JPS63112870A - Recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To selectively inhibit reproduction, based on a prescribed restriction, by coding an information source or its attendant signal by using a specific discriminating signal, in case of recording an information source to which reproduction is restricted, and decoding its specific signal in the reproducing side. CONSTITUTION:An input signal containing a restriction flag is supplied to a detecting and deciding circuit 12 and an encoder 13, respectively. To the encoder 13, a special discriminating signal is supplied from a discriminating signal generator 14, and a signal which is worked by the encoder 13 becomes a signal which is different from an input signal before working and recorded in a recording medium. A signal which is read from the recording medium in a reproducing side is supplied to a recording rank discriminating circuit 17 and a decoder 18, and whether a coding operation exists or not is discriminated by the recording rank discriminating circuit 17, and when the coding operation exists, a decoding operation is executed to the decoder 18. Only when its discriminating signal is the same a discriminating signal used for the coding operation at the time of recording a read signal, it can be converted to the same normal signal as before coding.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention is for recording and reproducing audio signals or image signals, and in particular, a recording and reproducing device that can impose predetermined restrictions on recording and reproducing. Regarding.

(Prior Art) Currently, there are various types of devices that record and reproduce audio signals or image signals, including dynamic recording media such as tape-shaped recording media, disk-shaped recording media, and even card-shaped recording media. Various recording and reproducing methods such as magnetic and optical methods have been considered for recording media, and each has been put into practical use depending on the purpose. These recording and reproducing devices are
In addition to having high-fidelity recording and playback capabilities, it is also desirable to have excellent operability and usability. It is desirable to prepare as much as possible.

The various recording and reproducing devices mentioned above generally have separate recording media and recording and reproducing devices, and as long as the recording and reproducing devices are of the same type, any recording medium used can record or reproduce data. They are designed to be compatible. However, in some cases, because of this compatibility, users may not be able to easily record information.

For example, if an information source is recorded on a specified recording medium and sold for commercial purposes, if the purchaser copies it, the recording medium on which the information is recorded and the recording medium on which the information source is recorded will have the same value. become. Therefore, if such copies are made in large quantities for commercial purposes by taking advantage of the compatibility of recording and reproducing devices, the value of the recording medium containing the information source will be significantly lowered as a result. Moreover, the more faithful the reproduction, the less the need for a recording medium containing the information source.

In order to avoid such a situation, it is natural to take measures to prohibit duplication by some means. However, with the conventionally considered methods described below,
This was unsatisfactory for the user. That is,
The conventional copy prohibition method involves inserting and recording a signal representing a predetermined prohibition code along with the information source into a recording medium that records the information source, and the recording/reproducing device side inserts the prohibition code into the transmission signal for recording. If detected, it is designed to stop the recording function. For example, if the transmission format when an information source (digital signal) is reproduced is a collection of blocks (consisting of 1 to m bits) as shown in FIG. The grain g (assumed to be the n-th bit) is assigned as a flag indicating "0" for prohibiting recording operation and "1" for permitting recording, and the recording/reproducing apparatus to which the reproduction signal is input uses the above flag (or a combination of flags). (Food made with food)
is detected, and if it indicates that the recording operation is prohibited, the recording function is stopped. The recording function can be stopped in various ways, such as by cutting off the signal path. If such measures are uniformly taken for all recording and reproducing devices of the same type, it is possible to prohibit copying of an information source with a prohibition code.

However, with the conventional methods described above, copying of information sources with prohibited codes is completely prohibited, so it is possible to create records that do not reduce the value of the recording medium containing the information sources, for example, for personal use by the user. It is also no longer possible to do things like record it as a purpose.

In addition to the issue of commercial information sources, there is also a requirement from users for recording and playback devices that other people cannot easily copy or play what they have personally recorded, other than for their own use. There are times when you would like to have a recording function like this. However, conventional recording and reproducing apparatuses that do not restrict copying at all or that employ the above-mentioned method of prohibiting copying cannot satisfy such user demands.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As mentioned above, in conventional recording and reproducing devices, restrictions on copying are too complete or unlimited, so that recording and reproducing operations for personal use as desired by the user are not possible. This may not be satisfactory in some cases, and as a result, the applications of the recording/reproducing apparatus are limited.

The present invention was made in consideration of such problems, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording/reproducing device that can selectively prohibit copying under certain restrictions in order to satisfy the personal use of a user.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has means for generating a specific identification signal on the recording side and detecting a predetermined input signal to detect the specific identification signal. having means for encoding at least a part of the recording signal using the identification signal, and on the playback side,
- a means for decoding a signal encoded by the specific identification signal.

(Function) According to the means described in 1) and 2 above, when recording an information source whose duplication is restricted, an input signal indicating this is detected, and a specific identification signal (for example, an individual recording/reproducing device has its own When reproducing a signal recorded in this way, the recorded signal must be known on the condition that the specific identification signal mentioned above can be known. It is possible to decode.

In this way, unless the specific identification signal used at the time of recording is known (or unless it can be generated), it will not be possible to reproduce the data using a completely different recording and reproducing device from the one used for recording, and this will prevent duplication. Certain restrictions can be placed on the

(Example) Examples of the present invention will be described below.

1 to 4 relate to one embodiment of the present invention. First, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the recording side of the recording/reproducing apparatus in this embodiment, and an information source for recording is input to an input terminal (11) in the figure. Here, the information source is a formatted digital signal as shown in Figure 7.
It is assumed that the n-th bit of the block has a restriction flag that indicates replication restriction: rOJ and no restriction: "1".

Such an information source may be, for example, a signal reproduced from a tape-shaped recording medium, ie, a soft tape, on which information is recorded in advance. Therefore, the input signal containing the restriction flag is supplied from the input terminal (11) to the detection and determination circuit (12) and the encoder (13), respectively.

The detection and determination circuit (12) detects the limit flag from the input signal and determines whether the detected limit flag is "0" or "1".
” and controls the encoder (13) according to the determination result. In other words, the detection and determination circuit (12) determines whether the restriction flag is “0” (limited).
(rank R), encoder (13)
The encoder performs an encoding operation on the input signal.

Here, the encoder (13) includes an identification signal generator (14).
), an identification signal unique to this generator is supplied, and if the above judgment result is rank R, the encoder (13)
The input signal is processed (scrambled, etc.) using the identification signal. The signal processed by the encoder (13) becomes a signal different from the input signal before processing, is guided to the output terminal (15), and is recorded on a recording medium by a recording circuit (not shown). . On the other hand, if the detection and determination circuit (12) determines that the restriction flag is "1" (no restriction) (rank F
), the encoder (13) does not perform the encoding operation using the above identification signal and outputs the input signal to the output terminal (15).
) is derived.

Next, the configuration of the reproduction side of this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 2. A signal read from the recording medium by a reading device (not shown) is applied to an input terminal (16) and supplied to a recording rank determination circuit (17) and a decoder (18). Here, the recording rank determination circuit (17) determines from the state of the read signal whether recording was performed in the case of rank R or rank F at the time of recording. That is, if the recorded signal has undergone the above-mentioned encoding operation, it must be decoded during playback, so the recording rank determination circuit (17) determines whether or not there is an encoding operation, and determines whether or not there is an encoding operation. rank R), the decoder (18) is caused to perform a decoding operation (such as descrambling). The decoding operation in the decoder (1g) at that time is performed based on the identification signal output from the same identification generator (14) as in FIG. 1, and the identification signal is used for the encoding operation when recording the read signal. Only when the identification signal is the same as the encoded identification signal, it can be converted to the same normal signal as before encoding. As mentioned above, the identification signal generated from the identification signal generator (14) is a signal unique to that generator.
The signal applied to the input terminal (16) must not be encoded by the identification signal generated from the identification signal generator (14) in FIG. 1, that is, the reproducing device and the recording device must be the same. For example, the decoder (18) performs an incorrect decoding operation, resulting in a meaningless signal being output. On the other hand, the recording rank discrimination circuit (17)
If it is determined that the rank is F, the decoder (18
) guides the input signal to the output terminal (19) without executing the above decoding operation, and normal reproduction processing is performed by a reproduction circuit (not shown).

This embodiment basically has the above-mentioned configuration, and various implementation means can be considered from well-known techniques for each component shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, we will briefly introduce some specific examples. Figure 3 shows
This is an example of an identification signal generator (14) which generates a specific code signal as the identification signal, e.g. ro 10011...
・When using a signal of several bits such as "01", by selectively inserting a jumper wire or switch (23) between the terminal (21) that sends each bit of the code signal and the ground terminal (22). , the above-mentioned specific code signal is obtained. Note that the jumper wires or switches (23) are inserted randomly during manufacturing.
Thereby, a code signal specific to each recording/reproducing device can be generated. Another method is to store a specific code signal in a only memory (ROM). The ROM can be an EFROM that can be electrically programmed, a write-once ROM that can be electrically written only once, or a mask ROM that determines the code during circuit design.

FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the encoder (13). When the above-mentioned code signal is output from the identification signal generator (14), the code signal is input to the pseudo-random sequence (PN) generator (24), which generates a PN signal with the code signal as an initial value. is generated. This PN signal is given to one input terminal of the exclusive OR circuit (25), and the other input terminal is given to the input terminal (
26) provides an input signal for recording. the result,
The signal output from the exclusive OR circuit (25) becomes a scrambled signal that is completely different from the original input signal and is led to the output terminal (27). Further, the circuit shown in FIG. 4 can be used as it is as a decoder (18). In other words, if the same code signal is given to the PN generator (24) at the same timing as when encoding, the read signal is descrambled by the PN signal with that code signal as the initial value, and the exclusive OR circuit (25) ) is the same signal as the input signal before encoding. Here, as a method to match the timing of encoding and decoding, it is possible to adjust the timing for each predetermined block of the recorded signal, for example, for each track in the case of a recording/reproducing method using a -12 one-rotation head for a tape-shaped recording medium. An easy method is to initialize it at the beginning. Note that such scrambling and descrambling are executed when the rank is R, and when the rank is F, for example, the input signal is directly derived from another input terminal (not shown) to the output terminal, or the PN signal is generated. Vessel (24)
What you need to do is take measures such as stopping the operation. Furthermore, even in the case of rank R, it is not necessary to perform the above-mentioned scrambling and descrambling on all input signals. If so, it may be performed only for one or a part of them. In addition to the above, encoders (1
3) There are many possible configurations that can be used as the decoder (18).

In addition, as a discrimination method in the recording rank discriminating circuit (17) in FIG. For example, if there is an encoding operation: "11"
, No encoding operation: There is a method of inserting a signal such as r00J into a part of the recording format and detecting this during playback to determine the rank.

According to this embodiment, when an information source whose duplication is restricted is recorded by the above-described configuration, the information source is encoded based on a specific identification signal, that is, an identification signal unique to each recording/reproducing device. A signal recorded in this way cannot be reproduced as a normal signal unless it is decoded based on a specific identification signal, that is, unless it is reproduced by the same device that recorded it. . Therefore, duplication for commercial purposes that can be played back on any recording/playback device is prohibited, and strict restrictions can be placed on duplication, while at the same time users are prohibited from making duplication for personal use. is not prohibited, and users' requests can be satisfied. In addition, in the two-legged embodiment, the presence or absence of copy restrictions is automatically determined from the information source, and the recording/playback device itself selectively responds to the restrictions, thereby improving usability without requiring any intervention from the user. Are better.

In addition, in the two-legged embodiment, the case where the information source is a digital signal has been explained, but even if it is an analog signal, the basic configuration is the same, and it can be handled by changing each component. be able to. For example, when a special signal is added to the signal band of the information source for an information source whose duplication is restricted, the detection and determination circuit (12) in FIG. 1 detects and determines the presence or absence of the special signal,
Depending on the determination result, the same processing as in the above embodiment may be performed in an analog manner.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show other embodiments of the present invention. Note that the same parts as in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted. In the previous embodiment, if the identification signal used for encoding and the identification signal used for decoding do not match during reproduction, the decoder (18) will eventually perform an incorrect decoding operation. At this time, if the signal outputted from the decoder (18) is, for example, an audio signal, it may be a signal that generates an unpleasant sound or a signal that may cause trouble to the output circuit. In order to prevent this, it has been known to mute unnecessary output signals. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to perform appropriate muting, a configuration is provided for determining whether or not the identification signal at the time of encoding and the identification signal at the time of decoding match.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the recording side has the same encoder (13) as in the previous embodiment as an encoding means, and a combiner (31) at the subsequent stage, and a The output identification signal is sent to the compiler (31
), and an identification signal is added to the recording signal for recording. Such processing is easily possible if both the recording signal and the identification signal are digital. On the playback side, as shown in FIG.
The identification signal detection circuit (32) connected to ) detects the identification signal with "-" added from the read signal, and the comparison circuit (33) compares the detected identification signal with the identification signal from the identification signal generator (14). Compare with the output identification signal. If the comparison results do not match, the muting circuit (34) provided after the decoder (18)
) cuts off the output of the decoder (18). Also,
By displaying the comparison result by the comparison circuit (33) on a display (not shown), it is possible to give a warning to the user to refuse reproduction. In this way, not only the same effects as in the previous embodiment can be achieved, but also a more practical recording and reproducing apparatus can be provided.

Furthermore, as another example, although not shown, the following may be considered. The detection and determination circuit (12) in the above embodiment determines whether there is a copy restriction based on the signal included in the information source, but separately, the detection and determination circuit (12) determines whether there is a copy restriction by determining the signal from the keyboard of the recording/reproducing device. It is also possible to execute the following processing. In this way, even when recording an information source whose reproduction is not restricted, restrictions can be imposed according to the user's will.
It is also possible to prevent what the user has personally recorded from being easily reproduced by others other than for their own use.

Further, although the identification signal generator (14) in the above embodiment is built into the recording/reproducing apparatus, this identification signal generator may be formed in a separate unit from the recording/reproducing apparatus and integrated into the main body of the recording/reproducing apparatus. However, it may be made detachable. In this way, the restriction that the recording medium that has been recorded with duplication restrictions can be played back only by the device in which it was recorded will be somewhat relaxed, and if the user owns the identification signal generator unit that was used when recording. You can restrict the playback to only the following. Such a procedure is effective when a user personally manages a plurality of recording and reproducing devices.

In addition, in the present invention, the identification signal generator used during recording does not necessarily have to be used during playback, and in short, what is encoded using a special method can only be encoded using the corresponding special method. It suffices if it can be decoded, and the signal used in that special method is the identification signal. Therefore, it is not necessarily necessary to use the same identification signal during encoding and decoding. For example, if the decoder itself is designed in a special way,
The signals used therein may be related to, but not identical to, the signals used during encoding.

In addition, various embodiments of the present invention other than those described above can be considered, and similar effects can be obtained as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the recording and reproducing device of the present invention can selectively prohibit copying under certain restrictions, and therefore allows recording and reproducing operations for personal use as desired by the user. can be satisfied.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording side of a recording and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reproduction side of the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reproduction side of the embodiment A fourth circuit diagram showing an example of the identification signal generator (14) of
The figure shows an encoder (13) and a decoder (18) of the same embodiment.
), FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the recording side and the configuration of the reproduction side of the recording and reproducing apparatus in other embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a former format as an example of an information signal input to a reproducing device. 12...Detection and judgment circuit, 13...
Encoder 14...Identification signal generator. 17...Recording rank discrimination circuit, 18...
·decoder. Agent Patent Attorney Nori Ken Chika Yudo Hiroshi Uji Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 G'8'4 Te... - Dami Zu' Ri. ◇Circuit C6 77
1'1da record rank discrimination circuit〆-gominato 1-no-bite
Shishi comparison [mouth route ■i-coto 1----

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) means for generating a specific identification signal; and means for recording the recording signal on a recording medium in a state where at least a part of the recording signal is encoded using the specific identification signal generated by the means; and means for selecting based on a predetermined input signal whether or not to perform an encoding operation using the specific identification signal by this means, and determining whether or not the signal read from the recording medium is encoded. and means for decoding a signal read from the recording medium when determined to be encoded by the means, based on the specific identification signal or a signal related thereto. Recording/playback device. (2) The recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific identification signal is a preprogrammed signal unique to each recording and reproducing apparatus. (3) The recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selecting means selects based on information obtained from the recording signal. (4) The recording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selecting means selects based on a signal supplied by a predetermined key operation. (5) The above-mentioned recording signal consists of a main signal and its auxiliary signal, and the above encoding operation scrambles the above-mentioned main signal or auxiliary signal and adds a predetermined discrimination signal to the above-mentioned auxiliary signal portion, so that the above-mentioned discrimination is performed. 2. The recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means makes the determination based on a detection result of the determination signal from the signal read from the recording medium. (6) The recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for generating the specific identification signal is removable from the main body of the recording and reproducing apparatus.