JP3855341B2

JP3855341B2 - Video signal transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus and transmitting apparatus, and video signal transmitting method and receiving method

Info

Publication number: JP3855341B2
Application number: JP02706797A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 照彦郡
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 1997-02-10
Filing date: 1997-02-10
Publication date: 2006-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-10
Also published as: JPH10224752A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば記録媒体に記録された映像情報の著作権の保護のため、これらの情報を不正に複製することを防止する映像信号の送信装置、受信装置及び伝送装置、並びに、映像信号の送信方法及び受信方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、映像信号の著作権保護の目的から、例えば、コンポジットビデオ信号に対してマクロビジョン（Macrovision）信号やカラーストライプ方式のコピープロテクト信号を付加して、映像信号の複製を防止することが知られている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、これらのマクロビジョン信号やカラーストライプ方式のコピープロテクト信号等のように、コンポジットビデオ信号にコピープロテクト信号を付加しても、ＲＧＢ信号のようなベースバンド信号には応用できない。
【０００４】
また、コピープロテクト信号を付加しても、物理的に機器の接続をすれば、接続先の機器の種類や機能に無関係に映像信号は出力されてしまう。
【０００５】
本発明は、このような実情を鑑みてなされたものであり、伝送され、また、記録媒体に記録された映像信号を劣化させることなく、これらの信号を不正に複製することを防止することのできる映像信号の送信装置、受信装置及び伝送装置、並びに、映像信号の送信方法及び受信方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上述の課題を解決するために、本発明に係る映像信号の送信装置は、複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を信号線を介して第１の外部機器に送信する送信手段と、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を双方向通信にて通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信する通信手段と、上記制御情報に基づき、上記送信手段から上記第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を制御する送信制御手段とを備え、上記信号線と上記通信線とは複合された同一のケーブルを介して上記第１の外部機器と接続される映像信号の送信装置であって、上記通信手段は、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報として認証情報を双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信し、上記送信制御手段は、上記著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、上記第１の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記第１の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記送信手段から上記第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止し、上記認証情報は、上記第１の外部機器にさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき上記第２の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記送信手段から上記第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止することを特徴とする。
【０００７】
本発明に係る映像信号の送信装置では、例えば、上記送信手段は、ＲＧＢ信号形式又は輝度色差信号形式である映像信号の各コンポーネント信号を各々異なる信号線を介して並列に外部機器に送信する。
【００１０】
本発明に係る映像信号の受信装置は、第１の外部機器から信号線を介して送信されてくる複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を受信する受信手段と、上記受信手段により受信した映像信号を処理する信号処理手段と、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を双方向通信にて通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信する通信手段と、上記信号処理手段の信号処理内容に基づき、上記通信手段が上記双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信する制御情報を制御する信号制御手段とを備え、上記信号線と上記通信線とは複合された同一のケーブルを介して上記第１の外部機器と接続される映像信号の受信装置であって、上記信号制御手段は、上記信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、上記信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した第１の機器情報を含む認証情報を生成し、上記通信手段は、上記第１の機器情報と上記信号処理手段が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第１の機器動作状態情報とを含む認証情報を上記制御情報として上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信し、上記認証情報は、当該受信装置にさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報には、上記第２の外部機器が記録機器であるか否かを示す第２の機器情報と、当該第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第２の機器動作状態情報とが含まれることを特徴とする。
本発明に係る映像信号の受信装置では、例えば、上記受信手段は、ＲＧＢ信号形式又は輝度色差信号形式である映像信号の各コンポーネント信号を各々異なる信号線を介して並列に外部機器から受信する。
【００１１】
本発明に係る映像信号の伝送装置は、複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を信号線を介して受信装置に送信する送信手段と、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を双方向通信にて通信線を介して上記受信装置と通信する通信手段と、上記制御情報に基づき、上記送信手段から上記受信装置への映像信号の送信を制御する送信制御手段とを備え、上記通信手段は、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報として認証情報を双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記受信装置と通信し、上記送信制御手段は、上記著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、上記受信装置が記録機器である場合であって、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記受信装置が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記送信手段から上記受信装置への映像信号の送信を禁止する送信装置と、上記送信装置から上記信号線を介して送信されてくる複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を受信する受信手段と、上記受信手段により受信した映像信号を処理する信号処理手段と、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記送信装置と通信する通信手段と、上記信号処理手段の信号処理内容に基づき、上記通信手段が上記双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記送信装置と通信する制御情報を制御する信号制御手段とを備え、上記信号制御手段は、上記信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、上記信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した上記第１の機器情報を含む認証情報を生成し、上記通信手段は、上記第１の機器情報と上記信号処理手段が記録動作状態であることを示した上記第１の機器動作状態情報とを含む認証情報を上記制御情報として上記通信線を介して上記送信装置と通信する受信装置とを備え、上記信号線と上記通信線とが複合された同一のケーブルを介して上記送信装置と上記受信装置を接続しており、上記認証情報は、上記受信装置にさらに接続された外部機器の認証情報を含み、上記外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき上記外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、上記外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記送信装置から上記受信装置への映像信号の送信を禁止することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
本発明に係る映像信号の送信方法は、信号線と通信線とが複合された同一のケーブルを介して接続された第１の外部機器に上記信号線を介して複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を送信するにあたり、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信し、上記制御情報に基づき映像信号の送信を制御する映像信号の送信方法であって、上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報として認証情報を双方向通信にて上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信し、上記著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、上記第１の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、上記認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記第１の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記第１の外部機器の映像信号の送信を禁止し、上記認証情報は、上記第１の外部機器を介してさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき上記第２の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき上記第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、上記第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止することを特徴とする。
また、本発明に係る映像信号の送信方法では、例えば、ＲＧＢ信号形式又は輝度色差信号形式である映像信号の各コンポーネント信号を各々異なる信号線を介して並列に外部機器に送信する。
【００１５】
本発明に係る映像信号の受信方法は、信号線と通信線とが複合された同一のケーブルを介して接続された第１の外部機器から上記信号線を介して送られてくる複製可能か否か或いは複製世代管理情報を示す著作権情報を有する映像信号を受信するにあたり、上記第１の外部機器との間で上記通信線を介して双方向通信にて上記映像信号の伝送制御に係わる制御情報を通信し、受信した映像信号を処理する信号処理手段の信号処理内容に基づき、上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信する制御情報を制御し、上記制御情報に基づき上記第１の外部機器から上記信号線を介して送られてくる映像信号を受信装置が受信する映像信号の受信方法であって、上記信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、上記信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した第１の機器情報を含む認証情報を生成し、上記信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、上記信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した上記第１の機器情報と上記信号処理手段が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第１の機器動作状態情報とを含む認証情報を上記制御情報として上記通信線を介して上記第１の外部機器と通信し、上記認証情報は、当該受信装置にさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、上記第２の外部機器の認証情報には、上記第２の外部機器が記録機器であるか否かを示す第２の機器情報と、当該第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第２の機器動作状態情報とが含まれていることを特徴とする。
本発明に係る映像信号の受信方法では、例えば、ＲＧＢ信号形式又は輝度色差信号形式である映像信号の各コンポーネント信号を各々異なる信号線を介して並列に受信する。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００１９】
図１は、機器１０から再生したオーディオビジュアル信号（以下、単にＡＶ信号という。）を機器２０によって不正に複製ができないようにした機器１０及び機器２０間の第１の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器１０と機器２０とは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００２０】
機器１０は、記録媒体に記録されたＡＶ信号を再生する再生装置である。機器１０は、信号処理部１１と、この機器１０に接続される機器２０と通信を行う通信制御部１２と、機器２０と複合ケーブル１とを接続する集合出力端子１３とを備えている。
【００２１】
信号処理部１１は、記録媒体に記録されたＡＶ信号を再生する再生回路と、このＡＶ信号を外部に送信する送信回路とを有している。信号処理部１１の再生回路は、記録媒体、例えば光ディスク，磁気ディスク，磁気テープ等からＡＶ信号を再生して送信回路に供給する。信号処理部１１の送信回路は、このＡＶ信号を複合ケーブル１を介して機器２０に送信する。
【００２２】
ここで、機器１０から機器２０に送信されるＡＶ信号は、ＲＧＢ信号，Ｙ色差信号，コンポジットビデオ信号＋オーディオ信号，Ｙ＋Ｃ信号等のアナログの映像信号及び音声信号である。
【００２３】
また、信号処理部１１は、記録媒体からＡＶ信号とともに著作権情報を再生し、この著作権情報を通信制御部１２に供給する。
【００２４】
この著作権情報とは、記録媒体に記録された映像及び音声が複製可能かどうか等を示すものであり、これらの映像及び音声の著作権の保護を目的として設けられている。この著作権情報により、記録媒体に記録された映像及び音声が複製可能であるか否か、或いは、複製世代の管理情報等がわかる。
【００２５】
通信制御部１２は、制御機能をもつ制御回路と双方向の通信機能をもつ通信回路を有している。通信制御部１２は、信号処理部１１から供給される著作権情報と後述する機器２０の通信制御部２２から送信される認証情報に基づき、ＡＶ信号の送信の禁止及び送信の許可の制御を行う。
【００２６】
機器２０は、機器１０から送信されたＡＶ信号を受信してそのＡＶ信号を表示するモニタ装置や、このＡＶ信号を磁気テープや光ディスク等に記録する記録装置である。機器２０は、信号処理部２１と、この機器２０に接続される機器１０と通信を行う通信制御部２２と、機器１０と複合ケーブル１とを接続する集合入力端子２３とを備えている。
【００２７】
信号処理部２１は、送信されたＡＶ信号を受信する受信回路と、この受信したＡＶ信号の信号処理を行う信号処理回路とを有している。また、信号処理部２１の信号処理内容は、機器２０の装置の種類により異なる。例えば、機器２０がモニタ装置であれば、受信したＡＶ信号を画面上に表示する処理を行い、また、記録装置であれば光ディスク，磁気ディスク，磁気テープ等にＡＶ信号を記録する処理を行う。
【００２８】
通信制御部２２は、制御機能をもつ制御回路と双方向の通信機能をもつ通信回路とを有している。通信制御部２２は、機器２０の固有の認証情報を管理し、また、機器２０の動作状態、すなわち、信号処理部２１の信号処理内容を管理する。
【００２９】
ここで、認証情報とは、機器の種類や機能、機器を特定するアドレス情報、機器の動作状態等を示す情報である。すなわち、機器が記録装置であれば、記録可能な機器であることを示す情報や、記録装置が動作してデータを記録している状態を示す情報等である。
【００３０】
通信制御部２２は、機器１０の通信制御部１２と双方向通信を行い、これらの認証情報のやりとりを行う。
【００３１】
機器１０と機器２０とを接続する複合ケーブル１は、機器間どうしで信号の伝送或いは通信を行う信号線が複合して１本のケーブルとなったものである。すなわち、この複合ケーブル１には、ＡＶ信号の信号線、例えば、ＲＧＢ信号の信号線，コンポジットビデオ信号＋オーディオ信号の信号線，Ｙ＋Ｃ信号等のアナログの映像信号及び音声信号の信号線と、通信制御部１２及び通信制御部２２の間で双方向通信をするための通信線とが内蔵されている。
【００３２】
また、この複合ケーブル１の両端には、それぞれ集合コネクタ１ａ，１ｂが設けらている。さらに、機器１０および機器２０には、この集合コネクタ１ａ，１ｂに対応するように、集合出力端子１３，集合出力端子２３が設けられている。
【００３３】
これらの集合端子１３，２３は、例えば、市販のＡＶ機器等に設けられているＳ（セパレート）映像端子のように、すべての信号線が１本のケーブルにより伝送でき、取り外しや接続の場合も複数のケーブルを取り扱う必要がないものである。すなわち、ＡＶ信号の信号線を接続すると同時に通信制御部１２，２２が双方向通信を行うための通信線が接続されるものである。
【００３４】
つぎに、この通信システムにおいて、機器１０が記録媒体を再生した場合について図２に示すフローチャートを用いて説明する。
【００３５】
機器１０は、信号処理部１１が記録媒体に記録されたＡＶ信号を再生して、集合出力端子１３からアナログのＡＶ信号を送信する。このとき、信号処理部１１は、このＡＶ信号の著作権情報も同時に再生し、この著作権情報を通信制御部１２に供給する。
【００３６】
通信制御部１２は、再生が開始されて著作権情報が供給されると、この著作権情報の確認を行う。すなわち、通信制御部１２は、この著作権情報から記録媒体から再生されるＡＶ信号が自由に複写のできるものであるか、複写が禁止されているものであるか、或いは、複写が一世代のみ可能なものであるかを判断する（ステップＳ１）。
【００３７】
通信制御部１２が著作権情報から再生するＡＶ信号の複写が可能であると判断する場合は、このＡＶ信号の出力を許可して、信号処理部１１からＡＶ信号が送信される（ステップＳ２）。
【００３８】
また、通信制御部１２が著作権情報から再生するＡＶ信号の複写が禁止であると判断した場合及び１世代のみの複写が可能であると判断する場合は、機器２０からの認証情報から接続される機器が正しいものかどうかを判断する（ステップＳ３）。正しい機器であると判断する場合にはＡＶ信号の出力を許可する（ステップＳ２）。また、正しい機器でないと判断する場合には、ＡＶ信号の出力を停止して（ステップＳ４）、ＡＶ信号の出力停止のメッセージを出力する（ステップＳ５）。
【００３９】
機器２０が正しい機種であるかの判断は具体的には、再生するＡＶ信号が複写禁止であるときは、認証情報からＡＶ信号の送信先の機器２０が非記録装置、例えばモニタ装置であるかどうかを判断する。機器２０が非記録装置であればＡＶ信号の出力を許可して、信号処理部１１からＡＶ信号が送信される。さらに、機器２０が記録装置、例えば録画機器であってもその記録装置が記録状態に無いときはＡＶ信号の出力を許可する。これは、例えば、再生装置とモニタ装置を接続する際に、この再生装置とモニタ装置の間に記録装置を介して接続しているいわゆる縦列接続をしている場合があるからであり、この場合には記録装置が記録状態になければＡＶ信号の出力が許可される。なお、このような、縦列接続がされる場合については、詳しくは後述する。
【００４０】
また、再生するＡＶ信号が一世代のみ複写が可能なものであるときは、ＡＶ信号の出力が許可される。このとき、通信制御部１２は、一世代のみ複写が可能であるというＡＶ信号の著作権情報を機器２０の通信制御部２２に送信する。通信制御部２２は、機器２０が記録装置でありかつ記録状態にあるときは、記録媒体に複写禁止の著作権情報をＡＶ信号とともに記録する。このことにより、一世代のみ複写が可能なＡＶ信号が記録された記録媒体から、他の記録媒体に複写をしたときは、この複写をした記録媒体からさらに次の記録媒体に再複写をすることができない。
【００４１】
以上のようなステップＳ１からステップＳ５までの処理は、機器１０と機器２０とが接続されて電源が投入されてから一定時間毎に行われる。このため、例えば、機器２０が記録状態にないところから記録状態に入れば、その状態を検出して送信を禁止できる。また、再生される記録媒体に記録されているＡＶ信号の一部が複写禁止であれば、その部分を再生するときのみ送信を禁止できる。なお、その際には、機器の故障ではないため、著作権保護により出力が停止された旨のメッセージを出力する。
【００４２】
以上のように、第１の実施の形態の通信システムでは、機器１０が機器２０にＡＶ信号を送信する際に、認証情報に基づき機器２０が正しい接続相手であると判断する場合のみ信号を送出し、正しい接続相手で無い場合には機器１０からの送出を禁止する。そのため、音声信号及び映像信号を劣化させることなく、これらの信号を不正複製の防止をすることができる。また、接続機器に対して妨害を与えることなく、不正複製の防止を図ることができる。
【００４３】
また、信号線が１本のケーブルである複合ケーブル１を機器１０と機器２０との接続に用いることで、上述した機器間の認証情報のやりとりが確実にでき、また、他のコネクタとの互換性をもたせないことで他機種に接続して複製されるこ危険性を回避することができる。
【００４４】
なお、上述の実施の形態において説明した通信制御部１２では、認証情報および著作権情報の他に付加情報も通信できる。この場合、付加情報とは、機器の種類，製造番号，機器固有のアドレス等の機器情報や、機器の設定情報、通信情報等であり、機器に、シリアル番号やアドレスをもたせることにより、所定の機器のみによって記録ができるといった制御も行うことができる。
【００４５】
図３は、機器１０に機器２０と機器３０を縦列接続した場合の第２の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。この第２の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するにあたり、上述した第１の実施の形態と同一の機能を有する構成要素については、図面中に同一の符号を付け、その詳細な説明を省略する。なお、以下の第３の実施の形態についても同様にする。機器１０と機器２０とは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。また、機器２０と機器３０とは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００４６】
機器３０は、機器１０から送信されたＡＶ信号を受信してそのＡＶ信号を表示するモニタ装置や、このＡＶ信号を磁気テープや光ディスク等に記録する記録装置等である。機器３０は、信号処理部３１と、この機器３０に接続される機器１０及び機器２０と通信を行う通信制御部３２と、機器１０と複合ケーブル１とを接続する集合入力端子３３と、機器２０と複合ケーブル１とを接続する集合入力端子３４とを備える。機器３０は、入出力端子の両者を有していることにおいて機器１０及び機器２０と異なり、また、信号処理部３１には、ＡＶ信号の信号処理を行う信号処理回路と、ＡＶ信号の受信回路と送信回路を有していることにおいて異なる。すなわち、この機器３０は、例えば、入出力端子を有するモニタ装置や、ＡＶ信号を磁気テープや光ディスク等に記録する記録装置である。
【００４７】
この機器３０の通信制御部３２は、制御機能をもつ制御回路と機器１０と機器２０との両者と双方向の通信機能をもつ通信回路を有している。通信制御部１２から供給される著作権情報と機器２０の通信制御部２２から送信される認証情報とに基づき、機器３０から機器２０に送信するＡＶ信号の送信の禁止及び送信の許可の制御を行う。また、通信制御部３２は、機器３０の固有の認証情報を管理し、また、機器３０の動作状態、信号処理部３１の信号処理の内容を管理する。通信制御部３２は、機器１０の通信制御部１２と双方向通信を行い、認証情報のやりとりを行う。すなわち、通信制御部３２は、信号処理部３１の処理内容等に基づき、認証情報を機器１０の通信制御部１２に供給する。
【００４８】
具体的には、機器２０が記録装置であり機器３０がモニタ装置である場合は、機器１０から機器３０にはＡＶ信号が常に送信される。ところが、機器３０から機器２０には、ＡＶ信号が機器２０の動作状態やＡＶ信号に著作権情報の内容により送信が禁止される。また、機器２０がモニタ装置であり機器３０が記録装置である場合は、機器３０が記録状態に無いときにはＡＶ信号が機器１０から機器３０を介して機器２０にまで送信される。ところが、機器３０が記録状態のときは、機器１０から機器３０には著作権情報の内容によりＡＶ信号が送信が禁止される。
【００４９】
すなわち、機器３０の通信制御部３２は、上述した機器１０の通信制御部１２と、機器２０の通信制御部２２との両者の機能を持ち合わせたものである。
【００５０】
なお、機器３０の通信制御部３２は、機器３０の認証情報を機器１０の通信制御部１２に供給するのみならず、機器２０の認証情報を供給するようにしてもよい。この場合には、機器３０がモニタ装置である場合であっても機器１０からＡＶ信号の送信を禁止できる。
【００５１】
このような第２の実施の形態の通信システムでは、複数の縦列接続をした機器間どうしであっても確実なコピー制御をすることができる。
【００５２】
なお、上述の第２の実施の形態においては、３つの機種を縦列に接続する場合を示したが、この縦列する機種数はこれより多いものであっても良い。
【００５３】
図４は、機器１０ａに複数の機器２０を並列接続した場合の第３の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器１０ａと各機器２０とは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。機器２０は、上述した第１の実施の形態と同様のものである。
【００５４】
機器１０ａは、信号処理部１１と、この機器１０ａに接続される各機器２０と通信を行う通信制御部１２ａと、機器２０と複合ケーブル１とを接続する集合入力端子１３ａ，１３ｂとを備える。機器１０ａは、上述した第１の実施の形態の機器１０と比較して、複数の集合出力端子を有していることにおいて異なる。この機器１０ａは、例えば、複数の出力端子を有する１の機器から複数の外部機器に接続する場合、例えば、光ディスク再生装置からモニタ装置と記録装置とに接続することのできるものである。
【００５５】
通信制御部１２ａは、各機器２０の通信制御部２２と認証情報等のやりとりをおこなう。この通信制御部１２ａは、各通信制御部２２と個別に通信を行うことができることにおいて、上述した第１の実施の形態の通信制御部１２と異なるものである。
【００５６】
このような第３の実施の形態の通信システムでは、例えば、記録媒体に記録されたＡＶ信号を大量に複写するような接続をした場合に、送信を禁止することができる。なお、この第３の実施の形態では各集合出力端子に個別に送信手段を設けることにより、出力端子毎に送信を禁止することができる。
【００５７】
図５は、認証情報等を暗号化して通信をする場合の第３の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器１０ｂと機器２０ｂは、上述した第１の実施の形態の機器１０と機器２０と暗号化／復号化器１４，２４を備えることが異なる。機器１０ｂと機器２０とは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００５８】
機器１０ｂの通信制御部１２と機器２０ｂの通信制御部２２は、それぞれ暗号化／復号化器１４，２４を介して通信を行う。このことにより、認証情報や著作権情報を通信する際の通信データの安全性を高めることができる。
【００５９】
なお、この暗号化／復号化は、マイクロコンピュータがソフトウエアにより行うこともできる。
【００６０】
図６は、認証情報等をＡＶ信号の信号線を介して通信をする場合の第４の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器１０ｃと機器２０ｃは、上述した第１の実施の形態の機器１０と機器２０と変復調器１５，２５を備えることが異なる。機器１０ｃと機器２０ｃとは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００６１】
機器１０ｃの通信制御部１２と機器２０ｃの通信制御部２２は、それぞれ変復調器１５，２５を介して通信を行う。この変復調器１５，２５は、ＡＶ信号の信号線の１つ、例えばＲ信号の信号線やオーディオ用の信号線に重畳して通信を行う。変復調器１５，２５は、信号を重畳するＡＶ信号等に妨害を与えない周波数帯域で変復調する必要がある。例えば、オーディオ信号に重畳する場合は、ＡＭラジオの中間周波数である４５５ｋＨｚで変調することができる。このように、ＡＶ信号に認証情報等を重畳して上述した集合ケーブル１を使用すれば、例えば、通信制御部１２，２２が通信を確立できなければ不正な機器と判断してＡＶ信号の出力を禁止するので、不正使用に対して確実な保護をすることができる。
【００６２】
図７は、記録媒体から再生されたＡＶ信号であるＹＵＶの信号を、コンポジットビデオ信号に変換して出力する場合の第５の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器３０ａは、機器１０から送信されたＹＵＶの信号をコンポジットビデオ信号に変換する信号処理部３１と、機器１０と著作権情報及び認証情報の通信を行う通信制御部３２ａと、コンポジットビデオ信号に重畳するマクロビジョン信号を生成するマクロビジョンエンコーダ３５とを備える。機器１０は、上述した第１の実施の形態と同様のものである。また、機器１０と機器３０ａとは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００６３】
機器３０ａから出力されるコンポジットビデオ出力は、一般的なコネクタ端子を介して接続機器に送信される。そのため、機器１０により再生されるＡＶ信号の著作権情報に複製禁止或いは１世代のみ複製が可能であることが示されている場合は、通信制御部３２ａがマクロビジョンエンコーダ３５を制御してコンポジットビデオ信号にマクロビジョン信号を重畳するようにしている。なお、ＣＧＭＳエンコーダをマクロビジョンエンコーダ３６に並列に内蔵することにより、デジタル機器のアナログ入力に対する世代制限を実現することができる。
【００６４】
このような第５の実施の形態の通信システムでは、従来のコンポジットビデオ信号との変換が可能となる。
【００６５】
図８は、入力されるコンポジットビデオ信号を集合コネクタから出力されるＡＶ信号に変換する場合の第６の実施の形態の通信システムを説明するものである。機器３０ｂは、入力されるコンポジットビデオ信号をＡＶ信号に変換する信号処理部３１と、機器２０と著作権情報及び認証情報の通信を行う通信制御部３２ｂと、コンポジットビデオ信号に重畳されたマクロビジョン信号及びＣＧＭＳ信号を検出するマクロビジョン／ＣＧＭＳ検出部３６とを備える。機器２０は、上述した第１の実施の形態と同様のものである。また、機器２０と機器３０ｂとは、複合ケーブル１を介して接続されている。
【００６６】
機器３０ｂに入力されるコンポジットビデオ信号は、一般的なコネクタ端子を介して受信される。マクロビジョン／ＣＧＭＳ検出部３６は、コンポジットビデオ信号に重畳されるマクロビジョン信号及びＣＧＭＳ信号を検出し、この検出情報を通信制御部３２ｂに供給する。そのため、このコンポジットビデオ信号にマクロビジョン信号が重畳されている場合は、通信制御部３２ｂがＡＶ信号の著作権情報として記録を禁止するものとして扱い、機器２０が記録状態等にあれば、送信を禁止する。また、コンポジットビデオ信号にＣＧＭＳ信号が重畳していればこのＣＧＭＳ信号の情報に基づき機器２０にＡＶ信号の世代情報を供給する。このような第６の実施の形態の通信システムでは、従来のコンポジットビデオ信号との変換が可能となる。
【００６７】
【発明の効果】
本発明に係る映像信号の送信装置では、著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、第１の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき第１の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、送信手段から第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止し、認証情報は、第１の外部機器を介してさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき第２の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、送信手段から第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止する。
このことにより、本発明に係る映像信号の送信装置は、複数の機器と縦列接続しても、送信する映像信号を劣化させることなく、不正な複製を確実に防止することができる。
【００６８】
また、本発明に係る映像信号の受信装置では、信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した第１の機器情報と信号処理手段が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第１の機器動作状態情報とを含む認証情報を制御情報として通信線を介して第１の外部機器と通信し、上記認証情報は、当該受信装置にさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、第２の外部機器の認証情報には、記録機器であるか否かを示す第２の機器情報と、当該第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す機器動作状態情報とが含まれる。
このことにより、本発明に係る映像信号の受信装置は、複数の機器と縦列接続しても、受信する映像信号が劣化させることなく、不正な複製を確実に防止することができる。
【００７０】
また、本発明に係る映像信号の伝送装置では、著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、受信装置が記録機器である場合であって、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき受信装置が記録動作状態にある場合に、送信手段から受信装置への映像信号の送信を禁止し、認証情報は、受信装置にさらに接続された外部機器の認証情報を含み、外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、送信装置から受信装置への映像信号の送信を禁止する。
このことにより、本発明に係る映像信号の伝送装置では、複数の機器が縦列接続されていても、伝送する映像信号が劣化させることなく、不正な複製を確実に防止することができる。
【００７１】
また、本発明に係る映像信号の送信方法では、著作権情報に基づき映像信号の複写が禁止されているとき、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器情報に基づき、第１の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、認証情報に含まれる第１の機器動作状態情報に基づき第１の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、第１の外部機器の映像信号の送信を禁止し、認証情報は、第１の外部機器を介してさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器情報に基づき第２の外部機器が記録機器である場合であって、第２の外部機器の認証情報に含まれる第２の機器動作状態情報に基づき第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にある場合に、第１の外部機器への映像信号の送信を禁止する。
このことにより、本発明に係る映像信号の送信方法では、映像信号を送信する送信装置が複数の機器と縦列接続されていても、送信する映像信号を劣化させることなく、不正な複製を確実に防止することができる。
【００７２】
また、本発明に係る映像信号の受信方法では、信号処理手段が映像信号の記録手段である場合に、信号処理手段が記録装置であることを示した第１の機器情報と信号処理手段が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第１の機器動作状態情報とを含む認証情報を制御情報として通信線を介して第１の外部機器と通信し、認証情報は、当該受信装置にさらに接続された第２の外部機器の認証情報を含み、第２の外部機器の認証情報には、第２の外部機器が記録機器であるか否かを示す第２の機器情報と、当該第２の外部機器が記録動作状態にあるか否かを示す第２の機器動作状態情報とが含まれている。
このことにより、本発明に係る映像信号の受信方法では、映像信号を受信する受信装置が複数の機器と縦列接続されていても、受信する映像信号が劣化させることなく、不正な複製を確実に防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図２】本発明を適用した通信システムでの通信処理の内容を説明するフローチャートである。
【図３】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図４】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図５】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図６】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図７】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【図８】本発明を適用した通信システムのブロック構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１複合ケーブル、１０，１０ａ，１０ｂ，１０ｃ，２０，２０ｂ，３０，３０ａ，３０ｂ機器、１１，２１，３１信号処理部、１２，２２，３２通信制御部、１３，２４集合出力端子、２３，３３集合入力端子、１４，２４暗号化／復号化器、１５，２５変復調器[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides, for example, a video signal transmitting device for preventing illegal copying of such information in order to protect the copyright of the video information recorded on the recording medium,Reception device and transmission deviceAs well as video signalTransmission method and reception methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
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.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
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.
[0004]
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.
[0005]
  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can prevent unauthorized duplication of these signals without degrading the video signals transmitted and recorded on the recording medium. Video signal transmission device,Receiving device andTransmission device and video signalTransmission method and reception methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventionThe video signal transmitting apparatus according toA video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or duplication generation management information is transmitted via a signal line.FirstTransmission means for transmitting to an external device and control information related to transmission control of the video signal via the communication line by bidirectional communicationFirstBased on the communication means for communicating with the external device and the control information, the transmission means toFirstTransmission control means for controlling transmission of a video signal to an external device, and the signal linethe aboveThe communication line is connected to the above via the same cableFirstAn apparatus for transmitting a video signal connected to an external device, wherein the communication means transmits authentication information as control information related to transmission control of the video signal through two-way communication.the aboveAbove via communication lineFirstThe transmission control means communicates with an external device, and when the copy of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the authentication informationThe first external device is a recording device based on the first device information included in the recording device, and the first external device records based on the first device operating state information included in the authentication information. When in operationFrom the transmission means to the aboveFirstProhibit transmission of video signals to external devicesThe authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the first external device, and the authentication information of the second external device is included based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the second external device is a recording device, and the second external device is in a recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device, Prohibiting transmission of video signals from the transmission means to the first external deviceIt is characterized by that.
[0007]
  In the video signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention, for example, the transmission unit transmits the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance / color difference signal format to the external device in parallel via different signal lines.
[0010]
  The present inventionThe video signal receiving apparatus according to the first aspectReceiving means for receiving a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or transmitted from an external device via a signal line, and a signal for processing the video signal received by the receiving means Two-way communication between processing means and control information related to transmission control of the video signalThroughAbove via wireFirstBased on the communication means that communicates with the external device and the signal processing content of the signal processing means, the communication means performs the bidirectional communication.the aboveAbove via communication lineFirstSignal control means for controlling control information communicating with an external device, and the signal linethe aboveThe communication line is connected to the above via the same cableFirstA video signal receiving device connected to an external device, wherein the signal control means indicates that the signal processing means is a recording device when the signal processing means is a video signal recording means.Contains first device informationGenerate authentication information, the communication means,Including the first device information and first device operation state information indicating whether or not the signal processing means is in a recording operation state.The authentication information is used as the control information via the communication line.Communicating with a first external device, the authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the receiving device, and the authentication information of the second external device includes the second external device Second device information indicating whether or not the device is a recording device and second device operation state information indicating whether or not the second external device is in a recording operation state are included.It is characterized by that.
  In the video signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention, for example, the receiving means receives each component signal of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance color difference signal format from the external device in parallel via different signal lines.
[0011]
  Video signal transmission apparatus according to the present inventionIsTwo-way communication between transmission means for transmitting a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not it can be produced or copy generation management information to a receiving device via a signal line, and control information related to the transmission control of the video signal. A communication unit that communicates with the receiving device via a communication line; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of a video signal from the transmitting unit to the receiving device based on the control information. Two-way communication of authentication information as control information related to video signal transmission controlthe aboveThe transmission control means communicates with the receiving device via a communication line, and the transmission control means, when copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information,1st device information included inThe receiver is a recording deviceAnd when the receiving device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information,A transmission device that prohibits transmission of a video signal from the transmission means to the reception device; andthe aboveReceiving means for receiving a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible, transmitted through the signal line, or a signal processing means for processing the video signal received by the receiving means; The communication means communicates the control information related to the transmission control of the video signal with the transmission device via the communication line by two-way communication, and the communication means is based on the signal processing contents of the signal processing means. By communicationthe aboveSignal control means for controlling control information communicated with the transmission device via a communication line, and the signal control means records the signal processing means when the signal processing means is a video signal recording means. Indicates that the deviceContains the first device informationGenerate authentication information, the communication means,Including the first device information and the first device operation state information indicating that the signal processing means is in a recording operation state.A receiver that communicates with the transmitter via the communication line using authentication information as the control information, and the signal linethe aboveThe transmitter and the communication device via the same cable combined with the communication linethe aboveConnect the receiverThe authentication information includes authentication information of an external device further connected to the receiving device, and the external device is a recording device based on second device information included in the authentication information of the external device. Thus, when the external device is in the recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the external device, transmission of the video signal from the transmission device to the reception device is prohibited.It is characterized by that.
[0014]
  The present inventionThe video signal transmission method related toThe signal line and the communication line are connected via the same cableFirstWhen transmitting a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible to the external device via the signal line or the copy generation management information, the control information related to the transmission control of the video signal is transmitted by bidirectional communication. Above via communication lineFirstA video signal transmission method for communicating with an external device and controlling transmission of a video signal based on the control information, wherein authentication information is transmitted as bidirectional control information related to transmission control of the video signal.the aboveAbove via communication lineFirstWhen communicating with an external device and copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the authentication information1st device information included inBased on the aboveFirstWhen the external device is a recording deviceAnd when the first external device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information,the aboveFirstProhibit transmission of video signals from external devicesThe authentication information includes authentication information of the second external device further connected via the first external device, and is based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the second external device is a recording device and the second external device is in the recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device. In addition, the transmission of the video signal to the first external device is prohibited.It is characterized by that.
  In the video signal transmission method according to the present invention, for example, the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance color difference signal format are transmitted in parallel to the external device via different signal lines.
[0015]
  The present inventionThe video signal receiving method related toThe signal line and the communication line are connected via the same cableFirstIn receiving a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or is sent from an external device via the signal line,FirstControl information related to transmission control of the video signal is communicated with an external device through the communication line via the communication line, and the communication is performed based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means for processing the received video signal. Above through the lineFirstControls control information that communicates with external devices, and based on the control informationFirstFrom an external devicethe aboveThe video signal sent through the signal lineReceiving deviceA method for receiving a received video signal, wherein the signal processing means is a recording device when the signal processing means is a video signal recording means.Contains first device informationWhen authentication information is generated and the signal processing means is a video signal recording means, the signal processing means is a recording device.Including the first device information and first device operation state information indicating whether or not the signal processing means is in a recording operation state.The authentication information is used as the control information via the communication line.FirstCommunication with external devicesThe authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the receiving apparatus, and the authentication information of the second external device includes whether the second external device is a recording device. Second device information indicating whether or not the second external device is in a recording operation state, and second device operation state information indicating whether or not the second external device is in a recording operation state.It is characterized by that.
  In the video signal receiving method according to the present invention, for example, the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance / color difference signal format are received in parallel via different signal lines.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
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.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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. .
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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).
[0037]
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). .
[0038]
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).
[0039]
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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
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. It is possible to avoid the risk of duplicating by connecting to other models by not having the characteristics.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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.
[0047]
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.
[0048]
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 the recording state, transmission of AV signals from the device 10 to the device 30 is prohibited depending on the content of the copyright information.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
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.
[0051]
In such a communication system according to the second embodiment, reliable copy control can be performed even between a plurality of cascade-connected devices.
[0052]
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.
[0053]
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.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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.
[0058]
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.
[0059]
Note that this encryption / decryption can be performed by software by a microcomputer.
[0060]
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.
[0061]
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.
[0062]
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.
[0063]
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.
[0064]
In the communication system of the fifth embodiment as described above, conversion with a conventional composite video signal is possible.
[0065]
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. The device 20 and the device 30b are connected via the composite cable 1.
[0066]
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.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
  In the video signal transmission device according to the present invention, when copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the first external device is a recording device based on the first device information included in the authentication information. If the first external device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information, the transmission of the video signal from the transmission unit to the first external device is prohibited. The authentication information includes authentication information of the second external device further connected via the first external device, and the second external device is based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the device is a recording device and the second external device is in the recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device, the transmission means sends the first Prohibit transmission of video signals to external devices.
  As a result, the video signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention can reliably prevent unauthorized duplication without degrading the video signal to be transmitted even when connected in cascade with a plurality of devices.
[0068]
  In the video signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention, when the signal processing means is the video signal recording means, the first device information and the signal processing means indicate that the signal processing means is the recording apparatus. The authentication information including the first device operation state information indicating whether or not the device is in the operating state is communicated with the first external device via the communication line as control information, and the authentication information is further connected to the receiving device. The second external device authentication information includes the second external device authentication information indicating whether or not the second external device is a recording device, and the second external device is in a recording operation state. And device operating state information indicating whether or not there is.
  As a result, the video signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention can reliably prevent unauthorized duplication without degrading the received video signal even when connected in cascade with a plurality of devices.
[0070]
  In the video signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention, when copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the receiving apparatus is a recording device based on the first device information included in the authentication information. When the receiving device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information, transmission of the video signal from the transmitting unit to the receiving device is prohibited, and the authentication information Includes the authentication information of the connected external device, and the external device is a recording device based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the external device, and is included in the authentication information of the external device. The transmission of the video signal from the transmission device to the reception device is prohibited when the external device is in the recording operation state based on the device operation state information.
  Thus, in the video signal transmission apparatus according to the present invention, even if a plurality of devices are connected in cascade, illegal transmission can be reliably prevented without degrading the video signal to be transmitted.
[0071]
  In the video signal transmission method according to the present invention, when copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the first external device is the recording device based on the first device information included in the authentication information. If the first external device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information, the transmission of the video signal of the first external device is prohibited and authentication is performed. The information includes authentication information of the second external device further connected via the first external device, and the second external device is based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the second external device is in the recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device, the recording device is connected to the first external device. Prohibits video signal transmission.
  As a result, in the video signal transmission method according to the present invention, even if a transmission device that transmits a video signal is connected in cascade with a plurality of devices, unauthorized duplication can be ensured without degrading the transmitted video signal. Can be prevented.
[0072]
  In the video signal receiving method according to the present invention, when the signal processing means is a video signal recording means, the first device information and the signal processing means indicate that the signal processing means is a recording device. It communicates with the first external device via the communication line using the authentication information including the first device operation state information indicating whether or not it is in the operation state as control information, and the authentication information is further connected to the receiving device. Authentication information of the second external device, and the second external device authentication information includes second device information indicating whether or not the second external device is a recording device, and the second external device. Second device operation state information indicating whether or not the device is in a recording operation state is included.
  Thus, in the video signal receiving method according to the present invention, even if a receiving device that receives a video signal is connected in cascade with a plurality of devices, the received video signal is not degraded, and unauthorized duplication is ensured. Can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of communication processing in a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a communication system to which the present 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

Transmission means for transmitting a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or indicating copy generation management information to the first external device via a signal line, and bi-directional control information relating to transmission control of the video signal Communication means for communicating with the first external device via a communication line by communication; transmission control means for controlling transmission of a video signal from the transmission means to the first external device based on the control information; the provided, and the signal line and the communication line to a transmitting apparatus of the video signal to be connected to the first external device via the same cable that are composite,
It said communication means via said communication line to communicate with the first external device by bidirectional communication authentication information as control information related to transmission control of the video signal,
The transmission control means is a case where when the copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the first external device is a recording device based on the first device information included in the authentication information. When the first external device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the authentication information, the video signal is transmitted from the transmission means to the first external device. Ban ,
The authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the first external device, and the second information based on the second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the external device is a recording device and the second external device is in the recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device, the transmission is performed. An apparatus for transmitting a video signal, which prohibits transmission of a video signal from the means to the first external device.

2. The transmission of a video signal according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means transmits the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance / color difference signal format to the external device in parallel via different signal lines. apparatus.

Receiving means for receiving a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or copying generation management information transmitted from a first external device via a signal line; and a video signal received by the receiving means signal processing means for processing a communication means for communicating with the first external device through the hand communications line control information related to transmission control of the video signal to the two-way communication, signal processing content of the signal processing means the basis, said communication means via said communication line in the two-way communication and signal control means for controlling the control information for communicating with the first external device, the composite from the above signal line and the communication line A video signal receiving apparatus connected to the first external device via the same cable,
The signal control means generates authentication information including first device information indicating that the signal processing means is a recording device when the signal processing means is a video signal recording means;
The communication means uses authentication information including the first equipment information and first equipment operation state information indicating whether or not the signal processing means is in a recording operation state as the control information via the communication line. Communicating with the first external device,
The authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the receiving device, and the authentication information of the second external device includes whether or not the second external device is a recording device. And a second device operating state information indicating whether or not the second external device is in a recording operation state. 2. A video signal receiving apparatus comprising:

4. The video signal reception according to claim 3 , wherein the receiving means receives each component signal of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance color difference signal format from an external device in parallel via different signal lines. apparatus.

Two-way communication between transmission means for transmitting a video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible or the copy generation management information to the receiving device via a signal line, and control information related to the transmission control of the video signal. A communication unit that communicates with the reception device via a communication line; and a transmission control unit that controls transmission of a video signal from the transmission unit to the reception device based on the control information. via the communication line to communicate with the receiving device in two-way communication authentication information as control information related to transmission control of the video signal, the transmission control unit, copying of the video signal on the basis of the copyright information is prohibited when and, based on the first device information included in the authentication information, in the case the receiving device is a recording device, the receiving based on the first device operation status information included in the authentication information If the location is in a recording operation state, a transmission device for prohibiting the transmission of the video signal to the receiving apparatus from said transmitting means,
Processing receiving means for receiving the video signal, the video signal received by said receiving means having a copyright information indicating replicable whether or duplication generation management information sent through the signal line from said transmitting device Based on the signal processing contents of the signal processing means, the communication means for communicating the control information related to the transmission control of the video signal with the transmission device via the communication line in two-way communication, and the signal processing content of the signal processing means. communication means via said communication line in the two-way communication and signal control means for controlling the control information for communicating with the transmitting device, the signal control means, said signal processing means in a recording means of the video signal in some cases, to generate authentication information including the first device information indicating that the signal processing means is the recording apparatus, the communication means is the first device information and the signal processing means The authentication information including the aforementioned first device operation state information indicates that the recording operation state through the communication line as the control information and a reception device which communicates with the transmitting device,
It connects the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus via the same cable in which the signal lines and the communication lines are combined,
The authentication information includes authentication information of an external device further connected to the receiving device, and the external device is a recording device based on second device information included in the authentication information of the external device, When the external device is in a recording operation state based on second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the external device, transmission of a video signal from the transmission device to the reception device is prohibited. A video signal transmission device.

Video signal having copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible via the signal line to the first external device connected via the same cable in which the signal line and the communication line are combined When transmitting the video signal, the control information related to the transmission control of the video signal is communicated with the first external device via the communication line by bidirectional communication, and the video signal is controlled based on the control information. A signal transmission method comprising:
Through the communication line authentication information in bidirectional communication as control information related to transmission control of the video signal in communication with the first external device,
When copying of the video signal is prohibited based on the copyright information, the first external device is a recording device based on the first device information included in the authentication information , and the authentication information When the first external device is in the recording operation state based on the first device operation state information included in the video, the video signal transmission of the first external device is prohibited .
The authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device that is further connected via the first external device, and the authentication information is based on second device information included in the authentication information of the second external device. When the second external device is a recording device, and the second external device is in a recording operation state based on the second device operation state information included in the authentication information of the second external device, A video signal transmission method for prohibiting transmission of a video signal to the first external device .

7. The video signal transmission method according to claim 6 , wherein the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance color difference signal format are transmitted in parallel to an external device via different signal lines.

Copyright information indicating whether or not duplication is possible and whether or not duplication generation management information is sent from the first external device connected via the same cable in which the signal line and the communication line are combined via the signal line Control information related to transmission control of the video signal is communicated with the first external device via the communication line via the communication line, and the received video signal is processed. based on the signal processing content of the signal processing means for, via the communication line controls the control information to be communicated with the first external device, via the signal line from the first external device based on the control information A video signal receiving method in which a receiving device receives a video signal sent thereto,
If the signal processing means is a video signal recording means, generating authentication information including first device information indicating that the signal processing means is a recording device;
When the signal processing means is a video signal recording means, the first device information indicating that the signal processing means is a recording device and whether the signal processing means is in a recording operation state. Communicating authentication information including first device operation state information as the control information with the first external device via the communication line ;
The authentication information includes authentication information of a second external device further connected to the receiving device, and the authentication information of the second external device includes whether or not the second external device is a recording device. And a second device operation state information indicating whether or not the second external device is in a recording operation state. 2. A video signal receiving method comprising:

9. The video signal receiving method according to claim 8 , wherein the component signals of the video signal in the RGB signal format or the luminance color difference signal format are received in parallel via different signal lines.