately generated, controlled and tracked. Control and tracking of the copy protection process use takes place in the control and billing center of station 2, VSP in FIG. This requires that there be certain capabilities, including set top box, system control and billing systems and programs, in order to meet the requirements.

The requirements to ensure that the copy protection process or technology is correctly activated and controlled and that its use is tracked are described below. If non-compliant set-top box hardware is attached to the digital distribution network, each authorized service provider can identify such hardware as inflexible and copy protected to each subscriber. It won't give you old programs

The performance of these control requirements for the network (i.e. program start control and control of anticopy processing from the billing center) is based on knowledge of the set-top box control system and process, and the application program interfaces (APIs) present in the set-top box. It requires a dialog between the integrated circuit (IC) incorporating a copy protection device and the set top box.

Copy protection control software (CPCS) is a software module or set of software modules in a service provider's system control software (SCS). It provides an interface to the system operator (ie service provider) to manage the attributes required for pay-per-view copy protection in accordance with the present invention.

For security reasons, there is a need for the ability to control access to the CPCS from the system control software. This specification is designed to restrict access to the CPCS to control the copy protection process. Operating systems that support SCS are generally the first level of security. All users are required to enter a login account and password. Without them, the user's access is denied. The user's account specifies each of the privileges. The system administrator of the service provider is responsible for assigning user privileges.

Therefore, all executable files on the host that can modify the operational state of the copy protection process are allowed only to authorized individuals. Without proper authorization, an individual cannot run executable software.

CPCS is part of the software control of the video service provider, where the determination of whether to apply the options of pay-per-view and pay-to-tape is applied on a program-by-program basis.

Access control to the CPCS is done through password control or assignment / deny of privileges via software. If password control is the chosen method and once the correct initial password is entered, CPCS allows a new password to be selected for future CPCS access. In this way, the service provider can restrict access to the CPCS by those users who have the authority to modify the copy protection database. The password is valid for an appropriate amount of time before its validity expires and the choice of a new password is required.

In addition, there is access control to a subsystem in the CPCS that allows modification of selected bits, defining configuration controls and modes of the copy protection process and determining characteristics of the copy protection process. Any unauthorized changes to these bits can cause serious playability and effectiveness problems. To maximize the security of the system, the video service provider needs to have a simple list of personnel authorized to change these bits.

A mode control group controls access to the mode bits. This group has the ability to activate or deactivate the copy protection process by changing the contents of the mode byte (s) sent with each PPV program. Membership in this group is controlled by the system administrator. The number of service providers allowed in this group is kept to a minimum.

Similarly, a configuration control group controls access to configuration bits. This group has the ability to change the contents of the configuration bits that define the copy protection process. These are the bits that are sent periodically for all set top boxes to ensure that all set top boxes use the correct version of the process. The number of service providers allowed in this group is kept to a minimum.

Each password described below has at least eight alpha-numeric lengths. The system administrator is responsible for defining the current password and distributing it to authorized personnel. Each password described below must have a lifespan of only four months before the system administrator changes the password.

Password access to software that applies or removes a copy protection process on a program-by-program basis is designed to ask the authorized personnel of the mode or configuration control group about permission passwords to ensure that they are members. If the authorized personnel enter the password correctly, they will be allowed to apply or remove copy protection for a particular PPV or series of PPV events. Conversely, if authorized personnel fail to enter a password, their access to certain parts of the database should be denied. It is the responsibility of the system administrator to ensure that only authorized personnel know the password for the mode or configuration control. Before a message is issued to the system administrator that an unauthorized request has been made to modify an application or remove copy protection, an authorized person will be given three login attempts.

Alternatives to accessing the CPCS and controlling access to the above modes and configurations of the copy protection process can be developed by those skilled in the art.

The CPCS will perform the following functions: copy protection on / off and mode control, copy protection verification, functionally unlocking copy protection on the set-top box, and copy programming process reprogramming.

The copy protection process integrated in the set-top box is controlled by CPCS at the central location of control and billing of the licensed video service provider. The need to invoke copy protection on individual programs forms a part of a descriptor for each program. A default for copy protection within the descriptor needs to be turned off (ie, no copy protection).

Steps need to be taken to prevent copy protection from being applied to non-PPV program channels, because copy protection can only be licensed for PPV programming. If the system control software automatically verifies that a program is designated for PPV use, the requirement can be automated. Similarly, access to CPCS may be automatically denied for non-PPV programming. If this automatic confirmation is not made, a warning is issued when the CPCS is accessed to change the copy protection status of the program. This indication needs to be displayed until a certain keyboard input is made indicating that a warning has been acknowledged.

In the case of MPEG signals, their own MPEG copyright header bits are not sufficient to enable copy protection in the set top box. The following reasons are the basis for not allowing MPEG header bits to be used as the sole control of the copy protection process. (a) distinguish between digital-to-digital and digital-to-analog copy protection conditions, and (b) provide sufficient control to set the copy protection mode of operation. (c) an application routine is required to facilitate access to the copy protection system only by the licensed video service provider.

It is desirable to perform anticopy process on / off control by setting all individual parameter on / off and mode control bits rather than master on / off control. This requires that the NO (N-zero) bits in the control bit list be set as required. Depending on the individual system, this will require 5 to 8 bits of control.

The mode byte distribution to the set-top box to enable or disable the copy protection process can be accomplished in a number of ways. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. When selecting a mechanism for controlling the copy protection technology, the service provider may choose one of the following means or develop a whole new means.

One method may be that the mode byte is distributed through the conditional access system via an entitlement control message (ECM). Another method may be to include the mode byte in the private data field of the MPEG transport data stream.

Another method is to distribute the mode byte to a user defined portion of the electronic program guide (EPG) that is not identified in the released document as it controls copy protection. This method also requires some additional security to ensure that the memory location of the mode byte is not accessed for unauthorized changes, and the setting of a return flag that indicates the actual state of the mode byte when sent to the NTSC encoder.

Another method may be a combination of conditional access ECM and EPG. The transport of the mode byte in the EPG can be combined with two bits in the ECM. There will be an or operation between the ECM bits and the EPG bits to activate the copy protection technique. If either of these is set, it will have to indicate that both copy protection techniques, ie ECM and EPG, require deactivation.

When a copy protected PPV program is watched, part of the information that needs to be tracked will be the actual set part of the mode byte. In this way the copy protection process and service provider will have the means to know if copy protection has been avoided in the set top box. The return flag can simply be set to 'true' to indicate that the copy protection process has been correctly activated, or to 'false' if not correctly activated. The mode byte is required to be sent to the NTSC encoder on a periodic basis. The transmission frequency is about once per minute.

Setting the mode of operation of the copy protection process is independent of the three component parts of the copy protection process (pulses in the vertical blanking interval, pulses at the end of the field, colorburst phase modification). It requires activation and up to five additional mode setting parameters using the NO bit as indicated above.

Access to copy protection in set-top boxes by video service providers needs to be restricted to authorized providers. This should not be confused with access to the CPCS as defined above. Thus, each system operator or video service provider follows that it is required to obtain means (ie keys / codes, etc.) to activate copy protection system control software on a program-by-program basis. When a service provider obtains a means to activate copy protection, the service provider will gain access to the copy protection process on the set top box. Copy protection processes (ie, on / off / mode or reprogramming commands) in a set top box need to have controlled access so that only authorized service providers can issue valid commands to the set top box. The set top box needs to reject commands for copy protection processes from unauthorized video service providers.

The set top boxes shown in Figs. 1 and 2 can be transported by the manufacturer with the installed copy protection capability, but are functionally locked. This means that the set top box will not respond to any copy protection control codes. However, the set-top box will be unlocked (ie, enabled) by a message, transmitted through the system by a video service provider initialized and licensed via CPCS or SCS. This message may be sent as part of the log-on routine when the subscriber accesses the provider. The message only needs to be acted upon once by the set top box for the life of the set top box. Only unlocked message data is provided to authorized video service providers.

The copy protection unlock message consists of at least 8 bytes. Set top boxes are manufactured with an appropriate release message code. This code is provided only to the copy protection licensor by the set top box manufacturer, which in turn supplies the code to the licensed video service providers. The copy protection release message is different for each set top box manufacturer, but the same for all set top boxes made by that manufacturer.

Alternative methodological proposals for enabling the copy protection process in set-top boxes will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

To ensure that the copy protection process provides maximum effectiveness with VCRs and compatibility with TV sets during the life of the set-top box, the copy protection system needs to be upgraded system-wide by instructions initiated by the CPCS. . This will generate new process configuration data to be sent. In response, the set top box processes the data to reconfigure the adjustable parameters of the copy protection process. The set top box may be placed in a “diagnostic” mode to perform this feature, and the configuration data may be transmitted and acted upon by the set top box on the routine basis as part of the program description data or log-on routine.

However, it is recommended that an authorization control message (ECM) be used. ECM is inserted into the conditional access system.

In one version, 108 bits of configuration data are provided to accommodate reconstruction data, but 108 bits do not fit in byte units. Therefore, 112 is recommended to be transmitted with pad 0. The data is provided to the service provider in hexadecimal form for entry into the CPCS. Thus 112 bits are input as 28 hexadecimal strings.

In another version, 132 bits of configuration data are provided to accommodate reconstruction data, but the 132 bits do not fit in byte units. Therefore, it is recommended that 136 be transmitted with pad 0. The data is provided to the provider in hexadecimal form for input into the CPCS. Thus, the 136 bits are input as 34 hexadecimal strings.

It is possible to confirm the current configuration stored by the CPCS by accessing the current contents of the configuration bits provided as the correct number of hexadecimal characters. At least 8 bytes of alpha-numeric passwords are required to gain access to change the programming data in the CPCS. The password is separate from the password that allows access to the CPCS. The service provider has the option of receiving 'C' source code of the executable file to pass the parameters.

The following is a warning display provided on the operation control of the service provider after entering the correct password and on the screen of the billing center.

warning

Altering copy protection configuration data without a license can pose serious risks related to the performance and degradation of the copy protection system.

The warning display is displayed until a particular keyboard is entered indicating that the warning has been acknowledged.

By way of example only, Table 1 shows a list of mode control bits that define corresponding bit patterns or commands, providing routine on / off and mode selection functions when transmitted to the set-top box via distribution networks. The configuration control bit list is relatively longer because it controls much more control and reprogramming functions, but is generally the same as the list of mode control.

Pay-per-view transaction information is collected by each video service provider for each subscriber so that monthly copy protection activity reports required for royalties payments and other fees can be generated. The reports include information about the number of subscribers accessing each copy protected program along with the subtotal of copy protection status or options selected by each subscriber. The reports include the PPV title, PPV program provider, copy protection activation status requested by the subscriber, and information classified by the set-top box model code. The reports are provided by the report generation software described above at video service provider centers.

The activity report includes the manufacturer and model type descriptor code in the transaction acknowledgment between the set-top box and the control and billing system when the PPV purchase transaction is reported to the service provider.

CPCSs and set-top boxes may apply and report on anti-copy use under the following conditions: The entire system allows the subscriber's copy protection to be turned off on the set-top box only when allowed by the PPV program rights holder.

(a) The holder of the PPV program rights will only allow viewing if:

Pay-to-tape mode is prohibited (off). All STBs output only copy-protected waveforms. That is, the copy protection waveform is unconditionally shown on the analog video output signal of the set top box.

This is reported to the billing system as a "pay-per-view" copy protected transaction.

(b) The PPV program rights holder allows viewing and recording.

The pay-to-tape mode bit is set for allowed (on) pay-to-tape. Under this option, when the subscriber selects the "Pay-to-Tape" option, the copy protection process will be "turned off" in the STB so that the PPV program writes (tapes on) the transaction rate higher than the rate for "View only". Recording). That is, no copy protection waveform will be present on the STB analog video output signal.

This is reported to the billing system as a "pay-to-tape" copy protected transaction.

Table 2 below provides a summary of the control options and includes additional information.

It is to be understood that the various terms used in the description herein are interchangeable. For example, a "video service provider" is known as a pay-per-view (PPV) provider or system operator, and "system management software" is preferably called system control software. Similarly, the "control and billing centers" of the PPV providers indicated at station 2 (and generally station 5) are motion control / tracking centers, program start / end centers, head end (cable) / uplink (satellite). Control centers or the like. The licensed PPV provider facility provides the necessary control commands for the associated software and / or circuitry within the set-top box, allowing each subscriber to access the program material to which the subscriber is entitled, and also automatically returned by the set-top box. Receive binary usage data at specified times such as weeks and months. The billing and license fee software subset of system control software then allows each PPV provider to bill bills to subscribers, report to rights holders, etc. and pay ancillary license fees.

Therefore, the above description of the present invention is only an example and does not limit the present invention. It is apparent that modifications may be made from the disclosure herein by persons skilled in the art. For example, although the description has been made of a video signal, mainly an analog video signal, the concepts of the present invention may be applied to other signals having properties equivalent to a video signal that requires copy protection. Likewise, the present invention can be applied to digital copy protection as well as analog signal data, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,315,448. In addition, although specific examples of code words have been disclosed herein to enable a copy protection process through a set top box, numbers of bits and other combinations may be used. In addition, a selected portion of the control software for executing the copy protection process may be in the set-top box in the form of an insertable "smart" card, for example a smart card relating to the subscriber's options and privileges. Contains data.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (67)

To provide copy protection of the signal material to prevent copying of the signal material transmitted to the set-top box of the consumer via digital distribution networks and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded copy of the signal material. In Supplying copy protection controls indicative of desired copy protection for said signal material; Storing a copy protection configuration corresponding to the desired copy protection in the set top box; Sending instructions derived from the control signals in response to the copy protection control signals and activating the copy protection configuration for the signal material; And Apply the copy protection configuration to the signal material in response to the instructions to allow viewing of the original signal material as through a TV set, but to prevent subsequent viewing of the recorded copy of the copy protected signal material. Including the steps of: The supplying step, Establishing requirements for enabling the copy protection scheme to be applied and for activating and controlling the process of reporting its corresponding use; And Supplying copy protection control software in response to the requirements, wherein the software provides the copy protection control signals for activating and controlling the application of the copy protection configuration and the usage reports. The method of claim 1, wherein the setting comprises: Differentiating copy protection conditions from digital to digital and digital-to-analog; Determine a copy protection process operating mode and configuration; Setting requirements to ensure that only authorized access to the copy protection process is provided. The method of claim 1, The supplying comprises generating instructions in the form of a bit pattern in response to the copy protection control software, The instructions include a copy comprising a first mode bit pattern for activating real time on / off / mode control for selecting a component of the copy protection configuration and a second configuration bit pattern for determining a programmable copy protection configuration. How to provide prevention. The method of claim 3, Receiving the transmitted first and second bit patterns to activate the copy protection, and controlling and reconfiguring the copy protection process in response to those bit patterns, respectively. The method of claim 1, Restricting access to the setup and provisioning steps to prevent unauthorized access to the copy protection control software or application of the copy protection process that activates and controls the process. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying step, Storing the copy protection control signals in a memory supplied to a consumer set top box; And Storing control data in a memory supplied to a signal data receiving set-top box, wherein the stored control data is responsive to the transmitted commands to activate, control, and reconfigure the stored copy protection configuration. The method of claim 1, In the form of periodic copy protection activity information, including copy protection activation status such as the number of pay-per-view and pay-to-tape signaling events watched. And collecting the usage data. The method of claim 7, wherein the usage data, The number of accesses to the receive set-top boxes; A rights holder of the signaling event; A method of providing copy protection further comprising the generation of reports comprising a total number of events watched and corresponding billing information. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying step, If the recording consists of the corresponding copy-protected signal material, modifying the selected sync signal in the corresponding blanking interval of the television video horizontal line in response to the commands, in order to degrade subsequent decoding of the sync signal. A copy protection providing method comprising the step of modifying. The method of claim 1, And said signal material is a video analog or digital signal. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplying step, Developing the copy protection control software for applying the copy protection configuration to the signal material and describing control signals for returning usage data representing the signal material selected in the set top box of the consumer to a service provider; Generating mode and configuration control bit patterns in response to the copy protection control software; And And after the consumer connects to the distribution network, transmitting the control bit patterns to the set top box of the consumer based on a defined routine. The method of claim 11, Storing the configuration control bit pattern in the set top box that determines the format of the copy protection process; And In response to the transmitted mode control bit pattern, allowing the stored configuration control bit pattern to selectively activate and / or modify the configuration of the copy protection process. The method of claim 12, Modifying the configuration control bit pattern to correspond to a desired change in the copy protection process format; And And sending the modified configuration control bit pattern to the set top box to effect the change in the copy protection process. The method of claim 12, Storing consumer information representing the copy options desired by the consumer in the set top box; Comparing the mode control bit pattern with the stored consumer information in the set-top box, if the signal material is selected, to determine whether the consumer is authorized to view and / or copy the signal material only; Method of providing copy protection, including. The method of claim 11, The signal material is a pay-per-view (PPV) or pay-to-tape (PTT) signal, The supplying step, Establishing requirements for activating and controlling the PPV and PTT copy protection process and reporting the corresponding usage activity of the process to the service provider; Providing the copy protection control software in response to the requirements, the software supplying the control bit pattern for activating, controlling and modifying the PPV and PTT copy protection processes. . The method of claim 15, Providing limited access to the setup and provisioning steps to prevent control of the copy protection process or unauthorized access of service provider persons to the copy protection control software. The method of claim 15, And said signal material is a pay-per-view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. The method of claim 15, wherein the applying step, If viewing or copying the pay-per-view signal is attempted without permission, in response to the control bit pattern, to degrade all subsequent decoding of the sync signal in the corresponding blanking interval of the selected video horizontal line; And modifying the selected synchronization signal. The method of claim 1, Receiving a mode control bit pattern and recording the set-top box; And said stored copy protection feature activates, controls and modifies said copy protection process in response to said transmitted mode control bit pattern. The method of claim 19, The set top box is functionally locked and provides copy protection including downloading a selected bit pattern or software, through a service provider, adapted to functionally unlock the set top box. Way. A system for controlling the copy protection of proprietary signal material transmitted over digital distribution networks, wherein an unauthorized copy and / or the recorded signal material by consumers, even if the original signal material is viewable A copy protection control system in which a service provider operates a copy protection process that prevents subsequent unauthorized viewing of As a control / billing center for supplying copy protection control signals as directed by the service provider, the copy protection control signals include real time mode control and on / off control of selected components of the copy protection process. The control / billing sensor defining a first mode command for activating and a second configuration bit pattern command for determining a programmable operational configuration of the copy protection process; A transmission unit which transmits the signal data, the first mode command and the second configuration bit pattern command in response to the copy protection control signals to selectively control the copy protection process; And The programmable operation of the copy protection process in response to the transmitted first and second instructions to allow viewing of the signal material, but to prevent copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material. A copy protection control system comprising a device located at each consumer for applying a configuration to the signal material. The method of claim 21, The copy protection control signals include an access password for verifying that authorized persons of a service provider access and control the copy protection process. The method of claim 21, The device located at each consumer side is a set top box which, in response to the first mode command signal, has a copy protection circuit adapted to add anticopy signals to the signal material in the form of the programmable operating configuration. A copy protection control system having an encoder. The method of claim 23, The set top box includes a memory for storing a configuration bit pattern of the second mode command separately from the first mode command, The encoder, A buffer for receiving the mode command and the configuration bit pattern; And circuitry for controlling activation and configuration of said copy protection process in response to said configuration and said first mode command determined by said configuration bit pattern. The method of claim 23, The set top box transmits usage data to the control / billing center of the service provider, The usage data is used by the service provider to bill the consumers and to report the usage and corresponding license fee. The method of claim 21, The signal material is a pay-per-view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. The method of claim 21, The control / billing center includes instruction information for setting requirements for activation and control of the copy protection process and for reporting the copy protection operation, And the service provider supplies copy protection control software corresponding to the requirements and the copy protection control signals responsive to the copy protection control software. A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted through digital distribution networks, the method of providing copy protection to prevent copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material while allowing viewing of the original signal material. To Generating a second copy protection command comprising at least a first copy protection command and a variable configuration bit pattern representing a corresponding programmable copy protection configuration for application to the signal material; Transmitting the signaling material and the first and second copy protection commands to a plurality of remote devices coupled to the networks; And In response to the copy protection commands, the programmable copy of the signal material at one or more remote devices to prevent copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material while allowing viewing of the original signal material. Activating the configuration bit pattern defining a protection configuration. The method of claim 28, Storing the variable configuration bit pattern in respective remote devices, The configuration bit pattern is recovered from storage in response to the first copy protection command for activating copy protection for the signal material, whereby the signal material is modified so that a copy thereof cannot be viewed or viewed. A method of providing copy protection that can be but not copied or causes the remote devices to stop outputting the signal material. The method of claim 28, wherein the generating step, Establishing requirements for activation and control of the copy protection process and for reporting corresponding to its use; Supplying copy protection software in response to the selected requirement; And Generating the first and second copy protection instructions in response to the copy protection software to update, activate, and control the programmable copy protection configuration and usage reports. The method of claim 30, wherein the setting step, Differentiating copy protection conditions from digital to digital and digital-to-analog; Determine a copy protection process operation mode for the first copy protection command and the configuration bit pattern of the second command; Ensuring that only authorized access is allowed to the copy protection process; A method of providing copy protection that includes setting requirements. The method of claim 30, Wherein the first and second copy protection instructions comprise a first bit pattern for on / off / mode control and a second bit pattern defining the programmable copy protection configuration. 33. The method of claim 32, The copy protection process and authorized access to the copy protection software are limited to selected employees. The method of claim 30, The usage reports include a list of the pay-per-view and pay-to-tape operations for the signaling material at each remote device. The method of claim 34, wherein Generating reports with information about the rights holder of the signaling material, the number of times the remote device is accessed, the total number of events watched and corresponding billing information; To provide copy protection. The method of claim 28, And said signal material is a pay-per-view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. A system for controlling copy protection of signal data transmitted through digital distribution networks connected to a plurality of remote devices, wherein the copy and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal data is allowed while viewing the original signal data. A copy protection control system in which a service provider operates a copy protection process to prevent A control / billing center for supplying at least first and second copy protection control signals as instructed by the service provider, The second control signal is a configuration bit pattern representing a programmable copy protection configuration, A transmitter for transmitting first and second commands corresponding to the first and second copy protection control signals to determine and control the copy protection process; Recall the programmable copy protection configuration in response to the transmitted first command to prevent copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material even if the original signal material is available for viewing. At least one remote device comprising an encoder responsive to said first and second instructions for application to signal material. The method of claim 37, A memory for storing the configuration bit pattern representing the programmable copy protection configuration; Recovering the configuration bit pattern from the memory to activate copy protection for the signal material, thereby modifying the signal material so that a copy of it can not be viewed, can be viewed but not copied or the remote And circuitry to cause devices to stop outputting the signal material. The method of claim 37, wherein the first and second copy protection control signals, A first bit pattern for on / off / mode control; And a second bit pattern defining the programmable copy protection scheme. The method of claim 39, The copy protection further includes an access password to ensure that only authorized access by the service provider people is allowed to control the copy protection process. The method of claim 39, The remote devices manage usage data and provide it to the control / billing center, such that the center can generate usage information and correlate license fee reports for billing purposes. The method of claim 39, The signal material is a pay-per-view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted to remote devices via digital distribution networks, the method comprising: providing copy protection for copying recorded signal material and / or viewing after the copy; Receiving at one or more of the remote devices copy protection instructions indicating a desired copy protection for the signal material and transmitted by a control center connected to the digital distribution networks; The copy protection commands include: a first bit pattern that enables not only mode control but also on / off control of the copy protection; A programmable second bit pattern for determining the configuration of the copy protection applied to the signal material; In order to prevent unauthorized copying of recorded signal material and / or viewing after the copying, by applying the copy protection arrangement determined by the programmable second bit pattern in response to the first bit pattern, Activating said copy protection. The method of claim 43, The first bit pattern is compared with information provided from a user in the one or more devices, And wherein said information represents desired viewing and / or copying options that determine whether said consumer is authorized to receive, view and / or copy said signal material. The method of claim 43, The remote devices provide a copy protection for generating and transmitting to the control center reports on the identity information of the rights holder of the signal material, the number of times the remote devices have been accessed, the number of times the signal material has been viewed and the corresponding billing information. . The method of claim 43, Access to the copy protection instructions by the people of the control center is restricted to prevent unauthorized access. The method of claim 43, And said signal material is a paper-per-view or paper-to-tape video analog or digital signal. A device for accessing said digital distribution network for controlling copy protection of signal material transmitted over digital distribution networks to prevent copying of recorded signal material and / or subsequent viewing, A central processing unit (CPU); A memory coupled to the CPU, the memory for storing instructions and information related to a copy protection control command, The copy protection control commands indicate the desired copy protection for the signal material and are transmitted to the device by the control center via the digital distribution networks, The information related to the copy protection control commands includes: a first mode bit pattern for on / off / mode control to enable real time control of selected components of the copy protection process; A second configuration bit pattern for determining a programmable copy protection configuration of said copy protection process, An encoder circuit coupled to the CPU and the memory, the encoder circuit for receiving the first mode bit pattern and the second configuration bit pattern; The CPU sends instructions to the encoder circuitry to apply the programmable copy protection scheme to the signal material in response to the first mode bit pattern to prevent the unauthorized copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material. And in response to the copy protection control instructions, executing the instructions stored in the memory. The method of claim 48, The CPU compares the first mode bit pattern with information provided and stored in the memory provided by a consumer, The information indicating desired viewing and / or copying options that determine whether the consumer is authorized to view and / or copy the signal material. The method of claim 49, The memory further stores information provided by the consumer and including the identity of the rights holder of the signaling material, the number of receiving facilities accessed and the number of events watched, And the device reports the information provided from the user to the control center for the purpose of billing. The method of claim 48, And a conditional access module coupled to the CPU and preventing people in the control center from unauthorized access to the information associated with copy protection instructions stored in the memory. The method of claim 48, The signal material is a pay-per-view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted over digital distribution networks, wherein the copy protection signal is a copy that prevents copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material while allowing viewing of the original signal material. In the prevention provision method, Generating a copy protection command having a mode control command of one or more bits; Transmitting the signal data and the mode control command to a plurality of remote devices connected to the networks; In response to the mode control command, even if viewing of the original signal data is permitted, the one or more remote devices may be configured to prevent the copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal data. Activating a copy protection signal, The generating step provides the copy protection command and the copy control command; Activate the copy protection signal; Also providing a report of copy protection operation from the remote device to the source of signal material; A method of providing copy protection, including the provision of copy protection control software. The method of claim 53, Transmitting the copy protection signal to the plurality of remote devices; And applying the transmitted copy protection signal to the signal data in response to the mode control command. The method of claim 53, Storing the copy protection signal on one or more of the remote devices; Recovering the copy protection signal from a storage medium and applying the recovered copy protection signal to the signal data in response to the mode control command. The method of claim 53, The copy protection command includes a variable configuration bit pattern representing one or more copy protection signals; And the copy protection signal is applied to the signal data in response to a corresponding configuration bit pattern selected by the mode control command. The method of claim 56, wherein Storing the copy protection signal on respective remote devices; Recovering a selected one of the one or more copy protection signals from a storage medium in response to a corresponding configuration bit pattern selected by the mode control command; And Modifying the signal material so that a copy thereof cannot be viewed, watched but not copied, or applying the copy protection signal to the signal material to cause the remote devices to stop outputting the signal material. Copy protection providing method comprising a. The method of claim 56, wherein And the mode control command and the configuration bit pattern each include one or more bits. The method of claim 56, wherein The copy protection command includes a pattern of a plurality of bits defining a single bit pattern and a variable configuration bit pattern for on / off / mode control. A system for controlling copy protection of proprietary signal material transmitted over digital distribution networks, wherein the service provider is permitted to view the original signal material, but the service provider is responsible for unauthorized copying and / or the recorded signal material by consumers. In the copy protection control system for operating a copy protection signal to prevent subsequent viewing, A service provider center for providing a copy protection command having at least one bit mode control command to enable real time control as well as on / off control of selected components of the copy protection signal; A transmission unit for selectively transmitting the signal data and the mode control command; To prevent copying and / or subsequent viewing of the stored signal material while viewing the original signal material, the copy protection signal is provided to the signal material in response to the transmitted mode control command and the copy protection And a device located at each consumer for selectively applying a signal to the signal material. The method of claim 60, And the copy protection signal is transmitted to the device. The method of claim 60, And the copy protection signal is stored in the device. The method of claim 60, The copy protection command further includes a configuration bit pattern command for determining a programmable operating configuration of the copy protection signal, The transmission unit also transmits the configuration bit pattern command, And the device, in response to the mode control command, selectively apply the programmable operation configuration to the signal material. A method of providing copy protection of signal material transmitted to remote devices via digital distribution networks, wherein the copy protection signal permits viewing of the original signal material while allowing copy and / or subsequent viewing of the stored signal material. In the copy protection providing method to prevent, Receiving at the one or more remote devices said signal data and said copy protection command indicative of said copy protection signal to be applied to said signal data; Wherein the copy protection command includes one or more mode control commands for operating the copy protection signal, Applying the copy protection signal to the signal material at one or more remote devices in response to the mode control command to allow viewing of the original signal material and to prevent unauthorized copying and / or subsequent viewing of the recorded signal material. A copy protection providing method comprising the step of. 65. The method of claim 64, And said copy protection signal is received at said one or more remote devices. 65. The method of claim 64, And the copy protection signal is stored in the one or more remote devices. 65. The method of claim 64, The copy protection instruction includes a programmable configuration bit pattern for selecting a selected copy protection configuration applied to the signal material; And said selected copy protection scheme is applied to said signal material in response to said programmable configuration bit pattern operated by said mode control command.