JP2006186975A - Sending apparatus, receiving apparatus, sending and receiving apparatus, and transmission apparatus of signal, and sending method, receiving method, sending and receiving method, and transmission method of signal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a signal from being illegally duplicated without deteriorating the signal in transmitting the signal. <P>SOLUTION: When an apparatus 10 transmits an AV signal to an apparatus 20, a communication controlling portion 12 of the apparatus 10 acquires a copyright information of the AV signal and an authentication information of the apparatus 20. The authentication information includes an operation state of the apparatus 20, for example, the state of a recording operation and a display operation, a function of the apparatus or the like. The communication controlling portion 12 prohibits the transmission of the AV signal when the authentication information that the apparatus 20 is in the recording state and the copyright information that the AV signal to be transmitted is prohibited from being duplicated are acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a video signal transmission device, a transmission device, a transmission method, and a transmission method for preventing illegal copying of such information in order to protect the copyright of the video information recorded on a recording medium, for example.

  Conventionally, for the purpose of protecting the copyright of video signals, for example, it is known to prevent duplication of video signals by adding a macrovision signal or a color stripe copy protection signal to a composite video signal. ing.

  However, even if a copy protect signal is added to a composite video signal, such as a macrovision signal or a color stripe copy protect signal, it cannot be applied to a baseband signal such as an RGB signal.

  Even if a copy protect signal is added, if a device is physically connected, a video signal is output regardless of the type and function of the device to which it is connected.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a signal transmission device, a reception device, a transmission / reception device, and a signal transmission device that can prevent unauthorized duplication of these signals without degrading the signals. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission apparatus and a signal transmission method, reception method, transmission / reception method, and transmission method.

  A signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transmission unit that transmits a signal to an external device; a communication unit that communicates authentication information for determining whether or not the signal can be transmitted to the external device through bidirectional communication; and Transmission control means for controlling transmission of signals from the transmission means to the external device based on copyright information and authentication information, and when the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the authentication When the information determines that the external device is not the correct device as the transmission destination of the signal, the transmission of the signal is stopped.

  A signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention provides two-way communication of receiving means for receiving a signal from an external device, signal processing means for processing a signal received by the receiving means, and authentication information for determining whether or not the signal can be transmitted. And a signal for controlling authentication information that the communication means communicates with the external device via a communication line through the two-way communication based on the signal processing contents of the signal processing means and the communication means that communicates with the external device. And a control means.

  The signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes a transmission means for transmitting a signal to the reception apparatus, a communication means for communicating authentication information for propriety of transmission of the signal with the reception apparatus by bidirectional communication, and the control information. A signal transmission device comprising: a transmission control unit for controlling transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the reception device; a reception unit for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmission device; and a reception by the reception unit Based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means, signal processing means for processing the signal, communication means for communicating authentication information for permission of transmission of the signal with the transmitting device by bidirectional communication, and the communication means Comprises a signal receiving device comprising signal control means for controlling authentication information communicated with the transmitting device through the two-way communication.

  A signal transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the present invention is subjected to signal processing by a receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from a first external device, a signal processing means for performing signal processing of the received signal, and the signal processing means. Transmitting means for transmitting the transmitted signal to the second external device, and authentication information for determining whether or not the signal transmitted from the first external device can be transmitted in two-way communication. Communication means for communicating with an external device, signal control for controlling transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the second external device based on copyright information and authentication information of the signal and signal processing content of the signal processing means And when the copyright information indicates the copyright of the signal, when the authentication information determines that the second external device is not a correct device as the transmission destination of the signal, of Wherein the stop signal.

  The signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes both a reproduction means for reproducing a signal and copyright information thereof, a transmission means for transmitting a signal reproduced by the reproduction means, and authentication information for determining whether or not the signal can be transmitted. Signal transmission comprising: communication means for communicating with the external device by direct communication; and transmission control means for controlling transmission of the signal from the transmission means to the external device based on copyright information and authentication information of the signal. Apparatus, receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus, signal processing means for performing signal processing of the received signal, and transmission for transmitting a signal processed by the signal processing means to an external device Means, communication means for communicating authentication information for transmitting / receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus with the transmitting apparatus and an external device by two-way communication, and copyright information and authentication information of the signal. Based on the signal processing content of the fine the signal processing means, characterized in that it comprises a signal transmitting and receiving apparatus comprising a signal control means for controlling the transmission of signals to the external device from said transmitting means.

  In the signal transmission method according to the present invention, when transmitting a signal to an external device, authentication information for whether the signal can be transmitted is communicated with the external device by bidirectional communication, and copyright information and authentication of the signal are authenticated. Based on the information, when the transmission of the signal to the external device is controlled and the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the external device is not a correct device as the transmission destination of the signal by the authentication information When it is determined, the transmission of the signal is stopped.

  When receiving a signal sent from an external device, the signal receiving method according to the present invention communicates authentication information for whether or not the signal can be transmitted by bidirectional communication with the external device. The authentication information communicating with the external device is controlled based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means for processing the received signal, and the signal transmitted from the external device is received based on the control information.

  The present invention is a signal transmission / reception method for receiving a signal transmitted from a first external device, performing signal processing on the received signal, and transmitting the signal subjected to the signal processing to a second external device. Authentication information for whether or not to transmit a signal transmitted from the first external device is communicated with the first external device and the second external device by bidirectional communication, and the copyright information of the signal Based on the authentication information and the signal processing content of the signal processing means, the transmission of the signal to the second external device is controlled, and when the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the authentication information When it is determined that the second external device is not a correct device as a transmission destination of the signal, the transmission of the signal is stopped.

  The present invention transmits a signal from a first external device to a transmission / reception device, performs signal processing on the signal received from the first device in the transmission / reception device, and outputs the signal subjected to the signal processing from the transmission / reception device to the first A method of transmitting a signal to be transmitted to an external device, wherein the transmitting / receiving device transmits authentication information for whether or not to transmit a signal transmitted from the first external device to the first external device through two-way communication. Communicating with the device and the second external device, controlling the transmission of the signal to the second external device based on the copyright information and authentication information of the signal and the signal processing content of the signal processing means, and the copyright When the copyright of the signal is indicated by the information, the transmission of the signal is stopped when the authentication information determines that the second external device is not a correct device as the transmission destination of the signal. To

  According to the present invention, authentication information for whether or not a signal can be transmitted is communicated by two-way communication, the transmission of the signal is controlled based on the copyright information and the authentication information of the signal, and the copyright information When the copyright of the signal is indicated, the video signal to be transmitted is not degraded by stopping the transmission of the signal when it is determined by the authentication information that the device is not the correct destination of the signal. Can prevent unauthorized duplication.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a communication system according to a first embodiment between an apparatus 10 and an apparatus 20 in which an audiovisual signal reproduced from the apparatus 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as an AV signal) cannot be illegally copied by the apparatus 20. Explain. The device 10 and the device 20 are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The device 10 is a playback device that plays back an AV signal recorded on a recording medium. The device 10 includes a signal processing unit 11, a communication control unit 12 that communicates with the device 20 connected to the device 10, and a collective output terminal 13 that connects the device 20 and the composite cable 1.

  The signal processing unit 11 includes a reproduction circuit that reproduces the AV signal recorded on the recording medium, and a transmission circuit that transmits the AV signal to the outside. The reproduction circuit of the signal processing unit 11 reproduces the AV signal from a recording medium, for example, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape, etc., and supplies it to the transmission circuit. The transmission circuit of the signal processing unit 11 transmits this AV signal to the device 20 via the composite cable 1.

  Here, the AV signal transmitted from the device 10 to the device 20 is an analog video signal such as an RGB signal, a Y color difference signal, a composite video signal + audio signal, a Y + C signal, and an audio signal.

  Further, the signal processing unit 11 reproduces copyright information together with the AV signal from the recording medium, and supplies this copyright information to the communication control unit 12.

  The copyright information indicates whether or not the video and audio recorded on the recording medium can be duplicated, and is provided for the purpose of protecting the copyright of the video and audio. From this copyright information, it can be determined whether or not the video and audio recorded on the recording medium can be duplicated, or the management information of the duplicate generation.

  The communication control unit 12 includes a control circuit having a control function and a communication circuit having a bidirectional communication function. The communication control unit 12 controls the prohibition of transmission of the AV signal and the permission of transmission based on the copyright information supplied from the signal processing unit 11 and the authentication information transmitted from the communication control unit 22 of the device 20 described later. .

  The device 20 is a monitor device that receives the AV signal transmitted from the device 10 and displays the AV signal, or a recording device that records the AV signal on a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like. The device 20 includes a signal processing unit 21, a communication control unit 22 that communicates with the device 10 connected to the device 20, and a collective input terminal 23 that connects the device 10 and the composite cable 1.

  The signal processing unit 21 includes a receiving circuit that receives the transmitted AV signal and a signal processing circuit that performs signal processing on the received AV signal. The signal processing content of the signal processing unit 21 varies depending on the type of the device 20. For example, if the device 20 is a monitor device, the received AV signal is displayed on the screen. If the device 20 is a recording device, the AV signal is recorded on an optical disk, magnetic disk, magnetic tape, or the like.

  The communication control unit 22 includes a control circuit having a control function and a communication circuit having a bidirectional communication function. The communication control unit 22 manages authentication information unique to the device 20 and manages the operation state of the device 20, that is, the signal processing content of the signal processing unit 21.

  Here, the authentication information is information indicating the type and function of the device, address information for specifying the device, the operating state of the device, and the like. That is, if the device is a recording device, information indicating that the device is a recordable device, information indicating that the recording device is operating and recording data, and the like.

  The communication control unit 22 performs bidirectional communication with the communication control unit 12 of the device 10 and exchanges these pieces of authentication information.

  The composite cable 1 that connects the device 10 and the device 20 is a single cable in which signal lines for signal transmission or communication between devices are combined. That is, the composite cable 1 communicates with signal lines for AV signals, for example, signal lines for RGB signals, signal lines for composite video signals + audio signals, signal lines for analog video signals such as Y + C signals, and signal lines for audio signals. A communication line for performing bidirectional communication between the control unit 12 and the communication control unit 22 is incorporated.

  In addition, collective connectors 1a and 1b are provided at both ends of the composite cable 1, respectively. Furthermore, the device 10 and the device 20 are provided with a collective output terminal 13 and a collective output terminal 23 so as to correspond to the collective connectors 1a and 1b.

  These collective terminals 13 and 23 can transmit all signal lines with a single cable, such as an S (separate) video terminal provided in a commercially available AV device, for example, and may be removed or connected. There is no need to handle multiple cables. That is, a communication line for the communication control units 12 and 22 to perform bidirectional communication is connected simultaneously with connection of the AV signal line.

  Next, in the communication system, a case where the device 10 reproduces a recording medium will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the device 10, the signal processing unit 11 reproduces the AV signal recorded on the recording medium, and transmits the analog AV signal from the collective output terminal 13. At this time, the signal processing unit 11 also reproduces the copyright information of the AV signal and supplies the copyright information to the communication control unit 12.

  When the reproduction is started and the copyright information is supplied, the communication control unit 12 confirms the copyright information. That is, the communication control unit 12 determines whether the AV signal reproduced from the recording medium can be freely copied from the copyright information, is prohibited from being copied, or is copied only for one generation. It is determined whether it is possible (step S1).

  If the communication control unit 12 determines that copying of the AV signal reproduced from the copyright information is possible, the AV signal is permitted to be output and the AV signal is transmitted from the signal processing unit 11 (step S2). .

  Further, when the communication control unit 12 determines that copying of the AV signal to be reproduced from the copyright information is prohibited and when it is determined that only one generation can be copied, it is connected from the authentication information from the device 20. It is determined whether the device to be installed is correct (step S3). If it is determined that the device is correct, the output of the AV signal is permitted (step S2). If it is determined that the device is not correct, output of the AV signal is stopped (step S4), and a message for stopping output of the AV signal is output (step S5).

  Specifically, when the reproduction of the AV signal to be reproduced is prohibited, it is determined from the authentication information whether the device 20 that is the destination of the AV signal is a non-recording device, for example, a monitor device. Judge whether. If the device 20 is a non-recording device, output of the AV signal is permitted and the AV signal is transmitted from the signal processing unit 11. Further, even if the device 20 is a recording device, for example, a recording device, the output of the AV signal is permitted when the recording device is not in a recording state. This is because, for example, when a playback device and a monitor device are connected, there is a case where a so-called cascade connection is established between the playback device and the monitor device via a recording device. If the recording device is not in the recording state, output of the AV signal is permitted. Note that the case where such a cascade connection is made will be described in detail later.

  When the AV signal to be reproduced can be copied for only one generation, output of the AV signal is permitted. At this time, the communication control unit 12 transmits the copyright information of the AV signal that only one generation can be copied to the communication control unit 22 of the device 20. When the device 20 is a recording device and is in a recording state, the communication control unit 22 records the copy-prohibited copyright information together with the AV signal on the recording medium. As a result, when a recording medium on which an AV signal that can be copied for only one generation is recorded is copied to another recording medium, the copied recording medium is further copied to the next recording medium. I can't.

  The processing from step S1 to step S5 as described above is performed at regular intervals after the devices 10 and 20 are connected and the power is turned on. For this reason, for example, if the device 20 enters the recording state from where it is not in the recording state, the state can be detected and transmission can be prohibited. If a part of the AV signal recorded on the recording medium to be reproduced is copy-prohibited, transmission can be prohibited only when the part is reproduced. At this time, a message indicating that the output has been stopped due to copyright protection is output because there is no equipment failure.

  As described above, in the communication system according to the first embodiment, when the device 10 transmits an AV signal to the device 20, a signal is transmitted only when it is determined that the device 20 is a correct connection partner based on the authentication information. However, if the connection partner is not correct, transmission from the device 10 is prohibited. Therefore, unauthorized duplication of these signals can be prevented without deteriorating the audio signal and the video signal. Further, it is possible to prevent unauthorized duplication without disturbing the connected device.

  Further, by using the composite cable 1 having a single signal line for connection between the device 10 and the device 20, the above-described authentication information can be exchanged between the devices and compatible with other connectors. The risk of being duplicated by connecting to other models can be avoided by not having the characteristics.

  The communication control unit 12 described in the above embodiment can communicate additional information in addition to authentication information and copyright information. In this case, the additional information is device information such as device type, serial number, device-specific address, device setting information, communication information, and the like. The device has a predetermined serial number and address. It is also possible to perform control such that recording can be performed only by the device.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a communication system according to the second embodiment in which the device 20 and the device 30 are connected in cascade to the device 10. In describing the communication system according to the second embodiment, components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed description thereof is omitted. . The same applies to the following third embodiment. The device 10 and the device 20 are connected via the composite cable 1. In addition, the device 20 and the device 30 are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The device 30 is a monitor device that receives the AV signal transmitted from the device 10 and displays the AV signal, a recording device that records the AV signal on a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like. The device 30 includes a signal processing unit 31, a communication control unit 32 that communicates with the device 10 and the device 20 connected to the device 30, a collective input terminal 33 that connects the device 10 and the composite cable 1, and a device 20 And a collective input terminal 34 for connecting the composite cable 1. The device 30 differs from the device 10 and the device 20 in having both input / output terminals, and the signal processing unit 31 includes a signal processing circuit that performs signal processing of an AV signal, and an AV signal receiving circuit. And having a transmission circuit is different. That is, the device 30 is, for example, a monitor device having an input / output terminal or a recording device that records an AV signal on a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like.

  The communication control unit 32 of the device 30 includes a control circuit having a control function and a communication circuit having a bidirectional communication function with both the device 10 and the device 20. Based on the copyright information supplied from the communication control unit 12 and the authentication information transmitted from the communication control unit 22 of the device 20, the transmission of AV signals transmitted from the device 30 to the device 20 is prohibited and the transmission permission is controlled. Do. Further, the communication control unit 32 manages authentication information unique to the device 30, and manages the operation state of the device 30 and the contents of signal processing of the signal processing unit 31. The communication control unit 32 performs bidirectional communication with the communication control unit 12 of the device 10 and exchanges authentication information. That is, the communication control unit 32 supplies authentication information to the communication control unit 12 of the device 10 based on the processing content of the signal processing unit 31 and the like.

  Specifically, when the device 20 is a recording device and the device 30 is a monitor device, an AV signal is always transmitted from the device 10 to the device 30. However, transmission of the AV signal from the device 30 to the device 20 is prohibited depending on the operating state of the device 20 and the content of the copyright information. When the device 20 is a monitor device and the device 30 is a recording device, an AV signal is transmitted from the device 10 to the device 20 via the device 30 when the device 30 is not in a recording state. However, when the device 30 is in a recording state, transmission of AV signals from the device 10 to the device 30 is prohibited depending on the content of the copyright information.

  That is, the communication control unit 32 of the device 30 has both the functions of the communication control unit 12 of the device 10 and the communication control unit 22 of the device 20 described above.

  Note that the communication control unit 32 of the device 30 may supply not only the authentication information of the device 30 to the communication control unit 12 of the device 10 but also the authentication information of the device 20. In this case, transmission of AV signals from the device 10 can be prohibited even when the device 30 is a monitor device.

  In such a communication system according to the second embodiment, reliable copy control can be performed even between a plurality of cascade-connected devices.

  In the second embodiment described above, the case where three models are connected in a column is shown, but the number of models in the column may be larger than this.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a communication system according to the third embodiment when a plurality of devices 20 are connected in parallel to the device 10a. The device 10 a and each device 20 are connected via the composite cable 1. The device 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above.

  The device 10a includes a signal processing unit 11, a communication control unit 12a that communicates with each device 20 connected to the device 10a, and collective input terminals 13a and 13b that connect the device 20 and the composite cable 1. The device 10a is different from the device 10 of the first embodiment described above in that it has a plurality of collective output terminals. For example, when the device 10a is connected to a plurality of external devices from one device having a plurality of output terminals, the device 10a can be connected to a monitor device and a recording device from an optical disk reproducing device, for example.

  The communication control unit 12a exchanges authentication information and the like with the communication control unit 22 of each device 20. This communication control unit 12a is different from the communication control unit 12 of the first embodiment described above in that it can communicate with each communication control unit 22 individually.

  In the communication system according to the third embodiment, for example, transmission can be prohibited when a connection is made to copy a large amount of AV signals recorded on a recording medium. In the third embodiment, transmission can be prohibited for each output terminal by providing transmission means for each aggregate output terminal individually.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a communication system according to a third embodiment in which authentication information and the like are encrypted for communication. The device 10b and the device 20b are different from each other in that they include the device 10 and the device 20 and the encryption / decryption devices 14 and 24 according to the first embodiment described above. The device 10b and the device 20 are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The communication control unit 12 of the device 10b and the communication control unit 22 of the device 20b communicate via the encryption / decryption devices 14 and 24, respectively. As a result, it is possible to improve the safety of communication data when communicating authentication information and copyright information.

  Note that this encryption / decryption can be performed by software by a microcomputer.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a communication system according to a fourth embodiment in which authentication information and the like are communicated via an AV signal line. The device 10c and the device 20c are different from each other in that they include the device 10, the device 20, and the modems 15 and 25 according to the first embodiment described above. The device 10c and the device 20c are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The communication control unit 12 of the device 10c and the communication control unit 22 of the device 20c communicate via the modems 15 and 25, respectively. The modems 15 and 25 perform communication by superimposing them on one of AV signal lines, for example, an R signal line or an audio signal line. The modems 15 and 25 need to perform modulation / demodulation in a frequency band that does not interfere with an AV signal or the like on which signals are superimposed. For example, when superimposed on an audio signal, it can be modulated at 455 kHz, which is an intermediate frequency of AM radio. In this way, if the above-described aggregate cable 1 is used by superimposing authentication information or the like on the AV signal, for example, if the communication control units 12 and 22 cannot establish communication, it is determined that the device is an unauthorized device and the AV signal is output. Is prohibited, so that reliable protection against unauthorized use can be provided.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a communication system according to a fifth embodiment in the case where a YUV signal that is an AV signal reproduced from a recording medium is converted into a composite video signal and output. The device 30a superimposes the signal processing unit 31 that converts the YUV signal transmitted from the device 10 into a composite video signal, the communication control unit 32a that communicates copyright information and authentication information with the device 10, and the composite video signal. A macrovision encoder 35 for generating a macrovision signal to be generated. The device 10 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above. The device 10 and the device 30a are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The composite video output output from the device 30a is transmitted to the connected device via a general connector terminal. Therefore, when the copyright information of the AV signal reproduced by the device 10 indicates that copying is prohibited or only one generation can be copied, the communication control unit 32a controls the macrovision encoder 35 to control composite video. The macrovision signal is superimposed on the signal. It should be noted that by incorporating the CGMS encoder in parallel with the macrovision encoder 36, it is possible to realize generation restrictions on the analog input of the digital device.

  In the communication system of the fifth embodiment as described above, conversion with a conventional composite video signal is possible.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a communication system according to a sixth embodiment in the case where an input composite video signal is converted into an AV signal output from a collective connector. The device 30b includes a signal processing unit 31 that converts an input composite video signal into an AV signal, a communication control unit 32b that communicates copyright information and authentication information with the device 20, and a macrovision superimposed on the composite video signal. A macrovision / CGMS detector 36 for detecting signals and CGMS signals. The device 20 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above. Further, the device 20 and the device 30b are connected via the composite cable 1.

  The composite video signal input to the device 30b is received via a general connector terminal. The macrovision / CGMS detection unit 36 detects a macrovision signal and a CGMS signal superimposed on the composite video signal, and supplies this detection information to the communication control unit 32b. Therefore, when a macrovision signal is superimposed on this composite video signal, the communication control unit 32b treats it as prohibiting recording as copyright information of the AV signal, and if the device 20 is in a recording state or the like, transmission is performed. Ban. If the CGMS signal is superimposed on the composite video signal, the generation information of the AV signal is supplied to the device 20 based on the information of the CGMS signal. In such a communication system according to the sixth embodiment, conversion with a conventional composite video signal is possible.

It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the content of the communication process in the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block block diagram of the communication system to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  1 composite cable 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 20, 20b, 30, 30a, 30b equipment, 11, 21, 31 signal processing unit, 12, 22, 32 communication control unit, 13, 24 collective output terminal, 23, 33 collective input terminal, 14, 24 encryption / decryption device, 15, 25 modem

Claims (54)

Transmitting means for transmitting a signal to an external device;
A communication means for communicating authentication information for the transmission permission of the signal with the external device by bidirectional communication;
Transmission control means for controlling the transmission of the signal from the transmission means to the external device based on the copyright information and authentication information of the signal,
When the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the transmission of the signal is stopped when the authentication information determines that the external device is not a correct device as a transmission destination of the signal. A signal transmission device.   2. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means transmits an audio signal and / or a video signal to an external device.   The transmission control unit determines a function of the external device based on the authentication information, and controls transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the external device according to the function of the external device. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 1.   4. The signal transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the transmission control unit prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the external device when the external device has a recording function.   The transmission control means determines an operation state of the external device based on the authentication information, and controls transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the external device according to the operation state of the external device. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 4.   6. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmission control unit prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the external device when a recording function of the external device is operating. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information includes authentication information of a device further connected to the external device. A reproduction means for reproducing the signal and its copyright information;
2. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the signal reproduced by the reproduction unit to an external device.   The transmission control unit determines a function of the external device based on the authentication information, and controls transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the external device according to the function of the external device. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 8.   The transmission control means determines an operation state of the external device based on the authentication information, and controls transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the external device according to the operation state of the external device. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 8. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information includes authentication information of a device further connected to the external device. Receiving means for receiving a signal from an external device;
Signal processing means for processing the signal received by the receiving means;
A communication means for communicating authentication information for the transmission permission of the signal with the external device by bidirectional communication;
The signal processing means comprises: a signal control means for controlling authentication information for communicating with the external device via a communication line in the bidirectional communication based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means. Receiver device.   13. The signal receiving apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the receiving means receives an audio signal and / or a video signal from an external device.   13. When the signal processing means is a signal recording means, the communication means communicates authentication information indicating that the signal processing means is a recording device with the external device. Signal receiving device.  The said signal control means produces | generates authentication information based on the operation state of the signal which the said signal processing means performs, The said communication means communicates the authentication information based on this operation state with the said external apparatus. 12. A signal receiving apparatus according to item 12.   16. When the signal processing unit is in a recording operation state, the communication unit communicates authentication information indicating that the signal processing unit is in a recording operation state with the external device. Signal receiving device.   13. The signal receiving apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the authentication information includes authentication information of a device further connected to the receiving apparatus. A transmission means for transmitting a signal to the reception apparatus; a communication means for communicating authentication information for determining whether or not the signal can be transmitted to the reception apparatus by bidirectional communication; and the transmission apparatus to the reception apparatus based on the control information. A signal transmission device comprising: a transmission control means for controlling transmission of a signal to:
Receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus; signal processing means for processing the signal received by the receiving means; and authentication information for determining whether or not the signal can be transmitted in two-way communication with the transmitting apparatus. A signal receiving apparatus comprising: a communication means for communicating; and a signal control means for controlling authentication information for the communication means to communicate with the transmitting apparatus in the bidirectional communication based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means. A signal transmission device comprising:   The signal control means of the receiving apparatus has authentication information based on the processing content of the signal performed by the signal processing means, and the communication means communicates the authentication information with the transmitting apparatus. Item 19. The signal transmission device according to Item 18. Receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the first external device;
Signal processing means for performing signal processing of the received signal;
Transmitting means for transmitting the signal processed by the signal processing means to the second external device;
Communication means for communicating authentication information for permission of transmission of a signal transmitted from the first external device with the first external device and the second external device by bidirectional communication;
Signal control means for controlling transmission of signals from the transmission means to the second external device based on copyright information and authentication information of the signal and signal processing content of the signal processing means;
If the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the transmission of the signal is stopped when the authentication information determines that the second external device is not a correct device as the transmission destination of the signal. A signal transmitting and receiving device characterized by the above.   The transmission control means determines the function of the second external device based on the authentication information, and transmits a signal from the transmission means to the second external device according to the function of the second external device. 21. The signal transmitting / receiving apparatus according to claim 20, wherein transmission is controlled.   The signal transmission means according to claim 21, wherein the transmission control means prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the second external device when the second external device has a recording function. Transmitter / receiver.   The transmission control means determines the operation state of the external device based on the authentication information, and transmits a signal from the transmission means to the second external device according to the operation state of the second external device. 21. The signal transmission / reception device according to claim 20, wherein the signal transmission / reception device is controlled.   The transmission control means prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the second external device when a recording function of the second external device is operating. Signal transmission / reception device.   21. The signal transmitting / receiving apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the authentication information with which the communication means communicates with the first external device includes the authentication information of the second external device. Reproducing means for reproducing the signal and copyright information thereof, transmitting means for transmitting the signal reproduced by the reproducing means, and authentication information for propriety of transmission of the signal communicate with the external device by bidirectional communication A signal transmission device comprising: communication means; and transmission control means for controlling transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the external device based on copyright information and authentication information of the signal;
Receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting apparatus; signal processing means for performing signal processing on the received signal; transmitting means for transmitting a signal processed by the signal processing means to an external device; A communication means for communicating authentication information for permission of transmission of a signal transmitted from the transmission apparatus with the transmission apparatus and an external device by two-way communication; copyright information of the signal, authentication information, and the signal processing means; A signal transmission device comprising: a signal transmission / reception device comprising: a signal control unit that controls transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to an external device based on signal processing content.   When the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the signal control means of the transmission / reception device determines that the external device is not a correct device as a transmission destination of the signal when the authentication information indicates the copyright. 27. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 26, wherein transmission of the signal is stopped.   The transmission control means of the transmission / reception apparatus determines the function of the external device based on the authentication information, and controls transmission of signals from the transmission means to the external device according to the function of the external device. 27. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 26, wherein:   29. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the transmission control means of the transmission / reception apparatus prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission means to the external apparatus when the external apparatus has a recording function.   The transmission control unit of the transmission / reception apparatus determines the operation state of the external device based on the authentication information and controls transmission of signals from the transmission unit to the external device according to the operation state of the external device. 27. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 26.   The transmission control unit of the transmission / reception apparatus prohibits transmission of a signal from the transmission unit to the external device when a recording function of the external device is operating. Transmission equipment.   27. The signal transmission apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the authentication information communicated with the transmission apparatus by bidirectional communication includes authentication information of the external device. When sending signals to external devices,
Communicate authentication information for the transmission of the signal with the external device in two-way communication,
Based on the copyright information and authentication information of the signal, the transmission of the signal to the external device is controlled, and when the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the authentication information indicates that the external device is A signal transmission method comprising: stopping transmission of the signal when it is determined that the device is not a correct device as a signal transmission destination.   34. The signal transmission method according to claim 33, wherein the function of the external device is determined based on the authentication information, and signal transmission to the external device is controlled according to the function of the external device.   35. The signal transmission method according to claim 34, wherein transmission of a signal to the external device is prohibited when the external device has a recording function.   34. The signal transmission according to claim 33, wherein an operation state of the external device is determined based on the authentication information, and signal transmission to the external device is controlled according to the operation state of the external device. Method.   37. The signal transmission method according to claim 36, wherein transmission of a signal to the external device is prohibited when the recording function of the external device is operating.  34. The signal transmission method according to claim 33, wherein the authentication information includes authentication information of a device further connected to the external device.   34. The signal transmission method according to claim 33, wherein the signal and its copyright information are reproduced, and the reproduced signal is transmitted to an external device.   40. The signal transmission method according to claim 39, wherein the function of the external device is determined based on the authentication information, and signal transmission to the external device is controlled according to the function of the external device.   40. The signal transmission according to claim 39, wherein an operation state of the external device is determined based on the authentication information, and signal transmission to the external device is controlled according to the operation state of the external device. Method. 40. The signal transmission method according to claim 39, wherein the authentication information includes authentication information of a device further connected to the external device. When receiving signals sent from external devices,
Communicating authentication information for whether or not to transmit the signal in two-way communication with the external device,
Based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means for processing the received signal, control the authentication information to communicate with the external device,
A signal receiving method comprising receiving a signal transmitted from the external device based on the control information.   44. The signal receiving method according to claim 43, wherein when the signal processing means is a signal recording means, authentication information indicating that the signal processing means is a recording means is communicated with the external device. .   44. The signal receiving method according to claim 43, wherein authentication information is generated based on an operation state of the signal processing means, and the authentication information based on the operation state is communicated with the external device.   46. A signal receiving method according to claim 45, wherein, when said signal processing means is in a recording operation state, authentication information indicating that said signal processing means is in a recording operation state is communicated with said external device. . A signal transmission / reception method for receiving a signal transmitted from a first external device, performing signal processing on the received signal, and transmitting the signal subjected to the signal processing to a second external device,
Communicating authentication information for permission of transmission of a signal transmitted from the first external device with the first external device and the second external device by bidirectional communication;
Based on the copyright information and authentication information of the signal and the signal processing content of the signal processing means, control transmission of the signal to the second external device,
If the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, the transmission of the signal is stopped when the authentication information determines that the second external device is not a correct device as the transmission destination of the signal. A signal transmission / reception method.   The function of the second external device is determined based on the authentication information, and transmission of a signal to the second external device is controlled according to the function of the second external device. Item 48. The signal transmission / reception method according to Item 47.   49. The signal transmission / reception method according to claim 48, wherein, when the second external device has a recording function, transmission of a signal to the second external device is prohibited.   The operation state of the second external device is determined based on the authentication information, and signal transmission to the second external device is controlled according to the operation state of the second external device. 48. The signal transmission / reception method according to claim 47.   51. The signal transmission method according to claim 50, wherein transmission of a signal to said second external device is prohibited when the recording function of said second external device is operating.   48. The signal transmission / reception method according to claim 47, wherein the authentication information communicated with the first external device includes authentication information of the second external device. A signal is transmitted from the first external device to the transmission / reception device, the signal received from the first device in the transmission / reception device is subjected to signal processing, and the signal subjected to the signal processing from the transmission / reception device is transmitted to the second external device. A transmission method of a signal to be transmitted to
The transmission / reception device communicates authentication information for permission of transmission of a signal transmitted from the first external device with the first external device and the second external device by bidirectional communication, and Based on the right information and the authentication information and the signal processing content of the signal processing means, the transmission of the signal to the second external device is controlled, and when the copyright of the signal is indicated by the copyright information, A signal transmission method comprising: stopping transmission of the signal when it is determined by authentication information that the second external device is not a correct device as a transmission destination of the signal.   54. The signal transmission method according to claim 53, wherein the authentication information communicated with the first external device by bidirectional communication includes authentication information of the second external device.

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