KR20000005427A - Method for controlling copy protection in digital video networks - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus and system is provided to control copy protection of analog and digital signal in digital delivery network. CONSTITUTION: Video service providers(3) is authorized by the rights holders to copy protection to program materials protected by pay per view(PPV) or pay to tape(PTT) and supplying PPV/PTT program via respective control billing(tracking) centers in generating commands which activate, control and reconstitute copy protection process being applied to the programs being transmitted. A set top box(10) is provided to each consumer and containing a digital encoder chip applying selected anticopy waveforms to the analog and video signal. Video service providers report usage data to each consumer transmitted by a set top box to the respective rights holders and process.

Description

Method and device for copy protection in digital video network

John O. Dec. 23, 1986, assigned to Macrovision Corporation. The copy protection scheme for a video signal disclosed in Ryan's US Pat. No. 1,631,603 relates to altering an analog video signal to prohibit video recording, which is incorporated herein by reference. This discloses adding a plurality of pulse pairs to other unused lines of the vertical blanking interval of the video signal, each pulse pair being a negative traveling pulse followed by a positive traveling pulse. This confuses the AGC (automatic gain control circuit) of VCR (video cassette recorder) recording, which has the effect of making the recorded signal excessively dark when the recorded signal is reproduced, making it impossible to see the recorded signal.

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

The video protection system may be recorded (e.g., on tape) or broadcast (e.g., a paid-per-view television program) The video signal is modified to make it difficult or impossible to copy by a general VCR. When a video tape on which a copy-protected video signal is recorded is played back for VCR viewing, the copy protection process is essentially invisible. That is, it does not interfere with watching. However, when copying the video signal using the second VCR to record the output of the first (playback) VCR, the picture quality deteriorates to some extent depending on the efficiency of the specific copy protection system. This current video copy protection system prevents only analog signals recorded using current consumer video technology as the video signal broadcast type.

Some digital and hybrid solutions to the copy protection problem were solved by US Patent No. 5,315,448, issued to Ryan on May 24, 1994, assigned to Macrovision Corporation, and is incorporated herein by reference. The patent relates to copy protection for use with digital signal recording, where digital VCR and original source media are required to copy protect both analog and digital signals associated with any signal medium that cannot be copy protected.

Fundamental changes are underway that will greatly affect the distribution of home entertainment. Soon, consumers will have hundreds of viewing options due to advances in digital compression technology and the resulting cost savings. Due to the increase in the number of channels, more channels will be allocated for Paper View (PPV). Increasing the number of PPV channels means that a video service provider (VSP) or system operator, known as a PPV provider, can offer more movies, and ultimately many consumers change the way they buy and watch movies in their homes. . Already, market research experts predict that the Paper View business will emerge as a rival in today's videocassette rental and sales business within three to five years.

Despite this positive outlook for PPV in the future, unless the new digital video network can protect the rights of PPV programs, it will probably be too late to provide PPV programming services to consumers. Rights holders are concerned that set-top boxes can produce video products if digital programming is supplied to the home and recorded by the consumer's VCR.

The present invention relates to a copy protection method in a digital network in which copy protection of an analog or digital video output signal associated with the digital video network is required.

1 is a diagram summarizing the functions of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a general digital set-top box / decoder of the present invention.

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

In this new world of delivering video programming directly to the home, video service providers will demand protection of PPV programming against unauthorized copying. They will inevitably develop and manage a headend (cable) or uplink (satellite) system that inspects, controls, tracks, and reports copy-protected applications for each Paper View video program. For this purpose, the present invention provides a copy protection processing configuration that satisfies the above requirements while complementing technically more detailed copy protection processing strategies for video service providers. This configuration serves to integrate all the components of the copy protection structure in the digital network, while satisfying the needs of the rights holders who want to distribute copy protection PPV programming in a robust and secure environment, while at the same time the diverse needs of DBS, Telco and cable operators. Is designed to fit.

The value of PPV copy protection is paramount when an appropriate control and tracking system is located at the video service provider's control and billing center. This control and tracking system is best established during phase design of the digital signal distribution system. At a minimum, the following system components are required:

Copy-resistant set-top box

· Ability to give programmable copy protection configurations

Ability to give real time on / off / mode command

Transaction / billing reporting system / program

The control and tracking system according to the present invention, which provides copy protection for a conventional digital distribution system, can best be understood through simple learning that begins when a consumer, ie, a subscriber, receives a new set-top box. Each set-top box contains a copy-protectable digital analog encoder chip. The first time the set-top box is powered up, the encoder chip is remotely programmed through a video service provider having some copy protection configuration. Thus, the video service provider's system management software (SMS) (hereinafter also referred to as system control software (SCS)) stores and tracks the specified configuration. The configuration information is provided to all copy protected programming and updated only when the video service provider is informed of process changes or when the set-top box is initialized.

The copy protection status or options for each program are included in the video service provider's system control software database. These are some possible copy protection status options. For example, the first option is for copy protection, which allows viewing only at the PPV contract fee. The second option is for copy protection, which allows recording to tape at higher rates. The third option is for unprotected programs that do not require copy protection (eg television broadcast).

When the consumer selects an item to watch through the electronic program guide, an appropriate option menu is displayed. Once the PPV program is selected by the consumer, the appropriate copy protection status is provided as determined by the consumer's chosen options and scheduling software in the system control software database. The control software of the head-end / uplink device or the software of the set-top box determines the appropriate on / off / mode commands and sends them to the copy-protectable digital analog chip described above.

Headend / Uplink software notifies the set-top box of the on / off / mode command to properly set copy protection for a particular program. Since copy protection is only allowed when using PPV programming, the system scheduling software has the ability to prevent copy protection from being applied to any type of program other than PPV programming. After viewing the PPV program, the set-top box can communicate with all relevant transaction data of the billing subsystem of the system control software. From the data the bill issuing subsystem adds this information to the copy protection activity report. These reports include information such as the number of purchases, retail prices, and copy protection fees paid to the rights holder.

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

Every set-top box in the network needs to include copy protection circuitry. If the set-top box does not have copy protection, the video service provider may identify such set-top boxes and not provide copy protected PPV programming.

Basic copy protection, which is controlled and pursued in accordance with the present invention, is the subject of numerous patents and pending patent applications. The PPV copy protection process works by using the difference between the television (TV) set and the way the VCR responds to the video signal. Two components of anticopy are known as Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Colorstripe ^™ processes. The purpose of these two separate components or processes is to modify the video signal in such a way that it does not affect the TV set but does make visible copying by the VCR.

Combined with anti-copy process-based AGC and Colorstripe ^TM technology, especially developed for PPV applications, all achieve greater than 95% efficiency. This means that more than 95% of illegal copies are not viewable or have significantly reduced entertainment values.

In the operational validity of PPV copy protection, security is also a major factor. Security is a measure of difficulty in destroying or evading anti-copy processes. Ideally, the system will never be destroyed, but in reality, sufficient security is needed to prevent unauthorized intrusion by the average consumer, including the shrewd consumer. The security system is a success if most consumers can prevent them from recording PPV programs at home.

It would be advantageous for video service providers, ie PPV providers and rights holders, if such recent movie programming was provided to consumers while at the same time viewing the latest movie through a videocassette or within a short time thereafter. It also benefits consumers as it provides more choices for subscribers.

Since digital PPV programming is a viable viewing option for owners of more revenue and a pre-recorded videocassette, video service providers require copy protection of PPV programming to market videocassette rental and videocassette sales. I will not let it shrink. Rights holders will also require video service providers to inspect, control, track, and report on copy protection applications for each video program for billing purposes.

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

The present invention is intended to apply to systems in which one or more video service providers are currently or connected to a pay per view (PPV) service. The PPV service may be in video on demand (VOD) format or near video on demand (NVOD) format and digital supply network, where multiple manufacturer set-top boxes (STBs) may be connected to the network. Initially, one kind of technology has evolved (for example, direct broadcast satellite (DBS), multipoint microwave distribution system (MMDS), telephone line or hybrid coaxial cable (HFC)) and other kinds of technologies will soon follow. will be. Although different technologies may arise, the present invention may be applied in conjunction with multiple platforms and technologies.

1 illustrates a control and tracking method and system for controlling a copy protection application such as a video signal through a digital video network. Step 1 allows the rights holder of the copyrighted program to provide the video service provider with copy protection for the program protected by the Pay per View (PPV) or pay-to-tape (PTT) terms. Indicates that it allows for use.

Step 2 activates the copy protection process to provide each specific PPV / PTT program at the control and billing center of a licensed video service provider that supplies copy protection control software for each copy protection program to be broadcast. Generates the commands needed to control and reconfigure. Although only one service provider is shown in the figure, it is noted that step 2 represents a plurality of video service providers with respective proprietary control and tracking (bill issuance) software in accordance with the present invention.

Step 3 shows a procedure in which each video service provider transmits a specific copy protection command code through a conventional broadcast network to provide a PPV / PTT program. Such transmission may be by satellite, microwave, telephone line or cable transmission system as shown.

Step 4 illustrates the subscriber's home or other receiving equipment, with many subscribers each having a set-top box 10. Each set-top box has a digital color encoder integrated chip (IC), which applies the selected anti-copy waveform to an analog or digital video signal that is applied to a television set or monitor. Receiving equipment is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2.

Step 5 is a process in which data identifying a PPV or PTT transaction, including the use of each copy protection, is issued by the set-top box 10 back through the transport network of Step 3, generally by the control and billing of each video service provider. Tracking) shows the process sent to the center. The center includes a bill issuing process that processes the returned transaction data as a subset of the system control software to issue a bill to the subscriber for PPV or PTT transaction usage.

Step 6 shows the procedure for each licensed video service provider to report the copy protection usage to the program owner and to pay the copy protection fee to the owner, ie the licensor.

FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the subscriber equipment of step 4 of FIG. 1 receiving a generally compressed digital paper view transmission from the broadcast network shown in step 3 of FIG. The compressed digital video signal or the like is supplied to each set-top box 10 of the plurality of set-top boxes, where each set-top box converts the digital compressed video signal into an analog (baseband) video signal. And conventional circuitry for decoding. The set-top box 10 also includes the digital color encoder IC 20 described above, which applies the selected copy protection waveform to an analog (or digital) video signal, i.e. a copy protected program. It includes a copy protection circuit. In this example, the copy-protected analog baseband video is supplied to the TV set 22 by the set-top box, where the pay per view copy protection program is clearly displayed if the subscriber has the right to watch the program. do. If the subscriber does not have the right to view a particular PPV copy protection program, the corresponding picture will be modified and unviewable.

If the subscriber obtains a recorded copy 26 by recording an unauthorized PPV copy protection program through the VCR 24, the illegal copy is of such quality that it cannot be viewed, as shown in the TV set 28. Will be degraded. However, if the subscriber subscribes to a pay-to-tape transaction and pays a higher PTT transaction fee, the copy can be made and the resulting tape can be easily watched.

3 shows the structure of the set-top box of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail. Upon powering up the set-top box 10, the configuration bits stored in the flash memory 48 are read out and written to the appropriate CP control register 52 in the NTSC / PAL encoder 20. Compressed digital video signals, including the copy protection control commands that have been reviewed but will be reviewed in the future, are demodulated through the input lead 30 as shown by the distribution network described above (satellite, HFC, MMDS, telephone line). 32 is supplied. The demodulated video / audio signal is separated into respective channels and supplied to the MPEG-2 decoder and digital decompression circuit 36. The copy protection control command is supplied from the demultiplexer 34 to the control access system module 38. The control command is supplied to the microprocessor of the CPU 40. The CPU processes the information located in the memory associated with the electronic program guide (EPG) 46 or runs the copy protection application software 44 in the memory 42 to give the NTSC / PAL encoder 20 an active command. . The EPG may also have data used to determine if copy protection is active. Other additional methods may be used to activate copy protection.

In response to the control command, the CPU 40 supplies a control signal to the NTSC / PAL encoder IC 20 of FIG. 2 described above. The encoder IC 20 includes copy protection control registers 50 and 52 which receive mode bits and configuration control bits, respectively. Configuration bits 52 determine the type of copy protection (i.e., pseudosynchronization and the location of AGC pulses or color stripe lines, etc.). The on / off / mode byte 50 determines which component of the copy protection process is activated. See Table 1 below. Encoder IC 20 also receives decompressed video from MPEG-2 decoder and digital decompression circuit 36. The encoder IC 20 outputs an RF signal, a composite video signal or an S-video signal through the video lead 54. The decompressed audio signal is supplied from the circuit 36 to the audio processing circuit 56, which then outputs left and right channel stereo signals or AC-3 signals to the audio lead 58.

According to the present invention, the set-top box needs to meet certain requirements for the copy protection process to be correctly generated, controlled and tracked. Control and tracking of the copy protection process use takes place in the control and billing center of the VSP in step 2 of FIG. This time this requires some ability to include set-top boxes, system control and billing systems and programs to meet the above conditions.

The requirements to ensure that the copy protection process or technology is correctly activated and controlled and that its use is being tracked are described below. If dissatisfied set-top box hardware is attached to the digital distribution network, each authorized service provider will identify and disqualify such dissatisfied hardware from each subscriber.

Set-top box control systems and processes, application program interfaces (APIs) present in the set-top box, and the like, to establish these control requirements for the network (i.e., anti-copy control from the program start control and billing center). It is necessary to know the dialog between the integrated circuit (IC) constituting the copy protection device and the set-top box.

Copy protection control software (CPCS) is a software module or collection of software modules in a service provider's system control software (SCS). This provides the system operator (ie service provider) with an interface to manage the necessary attributes of paper view copy protection in accordance with the present invention.

For security reasons, there is a need for the ability to control access to the CPCS from the system control software. This restriction is designed to restrict access to the CPCS for control of the copy protection process. Operating systems that support SCS are generally the most important factor in security. All users are required to enter a login account and password. Without them, the user's access is denied. Each account has its own priority. The service provider's system administrator is responsible for assigning user priorities.

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

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

Access to the CPCS is controlled through password control or assignment / deny of priority via software. Once password control is selected, once the correct initial password is entered, CPCS allows a new password to be selected for future CPCS access. In this way, service providers can restrict access to CPCS for users who have authority to modify copy protection databases. The password is valid for an appropriate time until its validity expires until a choice of new password is required.

There is also access control to a subsystem in the CPCS that defines the configuration control and mode of the copy protection process and allows modification of selected bits that define the characteristics of the copy protection process. Unauthorized changes to these bits can cause serious unauthorized use. In order to maximize the security of the system, the video service provider needs to have a simple list of personnel authorized to change these bits.

The mode control group controls access to the mode bits. Each of these groups has the right to activate or deactivate the copy protection process by changing the contents of the mode byte sent with the PPV program. Members of this group are controlled by the system administrator. The number of service providers allowed in this group is kept to a minimum.

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

Each password described below has a length of at least eight alphanumeric characters. The system administrator defines a current password and distributes it to authorized personnel. Each password described below has a lifespan of at most four months before the system administrator changes the password.

Password access for software that supplies or removes copy protection processes on a program-by-program basis is designed to query the authorized personnel of the mode or configuration control group for permission passwords to confirm that they are members. If the authorized personnel enter the password correctly, they will be allowed to authorize or remove copy protection for that particular PPV or series of PPV events. Conversely, if an authorized person fails to enter a password, their access to certain parts of the database will be denied. It is the system administrator's responsibility to ensure that only authorized personnel know the password for that mode or configuration control. Authorized personnel have three chances to log in until a message is issued from the system administrator stating that they are not authorized to modify or remove the copy protection.

Other methods for access control for such modes and configurations of access to the CPCS and copy protection process may be developed by those skilled in the art.

CPCS performs the following functions: copy protection on / off and mode control, copy protection confirmation, functional unlocking copy protection in set-top boxes, and reprogramming of copy protection process configuration.

The copy protection process included in the set-top box is controlled by CPCS at the center of control and billing of licensed video service providers. In order to copy protection for individual programs, a descriptor section for each program is required. The initial value for copy protection in the descriptor needs to be turned off (i.e., there should be no copy protection).

Measures are needed to prevent copy protection from being applied to non-PPV program channels, because copy protection can only be licensed for PPV programming. If the system control software automatically confirms that one program is for PPV, the requirements may be automated. Similarly, access to CPCS may be automatically denied for non-PPV programming. If this automatic confirmation is not made, a warning indication is generated when the CPCS is accessed to change the copy protection state of the program. This indication needs to be displayed until a particular keyboard is entered for confirmation of the warning.

In the case of MPEG signals, their own MPEG copyright header bits are not sufficient to enable copy protection of the set-top box. The following reasons are the basic reasons why MPEG header bits cannot be used as sole control of the copy protection process. Application routines are required in the following order: That is, (a) differentiating between digital-to-digital copy protection conditions and digital-to-analog copy protection conditions, and (b) providing sufficient control capabilities for setting the copy protection mode of operation. And (c) facilitate access to the copy protection system only by a licensed video service provider.

Anti-copy process on / off control is preferably achieved by setting all individual parameter on / off and mode control bits rather than master on / off control. To do this, N0 (N-zero) bits must be set as required for the control bits in the list. Depending on each system, this requires 5 to 8 bits of control bits.

Distributing the mode byte to the set-top box to enable or disable the copy protection process can be accomplished in several ways. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a mechanism to control copy protection technology, a service provider may choose one of the following methods or develop entirely new ones.

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

Another method is to supply a mode byte to the user definition of the electronic program guide (EPG) that is not identified in the released document when controlling copy protection. The method also requires additional security to ensure that the memory location of the mode byte is not accessed for unauthorized changes and to set a return flag that indicates the actual state of the mode byte when transmitted to an NTSC encoder.

Another method is to combine conditional access ECM and EPG. Transmission of the mode byte in the EPG can be combined with two bits in the ECM. To activate the copy protection technique, an or operation can be performed between the ECM bit and the EPG bit. If either of these is set, it will indicate that both copy protection techniques, ie ECM and EPG, require deactivation.

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

To set the mode of operation of the copy protection process, the three components of the copy protection process (pulses in the vertical blanking interval, pulses at the end of the field, colorburst phase change) must be independently enabled and the N0 bit as described above. Up to five additional mode setting parameters are required.

Video service providers need to be limited to licensed providers to access copy protection on set-top boxes. This will not confuse access to the CPCS as defined above. Thus, each system operator or video service provider needs to have means (eg, key / code) to harmonize copy protection system control software on a program-by-program basis. If the service provider has a means of activating copy protection, the service provider will have access to the copy protection process on the set-top box. The copy protection process (ie, on / off / mode or reprogramming commands) in a set-top box does not need to have controlled access so that only authorized service providers can issue valid control commands to the set-top box. have. The set-top box needs to reject commands for copy protection processes from unauthorized video service providers.

The set-top box shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be provided with copy protection turned on by the provider but with the functionality disabled. This means that the set-top box does not respond to the copy protection control code. However, the set-top box is released (enabled) by a message initiated via CPCS or SCS and sent through the system by a licensed video service provider. This message may be sent as part of the log-on path when the subscriber accesses the provider. The message needs to be reacted only once by the set-top box for the life of the set-top box. Only authorized video service providers have release message data.

The copy protection release message consists of at least 8 bytes. The set-top box is manufactured with an appropriate release message code. This code is provided only to copy-protected licensors by the set-top box manufacturer, who supplies the code to licensed video service providers. The copy protection release message is different for each set-top box manufacturer, but is the same for all set-top boxes manufactured by that manufacturer.

Other methods for enabling the copy protection process in set-top boxes will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In order for the copy protection process to provide the maximum benefit to the VCR and to be compatible with the TV set during the life of the set-top box, the copy protection system needs to be system-wide updateable by a command initiated by the CPCS. This will send the new process configuration data. In response, the set-top box processes the data to properly reconfigure the parameters of the copy protection process. The set-top box may be in "diagnostic" mode for this particular implementation, or the configuration data may be transmitted and affected by the set-top box on a path or log-on path in accordance with some of the program description data.

However, it is recommended to use an authority control message (ECM). The ECM is inserted into a conventional access system.

In one variation, 108 bits of configuration data are provided to accommodate the reconstruction data, but 108 bits do not satisfy the byte unit. Thus, 112 bits are preferably transmitted with pad 0. The data is provided to the service provider in hexadecimal form for input into the CPCS. Thus, the 112 bits are input into 28 hexadecimal strings.

In another variation, 132 bits of configuration data are provided to accommodate reconstruction data, but 132 bits does not satisfy the byte unit. Therefore, it is preferable that 136 bits be transmitted with pad 0. The data is provided to the service provider in hexadecimal form for input into the CPCS. Thus, the 112 bits are input as 34 hexadecimal strings.

It is also possible to change the current configuration stored by the CPCS by accessing the current contents of the configuration bit provided as the appropriate number of hexadecimal characters. At least 8 bytes of alphanumeric passwords are required to gain access to change the programming data in the CPCS. The password is independent of the password that allows access to the CPCS. The service provider has the option of receiving the 'C' source code of the executable file passing the parameters.

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

warning

If you change the copy protection configuration data without a permit, the copy protection system

May pose serious risks with regard to performance and degradation.

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

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

Mode Control Bit List Routine On / Off and Mode Selection NON0 [7] N0 [6] N0 [5] N0 [4] N0 [3] N0 [2] N0 [1] N0 [0] On / off and mode control; 8-Bit Preservation Paper-to-Tape Enable / Disable VBI Pulse On / Off (VBIP) Field End On / Off (EOFP) Color Strip Process On / Off (CSP) AGC Pulse Normal (Amplitude Cycle) / Static Mode Selection ( Horizontal Sync Amplitude Reduction On / Off (HAMP) Vertical Sync Amplitude Reduction On / Off (VAMP) (Allwoed = 1, Default = 0) (ON = 1) (ON = 1) (ON = 1) (Cycling = Default = 1) (ON = 1) (ON = 1) CPCO [7] CPCO [6] CPCO [5] CPCO [4] CPCO [3] CPCO [2] CPCO [1] CPCO [0]

Paper view transaction information is collected by each video service provider for each subscriber to produce a copy protection activity report required for monthly and royalty payments. The report contains information on the number of subscribers accessing each copy protection program along with the copy protection status or optional subtotals selected by each subscriber. The report also includes information categorized by PPV title, PPV program provider, copy protection activation status required by subscriber, and set-top box model code. The report is provided by the report generation software described above at the video service provider center.

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

CPCS and set-top boxes can report using anti-copy usage under the following conditions: The entire system allows the subscriber to turn off copy protection on the set-top box only when allowed by the PPV program owner.

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

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

This is reported to the billing system as a "paper view" copy protection transaction.

(b) PPV program owners allow viewing and recording.

The pay to tape mode bit is set (on) for allowed pay to tape. Under this option, when the subscriber selects the "Pay to Tape" option, the copy protection process will be "off" in the STB, allowing the PPV program to be recorded (recorded) at a higher transaction rate than the fee for "View only". That is, no copy protection waveform is present in the analog video output signal of the STB.

This is reported to the bill issuing system as a "Pay to Tape" copy protection transaction.

Table 2 below contains additional information as a summary of the control options.

Paper View and Paper-to-Tape Control Options for Paper View Programs Program descriptor of the PPV program Consumer Needs (Paper View or Paper to Tape) result No copy protection required Copy protection Requested tape recording Unauthorized copy protection Requested tape recording Unauthorized copy protection Requested tape recording allowed (at higher transaction cost) Copy protection Requested tape recording allowed (at higher transaction cost) N / A Paper Beau Pei To Tape ACP Off ACP On Consumer Incurs Paper View Transaction Cost Incurred Option Not Available ACP On Consumer Incurs Paper View Transaction Cost Incurred by STB Control System ACP On Consumer Incurs Paper View Transaction Cost Incurred by STB Control System Pay-to-tape transaction costs incurred by ACP On Consumer

Note that the foregoing terms used herein are interchangeable. For example, a "video service provider" may also be used as a pay per view (PPV) provider or system operator, and "system management software" may be referred to as system control software. Similarly, the PPV provider's "Control and Billing Center" indicated in step 2 (and generally step 5) is the motion control / tracking center, program start / end center, head-end (cable) / uplink (satellite) control. Center or the like. The licensed PPV provider will provide the necessary control instructions for the relevant software or circuitry within the set-top box, allowing the subscriber to access the program to which the subscriber is entitled, and also automatically returned by the set-top box. The received usage data at a specified time such as a specific week or a specific month. The billing and license fee software subset of the system control software then each PPV provider sends bills to subscribers, reports to the rights holders and pays an additional license fee.

Therefore, the above description of the present invention is only an example and does not limit the present invention. It is apparent that modifications can be made from the matter disclosed herein by a person skilled in the art. For example, although a video signal, mainly an analog video signal, has been described herein, the concept of the present invention can be applied to other signals having characteristics equivalent to those of a video signal requiring copy protection. Similarly, the present invention can be applied not only to analog signals but also to digital copy protection such as the signals disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,315,448. In addition, although specific examples of code words through which the copy protection process occurs through the set-top box have been described herein, other combinations and number of bits may be used. In addition, a selected portion of the control software for the copy protection process may be in the set-top box in the form of an insertable "smart" card, where the smart card, for example, stores data containing the subscriber's options and priorities. Include.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (32)

A method of providing copy protection of a signal material transmitted over a digital distribution network to prevent illegal viewing or copying of the signal element, Providing copy protection control indicative of predetermined copy protection for the signal element; Sending a command derived from the copy protection control in response to the copy protection control to activate copy protection for the signal element; Applying an anti-copy waveform to the signal element in response to the command to prevent illegal viewing or copying of the signal element. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the copy protection control Setting selected requirements for activating and controlling the process of enabling the copy protection and reporting corresponding usage; Providing copy protection control software in response to the selected requirements, the software comprising providing the copy protection control to activate and control the copy protection process and usage report. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the setting of the selected requirements distinguishes between digital-to-digital and digital-to-analog copy protection conditions, and a copy protection process operating mode. And determining a configuration and setting requirements to ensure that only authorized access is allowed to the copy protection process. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the copy protection control software Generating instructions in the form of a bit pattern in response to the copy protection control software, The instructions include a first bit pattern that enables real time on / off / mode control and a second bit pattern that determines a programmable copy protection configuration. 5. The method of claim 4, comprising receiving said transmitted first and second bit patterns and respectively responsive to said activating said copy protection and controlling and reconfiguring said copy protection process respectively, wherein said anti-copy waveform comprises said Applied to a signal element to provide said copy protection. The copy protection control software of claim 2, further comprising: setting selected requirements and restricting access to supplying steps that provide copy protection control software to an application of the copy protection process or the copy protection control software to activate and control the process. How to prevent unauthorized access. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the copy protection control software Storing the copy protection controls in a memory of a receiving device of a service provider; Storing control data in a memory of a signal element receiving device, the stored control data comprising activating, controlling and reconfiguring the stored copy protection process in response to the commands. 3. The method of claim 2 including collecting periodic copy protection activity information including copy protection activity status such as paper view and number of pay to tapes of the signal element event being viewed. 9. The method of claim 8 including generating a report comprising access times for a receiving device, rights holder of a signal element event, total number of events viewed, and corresponding statement issuance information. The method of claim 2, wherein said applying step In response to the instructions modulating and lowering a selected sync signal within a corresponding blanking interval of a television line and then decoding the sync signal when recording consists of a corresponding signal element. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the signal element is a video analog or digital signal. An apparatus for controlling copy protection of a proprietary signal element transmitted over a digital distribution network, the apparatus enabling a copy protection process for a service provider to prevent illegal copying of the signal element by a consumer, the apparatus comprising: A control / bill issuing center that supplies copy protection control signals as directed by the service provider; Means for sending selected instructions to selectively control the copy protection process in response to the copy protection control signal; Means for responsive to said selected commands sent by each consumer to apply said copy protection process to said signal element to prevent or allow viewing or copying of said signal element. The method of claim 12, wherein the copy protection control signal of the service provider is A mode command for activating the box means, A copy protection control device comprising a configuration bit pattern for determining an operation configuration of a copy protection process. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the copy protection control signal comprises an access password that identifies an authorized person of a service provider to have access to and control over the copy protection process. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said box means comprises a set-top box having encoder means including copy protection circuitry adapted to add an anti-copy signal to said signal element in response to said command signal. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the set-top box includes memory means for storing the copy protection configuration and / or copy protection mode, the encoder means receiving the mode command and configuration bit pattern and Means for controlling activation and configuration of said stored copy protection process in response to a pattern. 16. The set-top box of claim 15, wherein the set-top box includes software for returning usage data to a service provider's control / invoice issuing center, wherein the usage data bills the consumer for a calculation and the usage report and response. Copy protection control device used to provide a license fee. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the signal element is a pay per view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the control / bill issuing center includes command information for activating and controlling the copy protection process and setting requirements for reporting the copy protection activity, The service provider provides copy protection control software corresponding to the requirements and supplies the copy protection control signal in response to the control software. A method of providing copy protection of signal elements transmitted over a digital distribution network, wherein the service provider enables a copy protection process through a set-top box located at the consumer's device. Supplying a selected control bit pattern from the service provider to the consumer's device via the digital distribution network; Storing a copy protection configuration in the set-top box; Receiving a control bit pattern at the set-top box; Whenever the selection of material is made at a consumer device, supplying the copy protection process to the transmitted signal element in response to the control bit pattern to prevent or allow the selected signal element to copy. The method of claim 20, wherein said supplying step Generating copy protection control software describing the selected control signal for applying the copy protection process to the signal element and returning to the service provider's usage data representing the signal element selected at the consumer's device; Generating the selected control bit pattern in response to the copy protection control software; Transmitting the selected control bit pattern to a set-top box of the consumer's device when a consumer connects to the distribution network and follows a predetermined path. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: storing copy protection application software in a set-top box to activate and control the copy protection process; In response to the transmitted control bit pattern, causing the stored application software to activate or change the configuration of the copy protection process. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: modifying a configuration control bit pattern corresponding to a predetermined change in the copy protection process; Transmitting the modified configuration control bit pattern to the set-top box to cause a change in the copy protection process. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of: storing consumer information in said set top box indicative of viewing or copying options required at the consumer's device; Comparing the control bit pattern with the information of the consumer stored in the set-top box when the selection of the signal element is made to determine whether the consumer can only view or copy the material. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the signal element is a paper view (PPV) or paper to tape (PTT) signal, The supplying step may include setting selected requirements for activating and controlling PPV and PTT copy protection processes and reporting the corresponding usage activity of the process to the service provider; Providing copy protection control software in response to the selected requirement, wherein the software includes providing the control bit pattern to activate, control, and modify the PPV and PTT copy protection processes. 26. The method of claim 25, comprising providing limited access to said setting and providing step to prevent control of said copy protection process and unauthorized access to copy protection control software. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the signal element is a paper view or pay-to-tape video analog or digital signal. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the providing step includes modulating and lowering a selected sync signal within a corresponding blanking interval of a television line in response to the control bit pattern, and then decoding the sync signal when recording consists of corresponding signal elements. How to. A method of providing copy protection of signal elements transmitted over a digital distribution network, the method of enabling a service provider to enable a copy protection process through a set-top box located at a consumer device. Establishing selected requirements for activating, controlling, modifying, and reporting corresponding use of a copy protection process for the signal element; Providing copy protection control software in response to the selected requirements; Generating mode and configuration control bit patterns for enabling real-time on / off mode control and programmable copy protection processing configuration control via the control software, respectively; Sending the mode control and configuration control code words to the set-top box; Selectively applying the copy protection process to the transmitted signal element whenever the selection of the signal element is made through the set-top box to prevent or allow the selected signal element to be viewed or copied. . 30. The method of claim 29, comprising storing application software in the set-top box, receiving and recording a mode bit pattern in the set-top box, And said stored application software activates, controls and modifies said copy protection process as defined by said configuration control bit pattern in response to said transmitted mode bit pattern. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the set-top box is functionally locked and downloads the selected bit pattern or software employed to functionally unlock the set-top box through a service provider. Method comprising the steps. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the set-top box is functionally locked and comprising the step of activating selected software employed at the service provider's device to functionally unlock the set-top box.